FairweatherFisher
When you say sled boat, are you meaning a flat bottom Jon boat? If so, how does that fair on the rivers? I’ve heard those are really only good for flat water.I have had two driftboats - both with motors - good enough to putt around the lakes but great to chase smallmouth on rivers = I also have a dog and he likes it also, The older I get tho I really appreciate the sled boat - less stepping over seats etc and definitely more comfortable......The backing thing is fixable - just practice and learn to use the mirrors.....good luck
Thanks for the info. That’s cool as hell, but way outa my price range. Any idea how those inflatable dinghys manage on rivers? I see those online for about $1500, and I’m certainly intrigued by them, just not sure how they’d perform for what I need.You must not be from around here.Sleds and Jet Sleds are aluminum river boats, made by North River, Alumaweld, Willie Boats, etc. Easy way to spend $50,000-$100,000, for a 18-20’ boat. They are made for big rivers, and can handle white water.
Unfortunately towing, and even more so storage, are issues with the vehicle and space I have. That’s why I’m particularly interested in inflatable options, like the Scadden and the flycraft. @Stuey503 ’s review of the boats themselves matches what I’ve read/seen elsewhere, and sounds like it’s perfect for what I want. Of course, it’s a little disappointing to hear that company is such a PITA to deal with to get what you actually paid for….then again, the flycraft equivalent is over $1000 more.If storage and towing aren't an issue then I would go the hard sided route. Such as a flat bottom, sled, or drift boat. A drift boat would probably be my first choice, as they will do everything that you are asking for without needing a motor. I don't particularly enjoy trying to row sleds or flat bottoms in most scenarios. They aren't to hard to find in the used market for under $5,000 with a trailer and you can always look at adding a motor later if it isn't included. The resale value of hard sided boats is usually higher as well. Which isn't a hill to die on, but something worth considering. A drifter in the 16'x54" realm is enough room and them some for you, your wife, a dog, plus any kit you might take along.
Now if towing and storage is an issue then I would highly recommend something like what Stuey503 suggested.
Now that’s interesting. I like the Jon boat style, as I’ve heard they’re very stable for standing in, and obviously a go-to for waterfowl hunting (which I’d like to use the boat for too). I’ve just read that they’re generally not good for rivers, due to the amazing of drag on the bottom which can make them sketchy in some currents/eddies. Scraping on the gravel in shallows, and big rocks that appear here and there were also worries I have that have made me write of Jon boats. Sounds like you’ve had pretty good experiences with it though?My willamette river boat is a 14 foot Lowe Big Jon jon boat with an 18 hp Evinrude jet drive. The Willamette is not an outboard friendly river because of all the shallows and gravel bottom, although I see guys on it all the time with conventional prop driven motors. This is not a true white water boat, but the Willamette below Eugene isn't a white water river, just lots of shallows and gravel bars. IDK what this setup would cost in current dollars, Evinrude/Johnson is out of business, and small jet drives are not common (I believe Mercury sells a 25 hp one), but on the other hand, it's not going to cost what a true whitewater sled would run you either. It takes some tweaking to get a jet drive mated to a jon boat, the intake of the motor has to be just below the bottom of the boat, and typically the transom is not the right height for that, so a "jack plate" has to be fabricated for it. The dealer who sold me my package had that done for me. It's a 1995 package, and I think I had around $6000 in it in 1995 dollars. Still have the outfit, it's great for pulling up on a gravel bar, or sneaking up tribs of the Willamette like the Long Tom to do a little bass fishing. Plus if you're trying to get into shallow areas that are wadeable, you can just get out and pull the boat behind you because it's so light weight and draws so little water View attachment 639452View attachment 639453(which I've done to get into some of the areas like the Kiger Island channel). I've got an electric trolling motor on it too and it's a very versatile boat, just very rough riding in any significant lake chop, and it's definitely not a bay boat.