Inflatable Rafts?

M

Mastalerz

Joined
Aug 7, 2013
Messages
189
Hey all, quick question about whether or not anyone has had experience with inflatable rafts for fishing. My canoe was stolen between last fishing season and this season, and I am really looking for a cheap replacement and something that'll be easy to transport especially if I am out by myself. I was looking at inflatable rafts online, never really ever considered them or used them aside from the bigger heavy duty ones.

I was looking at this one, the Intex Excursion 5, pretty cheap and lots of reviews and such but I don't know if the reviews are by people who actually fished or just went out on the lake for a day.

I just want to pick up something cheap for now, good enough for two people, fishing gear, food/beer, etc. that will be comfortable to fish in for a little until I figure out where I want to dump my money again for a real replacement.

http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Excursi...=1400426599&sr=8-1&keywords=intex+excursion+5
-That's the one I was checking out, you can even get a trolling motor for it which surprised me, I've always used canoes and kayaks and have zero experience with these things.

Thanks!
 
Will there be any whitewater where you intend to fish? If so, I would highly recommend the investment of a high quality PVC raft. Maybe by AIRE, NRS, maravia, or SOTAR. Buy one used. My family are rafters, and have owned our site super pumas for 20 years. If you take care of the boat, it can last you a lifetime.
 
I have a Sea Eagle 8 and it's perfect as a better quality entry level raft. Used it for fishing etc. and love it . Go out on lakes

and rivers update New York and thus far no issues. Five air chambers makes it super buoyant and stable and I'm no

featherweight if you get my drift. Holds myself, wife ,son, cooler and gear with ease. Even motor mount packages available

I believe.
 
As OlyBears57 mentions, a high quality raft (made from Hypalon) is what I'd be looking for.

When white-water rafting, I used to use a smaller size raft (6-person plus guide) which was of the same material as the standard 8-person +1 size raft. They are made from Hypalon which I believe is stronger than PVC. I'm not sure if you could source an even smaller size - say 4-person - or not, but the Hypalon material is uber tough.

For a little bit more, this boat has PVC construction and may be a great solution for fishing:

http://www.pbsboatstore.com/Stansport-421-15.htm

That's probably what I'd choose for the criteria you mentioned.....
 
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Yeah, not really looking for white water rafts. Just something easy to transport and cheap that will be good out on a lake or pond, comfortable good for fishing. Like I said I've never used an inflatable before so thanks for the feedback.
 
I have an intex 10ft cheap from costco a few years ago and they are pretty good for little money

Good enough for what you want.

I also have a sea eagle 12.6 with removable floorboards and a transom rated to 25hp, my trout boat and I love it
 
Great thread for me! Been wanting a 2 person kayak for fishing with my son, but condo living doesn't jibe with storing one.

Just ordered a Sea Eagle. :thumbup:

Thanks guys. :D
 
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