I would love to see some photos because I'm curious how a 15 ft boat fits in a truck bed!
Zodiac/inflatable for lake & bass fishing?
- Thread starter Josh
- Start date
The KABoat ( https://www.boatstogo.com/kayaks-sk470xl.asp ) is narrow and I use a bed extender that connects to my trailer hitch to transport it. A little red flag at the bow of the boat and you're rolling!
cdnred
Life of the Party
Do you have some sort of budget in mind for what you're looking to spend..? That might narrow your options down better..
I think if I were going for an inflatable I'd look for something in the under $1k range. Nothing fancy. Probably the 10'8 PVC one that that Costco carries, but I wouldn't be against a used one. As long as it hadn't been sitting in the sun for years on someone's sailboat.
If I stick with the aluminum plan, Probably in the $2-3k range. Nothing fancy.
cdnred
Life of the Party
Are you looking to use it as a solo or how many were you planning to accommodate when going out..? I'm assuming you'd prefer to have one big enough to carry you, your wife and kids, so big enough for 4 people..? That would eliminate solo pontoons for choice. Are you planning to use it in salt water as well or strictly fresh inland lakes/rivers..? You should be able to pickup a good quality used boot in your price range, just be careful before committing to buy. The good part about inflatables is easier for storage and transport but will give you more hassle for setting up at the launch. Aluminum or hard shell are easier too launch but then you'll either need to trailer or a car topper. Between the two, I think the aluminum or hard shell will give you the least amount of grief and less worry of springing a leak..
@Josh Saw this recently pop-up on CL:
MUST SEE!! Heavy Duty Marine Grade Fishing Boat!!! - Sea Eagle STS10...
Hello, I am selling my really nice sea eagle sts10 inflatable fishing boat. This has been a great option for me and has served me well. Awesome that it packs down small and does not take up room....
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Whitewater
Just Hatched
Used a couple diferent Avon and Aire inflatables in rivers ( oar only) and lakes ( small outboard to 7 1/2 HP) for decades. Guided fly fishing from an Avon before drift boats were popular. Packed out elk with an Avon, ran whitewater, cast and blast for geese and trout, overnight trips, many, many miles on intermountain rivers from 1972 to 2001. All boats are a compromise, inflatables maybe more so.
Soft boats don't plane, and too much weight and power on the stern ( motor mount or std transom) will make them want to fold.
That said: for 2-3 people, running big rivers, overnight trips and fishing big lakes a 14 ft inflatable will do the job. 12 ft would be my minimum for big water, but many run in less. I like taking a big cooler, my thick foam pad, warm sleeping bag, dutch oven, and eating well. I've seen Yupik people in a big cataraft , big motor and haul huge loads on remote lakes in Alaska far off the road system.
Downsides: long set up / rigging time if not on a trailer, low seating, unstable floor if not drop stitch or hard floor, can be damaged ( sharp beaver cut sticks)
no back rest unless rigged with a rowing frame or similar. PVC boats have a limited life span, old fashioned hypalon can last for decades if cared for. Need regular maintainence like any other boat, esp floor to tube joints and valves. Avoiding abrasion is important.
Upside: prices until recently were attractive, multi purpose, safe, stable, can transport w/o a trailer, put in a float plane, row, paddle or power, roll up and stow in the garage for winter instead of on a trailer in the driveway.
Soft boats don't plane, and too much weight and power on the stern ( motor mount or std transom) will make them want to fold.
That said: for 2-3 people, running big rivers, overnight trips and fishing big lakes a 14 ft inflatable will do the job. 12 ft would be my minimum for big water, but many run in less. I like taking a big cooler, my thick foam pad, warm sleeping bag, dutch oven, and eating well. I've seen Yupik people in a big cataraft , big motor and haul huge loads on remote lakes in Alaska far off the road system.
Downsides: long set up / rigging time if not on a trailer, low seating, unstable floor if not drop stitch or hard floor, can be damaged ( sharp beaver cut sticks)
no back rest unless rigged with a rowing frame or similar. PVC boats have a limited life span, old fashioned hypalon can last for decades if cared for. Need regular maintainence like any other boat, esp floor to tube joints and valves. Avoiding abrasion is important.
Upside: prices until recently were attractive, multi purpose, safe, stable, can transport w/o a trailer, put in a float plane, row, paddle or power, roll up and stow in the garage for winter instead of on a trailer in the driveway.
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Been in a couple..bouncy, wet, lousy sitting, twitchy in wind and chop, and obviously safe being a giant inflatable.
If I didn't already own a 13' Sportcat. I'd buy this 10' Sportcat in a heartbeat. Throw a 25# Motorguide (three blade props, faster than equivalent Minn Kota), run it off an inexpensive 35A wheelchair battery (or two in series), no problem running lakes and tidewaters. Want more range, get a small OB. Will not find a more stable boat for the size...literally.
10-foot Truline Sportcat - boats - by owner - marine sale
1990 Truline Sportcat Fishing Boat • 10 foot • Fiberglass • Dual hull (very stable) • Good condition • Trailer with brand new wheels and tires • Trailer lights work • Comes with oars and anchor If...
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