Best sled for the river?

[kckrawler]

When I was shopping for a sled, funds were tight so I went with an 17' Alumaweld 115hp jet. It's a good boat, doesn't go in shallows like my jon boat but way more comfortable. If money weren't an issue or if I were planning on really hitting the skinny water, Wooldridge is the best boat...period! 

Pretty sick video

[Bone_Collector]

Pretty cool video!

B_C

[PolarBear]

I've been toying with buying a sled that I can use in the rivers but can also use on the Columbia and in the Sound without getting the crap beat out of me in rough weather.  Haven't come up with the right combo yet.  Any ideas?

[Bone_Collector]

I like this boat for both small and big rivers alike! 



B_C

[huntnphool]

Where specifically are you planning on running it?

Fraser, Skagit, Nooksack, and maybe but not too likely the Columbia for short runs.  From what I've heard, the Wooldridge looks like the boat for me based on the fact that it handles really well and get up on step quickly.  bear

 The Alaskan is a nice little boat for the family, I would be a little worried about putting my family in a small no hull boat in the Columbia, stick with one that has a windshield.

 Getting on step is not an issue in most sleds as long as you don't skimp on power.

[cohoho]

But most badly designed hulls require alot more HP than others to "attempt" to get the hull to ride right.. or heck start without sucking bottom.... My old 18ft sled proved it's value of a properly designed hull over and over again with a 50HP (Kenai legal)..  Agree with windsheild unless your guiding, my boys to this date do not like fishing cause I always ran them in an open boat for years when they were growing up...  Comfort is surely nice when the weather sinks....

[huntnphool]

 A boat with a decent amount of freeboard is always nice too, especially when you get a couple "oversize" guys like Boneaddict and Jackelope in there.

[cohoho]

Hey that's a good picture....