inflatable rafts question

[SNJChef]

Does anyone have any experience with inflatable rafts? I am looking to purchase one for fishing and also taking the family out. We have a place close to the lehigh river so we will be fishing and rafting that. Nothing hard core needed. I was looking at the Sea Wolf. 4 person raft with fishing kit and motor mount.

 

[SNJChef]

Sea Eagle. By big sky fishing

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear SNJChef,

I sort of think the two pursuits are mutally exclusive. What makes a good fishing raft, a rugged frame, a stout rowing station, secure seating, and the ability to stand up doesn't translate well to a day tripping floating the river type of raft.

Maybe you can get two? I'm not trying to spend your money, I just think you might be trying to do two things and neither of them will get done to your satisfaction.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[SNJChef]

Yea I was thinking the same thing but with only getting out maybe 8 times a year total. I was trying to get something that fits with both needs.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear SNJChef,

Sea Eagle has a 14 foot inflatable kayak. Maybe something like that will work for getting your family on the water.

http://www.seaeagle.com/ExplorerKayaks.aspx

I've also heard good reviews and reports on boats from Saturn on other message boards.

http://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable_fishing_kayaks.asp

None of the inflatable boats seem to perform well enough to satisfy the pickiest of paddlers but they seem to work OK for many people that use them.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[jabink84]

I agree that its hard to mesh the two with a cheaper raft. I do some guiding out of an AIRE out here in idaho and love it. It also sees double duty in whitewater excursions. when I want to fish it has casting platforms and a aluminum frame to add some rigidity and comfort. it all comes off for whitewater real easily. But Aires are from what you said in your OP are more than likely not what you want to spend.

If I was to get one for what your looking for it would be a sea eagle. You probably could make some sort of frame and casting platforms if you were handy.

 

[cricketontherun]

I own a 13' Saturn raft. It's perfect. I live just north of the Burgh, and my family and I run Slippery Rock creek when it's too high to fish (class 2-4); which is a relatively small tight river. Not to mention running all kinds of class 4-5 within a couple hours or less of our home. It's usually just my daughter of 11, my girlfriend, and dog. I have a NRS compact outfitter frame setup for it for fishing and extended float trips. This is about the perfect size craft for what you are looking for. As a matter of fact I was in your exact position only a year ago. The raft is way tuffer than you might think, and with the inflatable self bailing floor it's a super stable platform to stand and fish from; not to mention staying pretty dry. You could spend the money on an Aire or NRS PVC boat , but you'd just be wasting your money unless you are going to shell out for a hypalon boat. As for some of the comments above; they have never owned a raft. It's the perfect marriage of fun and function! As a matter of fact that's the best part! 4 straps; the frame's off, and hit the high water!! Shop around for a 1-2 year old raft and save a few bucks. I almost bought a drift boat until friends of mine that guide out in Montana persuaded me otherwise. I'm glad I listened, and like I said earlier it's so much FUN!

 

[SNJChef]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I think I will take a look at the sea eagles. Seems to be the best bang for the buck in the areas I will use it for. The sea eagles have motor mounts which is a plus to take it on lakes up by the cabin.

 

[wsender]

see if you can message jayL. he was debating between a raft or a drift boat and was leaning towards a raft the last the i talked to him.