NRS Approach 100 Fishing Raft vs Watermaster Kodiak
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I'm only 6' and creeping up on 200, the Kodiak is great. For floating rivers I like the hole in the floor, lets me wash my boots off but also helps maneuver when its a little too shallow. Storage is decent behind the seat, it dry enough back there and I've never had any issue losing things, it isn't the easiest to get to if you're actually floating though, that hole in the floor means you can't kneel or anything.
I hate the pinned oars, had one of the aluminum ones that came with the boat fold like paper when I hit a rock weird.
Haven't messed around with the NRS, but looking at it on the web it does look pretty appealing, more like a mini raft.
I hate the pinned oars, had one of the aluminum ones that came with the boat fold like paper when I hit a rock weird.
Haven't messed around with the NRS, but looking at it on the web it does look pretty appealing, more like a mini raft.
SSPey
loco alto!
I’m 6’5” 250 lbs. I’ve used a WM Kodiak for many years and it has one primary asset that distinguishes it from other options - highly packable due to lack of frame. As a pure floating craft, it leaves a lot to be desired. The lack of rocker limits ferrying and can be a serious liability in heavy water - once you commit to a line, you’re in it. Previously I owned a 9’ pontoon and it was a racecar by comparison.
NRS Approach 100 FishiRaft Package - Closeout https://share.google/OrnKvsUZ5BG4cz9Ym
This with the rowers seat & anchor system added on looks like a safe ride for a bigger guy. I'm 6' & 220
This with the rowers seat & anchor system added on looks like a safe ride for a bigger guy. I'm 6' & 220
Thats a pretty tempting deal
I own a Kodiak and Slipstream 96 which is kind of close to that and would chose the NRS any day of the week if you want versatility. Having the frame components and oars that aren't pinned make a world of difference. Personally, I don't feel super safe in my WM if I'm doing anything that requires quick thinking and maneuverability. It's a night and day difference between the two and I consider the WM a slog and like @SSPey said, you really need to pick your lines beforehand. I still use it more than my slipstream because of the packability and ease of use however.
I hear you on the WM maneuverability issues, I live on a fairly calm tailwater trout fishery so not too many worries on my home Kootenai.
Remember one poster here who on occasion flys out & fishes the Dean in the WM said one of his team got on a bad line and dumped his boat in a sketchy spot.
no bueno
Sold my WM Kodiak and got the NRS Boundary 100. WM is quick and easy to set up; however, the thing rows and moves like a water sloth. Yes, it is built like a tank and can fit in a mid-size truck bed easily. I have owned both Kodiak and Grizzly.
NRS is VERY stable and easily maneuverable. The rocker on both the front and rear of the boat helps it row without any effort and turns on a dime. Has a HUGE rear area behind you for storage. The frame is easy to set up and tear down- it also has the slot rails prebuilt in the frame to add accessories from Yakattack (such as rod holders, cup holders, storage box, etc.). For me, I built the frame once and leave it built- I leave the frame prebuilt and don't tear it completely down like how you first receive the frame. I only remove it from the raft when I'm storing or transportation the boat. The seat is adjustable- incline/recline only. Just recently ordered the angled rod holder from Yakattack (that can store 3 rods at once). I'm a heavy guy (225lbs) and the boat handles me just fine. I use my handheld Makita blower to inflate and deflate it in seconds and top it off with a K-pump.
Both the NRS and WM sit about the same height out of the water. Both boats can easily be portage. No regrets on the Boundary 100.
NRS is VERY stable and easily maneuverable. The rocker on both the front and rear of the boat helps it row without any effort and turns on a dime. Has a HUGE rear area behind you for storage. The frame is easy to set up and tear down- it also has the slot rails prebuilt in the frame to add accessories from Yakattack (such as rod holders, cup holders, storage box, etc.). For me, I built the frame once and leave it built- I leave the frame prebuilt and don't tear it completely down like how you first receive the frame. I only remove it from the raft when I'm storing or transportation the boat. The seat is adjustable- incline/recline only. Just recently ordered the angled rod holder from Yakattack (that can store 3 rods at once). I'm a heavy guy (225lbs) and the boat handles me just fine. I use my handheld Makita blower to inflate and deflate it in seconds and top it off with a K-pump.
Both the NRS and WM sit about the same height out of the water. Both boats can easily be portage. No regrets on the Boundary 100.
Do you sit higher in the NRS? It looks like it but I can't tell. Thats another of my complaints about the WM, can't see shit.
Do u already have a WM or raft?
Only asking in case you're used to the WM. Being able stand up and wade while still inside of it is pretty cool in certain situations.
I have a Commander and have a few spots that I can target because of that ability. Spots that I can fish more effectively in less time than anchoring the raft, getting out, fishing and then wading back.
I remember taking my Striker down those same sections solo and wishing I had the Commander instead.
Edit- I'm just under 6'4" with a long back. About 215# wadered up these days. The Commander is worthy of the limited whitewater I do, but even at my height the view downriver can be limited sometimes by the fairly low seating position. The NRS would have a better view of impending obstacles than a WM or Commander.
Something to consider for your intended water.
If you have neither, then a non-issue and that NRS deal would be really hard to beat!
Only asking in case you're used to the WM. Being able stand up and wade while still inside of it is pretty cool in certain situations.
I have a Commander and have a few spots that I can target because of that ability. Spots that I can fish more effectively in less time than anchoring the raft, getting out, fishing and then wading back.
I remember taking my Striker down those same sections solo and wishing I had the Commander instead.
Edit- I'm just under 6'4" with a long back. About 215# wadered up these days. The Commander is worthy of the limited whitewater I do, but even at my height the view downriver can be limited sometimes by the fairly low seating position. The NRS would have a better view of impending obstacles than a WM or Commander.
Something to consider for your intended water.
If you have neither, then a non-issue and that NRS deal would be really hard to beat!
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To me, it's about the same height out of the water while sitting. But the seat in the NRS is a lot more comfortable, like sitting on a beach chair on a hot summer day with some beer
I agree with nearly everything above. IMO its basically down to, do you want to deal with a frame or not. If yes, go with the NRS. If not, the WM is great. I've folded up my WM and stuffed it in the back of my tesla model 3 before.... pretty handy when my wife needs our big car.
I'm still considering the Approach 100, but the open floor on the WM and ability to wade/fish a section with the boat around you is appealing to a guy with less than 20something balance.
Might have fish them both! Then see what I like on each watershed.
Might have fish them both! Then see what I like on each watershed.
Could also consider the NRS Boundary 100 for best of both worlds. Similar configuration to the WM but non pinned oars and "micro frame" they call it.
