Watermaster Bruin - 2 person setup

flybill

flybill

Legend and Spey Jedi!
Forum Supporter

Water Master Bruin Inflatable Raft - Water Master

bigskyinflatables.com bigskyinflatables.com

Going to buy one of these boats! Loved it at the Bellevue FF show and is perfect for me! Good all around boat for this area, no one boat will do it all!

Will buy a trailer for it, to tow with my Kia Soul. It only weighs 135 lbs, even with the frame.

So thoughts? Good or bad? The trailer would be a simple one you can get at Home Depot or Fred Meyer.. maybe install a roller and a winch to make it easier on this old guy! I've also considered NRS, Maravia, Streamtech and a few others. This seems like a fit for me and where I want to use it!

Cheers!
 
I wish I was using mine more. Maybe this year. I don't have a trailer, but, keep the frame somewhat assembled. Takes me about 30 minutes to inflate and set up for fishing. I thought about a trailer too. Haven't gone there yet.
 
One of the best things about these boats is their frameless nature, negating the need for a trailer or long assembly times dinking around with a frame. But frames are better for rowing all around. So if I was going to trailer a raft, I’d probably get one with a full frame. If I were trying to avoid trailering, I’d consider a water master along with some other recent small raft offerings that have been discussed on the board.

edit, I guess the Bruin comes with a frame. My bad. I don't know. If I had $5k to spend, probably $6k with a trailer, I would be looking at other makes and models with better maneuverability via some "rocker" in the geometry. WMs are far from nimble on the water IME, but they also are super stable. I think those two things are related.
 
Last edited:
similar to Evan's pic above....this is how I'd do it too! smaller boat, but you get the idea...

PXL_20210905_192218080~3.jpg
 
clarkman said:
similar to Evan's pic above....this is how I'd do it too! smaller boat, but you get the idea...

View attachment 144957
Click to expand...
I may start like that or just put it together when I want too, but I want a small trailer I can just unload it and load it up at the end of the day. Maybe a roller and a little winch.. its only 135 lbs with the frame butt im old! 😆
 
for a trailer keep an eye on your local Craiglist ads, can often find one for reasonable.
A friend carries his two man raft on a utility trailer, strapped to the raised pipe frame he added, using the bed of the trailer within the enclosed sides for all his camping gear..pretty sweet set-up.

bend.craigslist.org

Utility Trailer / 4x8 / Tilt trailer - trailers - by owner - vehicle automotive sale - craigslist

Like new condition / Tilt Trailer Deck is 4 x 8 - Ft Brand new 3/4"-Plywood Deck Accepts 1-7/8"-Ball Tires are like new Lights and side pockets 1,100-Lb- capacity Price = $470-Cash Contact: 5-4-! //...
bend.craigslist.org bend.craigslist.org
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zak
flybill said:
I may start like that or just put it together when I want too, but I want a small trailer I can just unload it and load it up at the end of the day. Maybe a roller and a little winch.. its only 135 lbs with the frame butt im old! 😆
Click to expand...
I use a small 4x8 trailer just for a 40lb OSG Clearwater. No pumping, deflating, rolling, unrolling. No set up or teardown, no mess in the back of my Subaru.
 
Eastside said:
I have a small utility trailer that we bought used. Costs $30 annually to license it. In a few years, I’ll have as much into licensing the trailer than I paid for it….
Click to expand...
Nice thing about Oregon. We don't license small trailers. Anything under 1800lb is a freebie. So my 16' smokercraft with 60hp motor and trailer is hovering right at the cusp. So no license on it of course 🥳
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top