Free: Contests & Raffles.
I dont think the boat picture you posted and the one they use in the videos are of the same quality or brand. Plus the water they are on is slow and shallow at times while not being very brushy, i cant think of any water like that in this state.
What water do you plan on hunting with it?
I didn't mean to give the impression that I think this boat is a bad idea because it is from Walmart, or because it is 45 dollars (both of these are clues though ).This boat is a bad idea because it is made of ridiculously thin PVC and is not designed for river use. I am not judging, I am speaking from experience, I have personally used and seen at least 5 of these boats either tear or get punctured from basically just looking at them. I tell you this for two reasons, one you asked...which I don't know now why you did? And two I feel it is a life/safety issue to bring down a river in the winter alone....You should take the suggestions of others on here, and at the very least only use it on lakes close to the shore, or get a different boat. I don't want you or your boat and gear to end up wrapped around a stump on I'm assuming the Snoqualmie.All that being said, you can make anything work... It's just a balance of risk vrs. Benefit!Carry on!H&F
Quote from: Odell on May 22, 2014, 05:35:54 PMYikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat. Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat. A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.I agree with you on life jackets,but they're good swimmers ,but still I think they need to have life jackets on....and inflatable boats are for little lakes and calm rivers ,so wind is not a big deal in that situation. People just don't wanna try something because they're afraid. Nobody knows that inflatable boats are safer than canoes and kayaks ...Special Operation Forces of all countries use inflatable boats because they work the best. Of course the boats that they use are $2000 inflatable boats but still....People like to complain about something that they've never tried before.
Yikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat. Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat. A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.
Quote from: Tiger1358 on May 22, 2014, 07:30:24 PMQuote from: Odell on May 22, 2014, 05:35:54 PMYikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat. Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat. A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.I agree with you on life jackets,but they're good swimmers ,but still I think they need to have life jackets on....and inflatable boats are for little lakes and calm rivers ,so wind is not a big deal in that situation. People just don't wanna try something because they're afraid. Nobody knows that inflatable boats are safer than canoes and kayaks ...Special Operation Forces of all countries use inflatable boats because they work the best. Of course the boats that they use are $2000 inflatable boats but still....People like to complain about something that they've never tried before. Tiger, why are you asking our opinion if you do not give any credence to them. I think your suggested boat is a massive mistake. No real level of safety at all in my opinion. Are you serisouly suggesting that since a low end inflatable is a best seller really equates to a safe boat? Just because a lot of people buy this does not mean it is safe at all. You are considering trusting your life to a $90 piece of plastic, that when popped, will not keep you afloat. You will probably be hunting cold weather in harsh conditions, with many hazards. Don't fool yourself. Skip this boat and start saving money until you can afford a metal, fiberglass or wood boat that can be relied on better than a summer fun toy. This is your life you are messing with, take it seriously, listen to some of the advice on here.
Tiger,Take a look at the 10 or 12 foot Zodiacs, Achilles, Avons or Bombadiers (or similar). The Hypalon or other "rubber" material is much more durable than pvc, you can also put a decent sized outboard on them to cover more area. I had a 12 1/2' Zodiac and it rolled into a bag that was about 24X20X48, easily storable in a small space. I had mine when I lived in an aprtment in San Diego.
"but they're good swimmers"
Quote from: Tiger1358 on May 22, 2014, 07:30:24 PM"but they're good swimmers"I feel like this is the line that every one uses when they do something dumb on water and pay for. I have floated small rivers and creek and like people have said it really isn't worth the time. You just don't produce like you think you would. I also did that out of an aluminium boat. I also do have experience with that exact same boat you asked about. My grandpa buys two every year for the grandkids. The first one is popped by Mid June then he has to get a second one to make it the rest of the season. I think also calling people "lame" for not wanting to risk their life on something they feel is unsafe is pretty ignorant. I don't think there is anything lame about people not wanting to risk their life about stuff they feel is unsafe.Like I said in my first post I have hunted out of a float tube and a one man pontoon. Both I feel were safe for the situation I was using them for. I always hunted in shallow water and limited how long I would take a shot. I knew how far I could go to chase a cripple or to get a retrieve. I think most people have been in similar situation as you where your living in an apartment but wanting to hunt. I know I have. Check out this one of these boats from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Waterfowl-Boating-Blinds/Duck-Boats-Float-Tubes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104786280/sc/104310180/Classic-Accessories-Marshland-Hunter-Float-Tube/1341064.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fduck-boats-float-tubes%2F_%2FN-1100122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104310180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104786280&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104786280%3Bcat104310180They also sell a cheaper version of that too. Test the boats and know your limits. Winds pick up fast and ice will cut plastic quickly. I think most people weren't trying to say you can't do I think they had your best interest in mind. Nobody wants to hear about someone getting hurt. I wish you the best luck and I hope you have a great year hunting. Oh one more thing is that you might want see who is around you and maybe you can meet up with other duck hunters. My first full year of duck hunting I hunted with a guy who had a sweet boat
