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For my birthday this year, I'm likely to get some sort of small watercraft.
I'll use it to get off the shore for fishing, as well as paddling the kids around (one at a time, of course).
On my radar: a canoe, inflatable kayak, or pontoon.
I have an F350 with a slide-in truck camper. I'd prefer not to HAVE to tow a trailer so that's a strike against the pontoon. Getting a canoe on top of the camper could be cumbersome, so that's a negative there, too. I'm finding myself more and more drawn to the inflatable kayak option.
For those of you that have similar small watercraft, what would you recommend? If it makes a difference, I have no plans whatsoever to mount a motor on it. It'll be strictly paddle-power.
Thanks in advance.
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Here is a suggestion, an inflatable SUP. (Stand Up Paddle Board) Check out some of the videos on them.
You put a box on them with a stadium seat, you have a canoe. You put that stadium seat right on the SUP, you have a Kayak. Sit sideways you have a float tube. You can definitely get more than one person on them. They are vary stable, and finally, they roll up to the size of a large bed roll.
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Pontoon all day.
You can get pontoons that are very easy to take down and put back together, there are also models that don't have a frame that are really cool.
I can have my bucks bag put together and inflated in less than 15 min.
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I must admit, I really like the idea of a pontoon boat. Can't see how I would be able to get one of my kids on there with me though. Unless I opted for a model that specifically was designed for 2 people.
Hmmm, choices choices.
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I would go with one of the u shaped pontoons. After watching my son struggle to hold position with a kayak in a small wind I wouldn't that route. If it is about the fishing then you need to be able to put your feet in the water and keep your position. I have a canoe that is great for trolling, but that is about it.
Windriver
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One other choice I have for Multi person, and compact. The Assault XX. It weighs 38lbs. I keep mine in a rolling duffle bag. Easy to row.
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What's your budget? Hobie makes great inflatable kayaks with the mirage drive. Set up and take down pretty easy and quick. There is a place in Burley that usually has one out for display and even demo. I think I saw one at Scheels on display in SLC also. Not sure if I was to pick just one craft if that would be it but it wouldn't be bad. I could see it becoming a pain to have to put in and out of the camper every time if you are going often.
There are a lot of junk inflatable kayaks out there and there are some good ones too. Here is a link to start where all might be considered or if nothing else get your head spinning on which one would be best. Add another 100-200 for a decent paddle tho the Hobie has the mirage for your primary power so the included paddle would suffice.
[url "http://www.outdoorplay.com/paddle-sports/Fishing-Inflatable-Kayaks-Type"]http://www.outdoorplay.com/paddle-sports/Fishing-Inflatable-Kayaks-Type[/url]
I like the paddleboard myself and all my kayaks and my pontoon boat sit lonely anymore. There are some great inflatables out there and the hard ones have seemed to have dropped or leveled off in price with more used ones seeing the market now. No problem with you and a kid on one depending on what you get. Sitting down on it to fish or hang out is great, comfortable, and relaxing as all get out but sitting down on it and trying to paddle anywhere tho is awkward, tiring, and uncomfortable although I have never bothered nor would I want to bring a separate kayak paddle. Hold position or try and hold position maybe but that's all. Sitting on a milk crate or cooler or even foldable stool depending on your board is great and you can cover lots of ground or if you must you go to your knees if suddenly going upwind and the chop is.....confusing. Add another 200-300 for a decent paddle. Could get an adjustable for the kids for 100 or so but they are pretty much junk/loaners/extra/kids paddles till you get away from aluminum.
Ain't nothing cheap for good toys it seems BUT just get something to get out on the water and as you probably already well suspect and everyone else already knows....that will just be the start.
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I like the convertible paddle. Pretty slick. It can be a kayak paddle, take it a part at one end and add the handle extension, SUP paddle.
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[quote flygoddess]I like the convertible paddle. Pretty slick. It can be a kayak paddle, take it a part at one end and add the handle extension, SUP paddle.[/quote] Slick that it works as both, yes. It would suffice for sure but mediocore as either at best tho I am afraid. A compromise for both. Completely different blades on either for what they really need to be to excel at either. Flex on the shafts come into play also. You really can't move at a good clip on a board sitting on your bum on it chair/kayak seat or not. It would work, does work, but I do not think anyone would find it a preferred paddle method or style for anything other than perhaps lounging and goofing off which of course there should always be plenty of time on the water to do but to give up or trade a good SUP paddle so as to have an option for a kayak paddle, I can not think of a reason I would do so nor would I trade a decent kayak paddle for one that has an option for SUP. .
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I wanted to share this video although there are many makes of these out today. It just helps with a visual on what these things can do
http://youtu.be/4Rz07wC480w
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[quote flygoddess]I wanted to share this video although there are many makes of these out today. It just helps with a visual on what these things can do
[url "http://youtu.be/4Rz07wC480w [/quote]"]http://youtu.be/4Rz07wC480w [/quote][/url] Sure glad winter is over cuz we sure have a blast on ours.
It's all good, just go get something and get on the water.
[url "http://vimeo.com/79577132"]http://vimeo.com/79577132[/url]
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While right now you don't think you want a motor, I wouldn't discount it for the future. I'd go with a Porta Bote. They fold up to the size of a surfboard and unfold to a 12 foot row boat.
Here is a great deal on one (not mine) on Craigslist .... remember, you don't need to use the motor if you don't want.
http://boise.craigslist.org/search/?sort...catAbb=sss
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[quote BBART]While right now you don't think you want a motor, I wouldn't discount it for the future. I'd go with a Porta Bote. They fold up to the size of a surfboard and unfold to a 12 foot row boat.
Here is a great deal on one (not mine) on Craigslist .... remember, you don't need to use the motor if you don't want.
[url "http://boise.craigslist.org/search/?sort=rel&areaID=52&subAreaID=&query=Portaboat&catAbb=sss[/quote]"]http://boise.craigslist.org/...;catAbb=sss[/quote][/url]
This is very good advice! I swore I wouldn't put a motor on my pontoon boat, but this spring I put one on it anyway!
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You can put a motor on a SUP.
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Biggest advantage of the pontoon over all the others , is you can keep yourself postioned via fins and kicking while you are fishing up on top. Seems the wind is always blowing,
I have a canoe but it takes one to row and one to fish. My tube is much better for fishing at times i prefer it over my motor boats. You might look at the inflatable v-boats by scadden they have oars or you can strap on the finns for finer control.
Enjoy!
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Stupid me. I hadn't even considered the thought of controlling each type of vessel in the wind. Thanks for pointing that out. And thanks for all of the input.
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I love my pontoons but I don't like to put them together on the bank. I use a trailer or I load them on the back of my truck with a plywood flat bed. If you want something that will roll up small and take less space this one from outcast would be a great boat.
![[Image: Outcastnewboat_zps98d342b8.jpg]](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/idahoron/Outcastnewboat_zps98d342b8.jpg)
I won't fish unless my feet are in the water with fins. That is just how I roll. [  ]
Ron
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I just picked up this Creek Company "Voyager" and am really enjoying it. I sold my framed pontoon to get a frameless for the weight. 80lbs versus 35lbs makes a big difference for carrying it to the water, plus the setup is much easier and when folded up and in its bag I can fit it in my car easily. It retails for 600 but I picked it up for 400 through cabelas. They don't have any more but I found a place that has a few left.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cr...?a=1171642
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[quote 1idahoguy]For my birthday this year, I'm likely to get some sort of small watercraft.
I'll use it to get off the shore for fishing, as well as paddling the kids around (one at a time, of course).
On my radar: a canoe, inflatable kayak, or pontoon.
I have an F350 with a slide-in truck camper. I'd prefer not to HAVE to tow a trailer so that's a strike against the pontoon. Getting a canoe on top of the camper could be cumbersome, so that's a negative there, too. I'm finding myself more and more drawn to the inflatable kayak option.
For those of you that have similar small watercraft, what would you recommend? If it makes a difference, I have no plans whatsoever to mount a motor on it. It'll be strictly paddle-power.
Thanks in advance.[/quote]
It appears everyone missed this portion of your post. This was the reason for my answer, that and the fact I have been inflatableing it for 40 years or more. I have tried many and have a good knowledge of the pros and cons.
The outcast is a good copy of the Scadden Renegade but I can give you several cons to this choice over the original.
Voyager is a budget copy. It has been reported having minor issues and for the price, not a bad choice.
But for more than one person and compact size, again the SUP. Most have never used one so have no idea of what this can do.
Easy to recommend something you have tried.
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