I hit the ISE show on Saturday and stopped by Dave Scadden's booth. He had his new 2008 Navigator 2 on display. The line between tubes and toons is getting harder and harder to define!
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The thing I like most about it was it only weighed 18 pounds! It's 9'x4' and has a 700# capacity. The seat folds backwards and you can stand up on the thing to get a better view down into the water.
[inline "Navigator 2c.jpg"]
You can also rig it up with a trolling motor through the zipper in the back.
[inline "Navigator 2d.jpg"]
I had a closer pic of the pouches, but I lost it somehow in the transfer to my computer.
[inline "Navigator 2b.jpg"]
I think the retail price is $1200, but he had them for sale at $800 at the show. There's more info on it [url "http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/navigator2.html"]here[/url]. I gotta get me a better paying job!!!
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That one is the Hybrid model. It is more than just a tube and more options to manuever than a toon.[cool]
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sure wish that was MINE! [
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The oars yell tooooon. [laugh]
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[black][size 3]I will let you all know[
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I could sure use one of those! I like that you can stand on it!
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[black][size 3]Interesting craft.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]The pictures provide many questions like does it have a metal frame hidden somewhere, something that would support the use of the oars and motor bracket?[/size]
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[size 3]Does it have bladders of some type? [/size]
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[size 3]I would be interested in learning more about this boat, I guess I will have to go their web site to see if there is info there.[/size]
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[size 3]It sounds like a good craft for a short trip where you wanted the advantages of a toon, and the portability of a tube. [/size]
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[size 3]Kinda a big brother to their H3, but pricey.[/size]
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I think there is a problem with these progressive designs, in that they undermine the entire essence of float tubing to begin with. Manufacturers are constantly releasing models that are so massive , and consequently expensive, that they are rivalaring in price ACTUAL boats that would be just as portable (fold down boats), and would offer a fishing experience with alot more versatility (outboard, trolling motor, fish finders, casting deck, etc. etc.)
To each their own of course, and some people enjoy float tubing enough to spend over 500 dollars on a tube, but I think that if you can spend 500 dollars or more on a float tube, why not go for a porta-bote of some sort instead that can handle rougher, deeper waters , as well as wind, not to mention the faster speed of movement around the lake , and the shallow-water-fishability.
Just my two cents.
Tight lines.
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[black][size 3]Update on my last posting, Looked at the North Fork web site, and learned a little. The boat does not have metal frame, but I suppose that they have figured out a way of keeping the thing rigid, otherwise the pontoons would do the splits.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]The motor mount is an accessory which attaches to the top of the toons.[/size]
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[size 3]It appears to me that they have developed a craft that have many advantages over both the toon and the tube.[/size]
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[size 3]However, everyone has there own idea of what makes a good boat. I have boats made by Venture, and I really like a couple features they have, the bullet proof Dura bladder, and although it doesn't seem like much, they have arm rests which I find comfortable when spending time on the water.[/size]
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[size 3]If my gul-durn dial up will allow me to attach, I have pictures of my boats.[/size]
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[black][size 3]Saberfish, there is nothing wrong with the Venture Outdoors stuff. Carol is a sweet heart.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]We have two ECHO's by Venture:[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]They are so well made and the aprons are fantastic. Down side if at all is that the toons do not deflate all the way and the frame would be killer if aluminum, but everything else is perfect.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]But we also just purchased the Freestyle H3's that are the ultimate tube.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Being a GUIDE and knowing Dave Scadden and Larry Tullis on a personal level, they do not cut any corners and load their tubes and toons up with everything a real fisher needs. And they are worth every penny.[laugh][/size][/black]
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[cool][#0000ff]You echo my sentiments, exactly. It is more than just how much money you spend, it is what kind of fishing you do and what you want your "ride" to do for you. If you want a big platform and a motor...get a boat.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have spent time in boats of all sizes and shapes. I have also kicked and rowed around in a lot of different tubes and toons. I made a personal decision that I liked basic tubing better than toons or boats. Tubes allow the stealth approach and hands free fishing...up close and personal. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Pontoons are great for those who want what pontoons offer. I just don't happen to want to give up the self-contained and simple pleasures of the tube for oars, electric motors, heavier weight and bigger volume.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, it is great that the sport is growing enough to stimulate manufacturers to pay attention to us and to introduce new models and ideas. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I DO like the Freestyle H3 and will probably acquire a couple for the Tubin' Duo within a month.[/#0000ff]
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I can't wait to own a boat but I have a pontoon boat to hold me over until I can afford a Tracker, anyways, on a windy day I feel more secure on my pontoon boat than I would in a little portaboat or aluminum boat, the only thing I lack is the ability to get far away from the launch areas[
] Boats are not expensive the motors are, by the time you got a outboard for a portaboat you would be WAY over 500 bucks! Unless you bought a 1980 motor....
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[size 1]Quote-"I think there is a problem with these progressive designs, in that they undermine the entire essence of float tubing to begin with. Manufacturers are constantly releasing models that are so massive , and consequently expensive, that they are rivalaring in price ACTUAL boats that would be just as portable (fold down boats), and would offer a fishing experience with alot more versatility (outboard, trolling motor, fish finders, casting deck, etc. etc.) "[/size]
[#0000ff]I think you couldn't be more wrong. Undermine the essence of float tubing? Come on. Progressive designs are what keep things going. If not we'd all be stuck in inner tubes with a couple straps on,and I think Tube Dude knows what I'm talking about. Very primitive and dangerous. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I don't know where you're coming up with massive models and prices rivaling actual boats. I can't ever recall seeing a Lund with a 50 hp motor for under a couple grand.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But like you said to each his own.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Progression is natural. I for one am glad there's someone out there that's doing something new and exciting. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I saw the tube/toon at the show also.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It's really not that big. It does look like a SFC/H3 Freestyle only 9' long and the same width as the H3 Freestyle. The oars? Who couldn't do with a pair every now and then. I don't know about you guys, but in a wind I'll take oars over fins any day. This boat isn't only for stillwaters. It's river rated too, but I can't remember what class. These boats are sold all over the world, just not here in the west, so oars are an added attraction along with the portibility.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Across the front, a bar clips to put your feet up on. Then you can row. The side pockets are pretty good size too from what I remember. Enough to put plenty of boxes of flies, or lures, extra reels/spools etc.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I didn't notice the zipper in back for a trolling motor, but it's innovative to say the least. I'm sure there's a deck that straps on top of the tube to mount the motor and battery.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If I know the NFO boats, it has 2 urethane bladders w/ Halkey Roberts valves, plus the inflatable seat and back equaling 4 bladders. Hard to sink it for sure.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But then at 18# it's pretty attractive too for packing in somewhere for a day. I imagine for someone with a small car, apartment or not much room store a kickboat it would be ideal. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]BTW-show me where I can get a new Porta Bote for around $500[sly][/#0000ff]
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Here's the rest of the info and a couple more pics from the [url "http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/navigator2.html"]NFO SITE[/url] I'm diggin the blue over the red! I wish they had a better shot of the apron--they didn't have one on display at the show. Looks like this one has a bit different foot bar than the one at the show too...I like the other one better.
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[left][#66ccff][/#66ccff][font "Helvetica, Geneva, Arial, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif"][#4040ff]"Dave has done it again! His incredible new 2008 Navigator II rewrites the book on portable pontoon craft design and performance. The Navigator is a true hybrid weighing in at an amazing 18 lbs. that effectively incorporates the best traits of a traditional pontoon boat and high performance float tubes. Unlike other portable boats currently on the market the Navigator rolls lightweight, low profile, front entry, an integrated oar system, rockered hull design, huge capacity and Class IV river capability into one boat. Those of you who have read Dave's book "Fishing Untouched Waters" know that one of his favorite boats of all time was the World Navigator. The two components his old Navigator lacked was ease of entry and a solid lightweight oar system. The new Navigator II covers these bases and much much more. It is literally the pontoon boat of the future.[/#4040ff][/font][/left] [left][font "Helvetica, Geneva, Arial, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif"][#4040ff]The Navigator comes in an airline specific backpack travel bag that will accommodate the entire boat, oars, pump, two 4 piece rods, waders, wading shoes and fins. Now you can have all of your equipment in one carefully engineered travel package ready to pick up and go. With all of your equipment intact it should come under the 50 lb. airline weight limit.[/#4040ff][/font][/left] [center][font "Helvetica, Geneva, Arial, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif"][#4040ff]Navigator II Specifications
* Length: 9'
* Width: 48"
* Capacity: 700 lbs.
* Frame System: Frameless
* Strap System: Strapless
* Oars: 5' 2 pc.
* Outer shell: Whitewater grade upper and bottom
* Bladder System: Pure Urethane
* Valves: Halkey Roberts
* IQ Pocket system with integrated rod holders, tippet
dispensers, drink holders, insulated to double as coolers.[/#4040ff][/font][/center] [center][font "Helvetica"][/font][#4040ff] [/#4040ff][/center] [left][font "Helvetica, Geneva, Arial, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif"][#4040ff]The Navigator is designed to accommodate our exclusive diamond plate rear deck so an electric motor can be used.[/#4040ff][/font][/left] [left][font "Helvetica"][#000050][/#000050][/font] [/left] [left][inline navigator2wmotor.jpg][/left] [left] [/left] [left]Sure it's a bit pricey, and maybe too long for some situations, but I'd sure love to give her a trial run! And hey, it's got options...if ya want 'em, use 'em, if not, don't! [
] Innovation is great, makes for more choice, better quality, and overall less cost in the long run (though perhaps the latter isn't quite as evident yet for the craft in question)! [/left] [left] [/left] [left] [/left] [left]Hey, maybe we should lobby for them to bag the Expo center for next year's show and hold it up in Huntsville or Eden by Pineview or something. That way, we can test drive all the stuff we think we need (want) so bad. The guys with quality products would probably love the idea cause they'd end up selling a lot more stuff. Those whose products aren't so great might not warm up to the idea so much, though, cause then they can't rely on their sweet talkin alone to move the merchandise! (Not criticizing too many of them, however. Most of the stuff I saw up there was top notch in my book!) [cool][/left]
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I think it is a very cool lookin cross. But having a tube now I think I would opt for one of his toones and than just get an H3 when it is time to replace my ODC420. And as much as I like the red one bring on the blue. OR maybe HOT PINK please. And yea I would love to get a protaboat and motor for 500.00 that way I could take my daughter (1 1/2 years ) out on the water to get into a few more fish than she could from shore.
Majja
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