Inexpensive inflatable?

Geezle · #1 06-13-2011, 10:27 PM

I'm thinking about getting myself a cheap little inflatable. Budget is tight right now so budget can go up to $150ish but I'd prefer to keep it closer to $100.

Basically I'm curious what you guys think would be a reasonable size for one person to comfortably fish out of with a small amount of gear. At first I just wanted it to get out to a couple spots that I can't access otherwise, but I figure it'd be nice to have to go for a nice relaxing paddle out on a trout pond or something as well.

WSS's website shows that they have the Sevylor Fish Hunter 3 on for $119 but when I click on it, it gives me an error page, saying the stores no longer have the item in stock or some jazz like that.

Any input you guys can give me is greatly appreciated. Hoping to get something a little better than the $20 Wal-Mart special!

BGSH · #2 06-13-2011, 10:34 PM

I have a fish hunter 3 and its awsome, alot of fun floating around and very easy to fish from it being an inflatable, but where a life jacket because you never know.

bloopbloob · #3 06-13-2011, 10:40 PM

I have a sevylor fishhunter, not sure if its a 3 or not, but I think it was around $250 reg price, and I got it for around $150 or something like that... really not sure, been a couple years. But its been great. Fits easily in a trunk of a small car, with extra room. I've taken it to BC for fishing small trout ponds, rafting down the Bow river many times, to a few lakes. Can paddle it around small ponds or lakes (although it is a bit of work), but can take up to a 2.5hp motor also. Says it seats four, and something like 900lb capacity, but 2 is comfortable, 3 is crowded.

Anyways, all in all, its a great deal for $120 if they have it. It is very well made for the price. I've ran it over lots of rocks and sticks etc without worry on the Bow, and don't even worry about getting a hole like with the $20 Wally specials (which would be torn to shreds!!). 5 chambers, thick material, can take a motor, comes with rod holders. Pick one up!

trapshooter · #4 06-13-2011, 11:54 PM

I have a 4 person intex seahawk, that I got on kijiji for $80.00. The lady never even opened the box! It is great, you can even put a motor on it. I am in the process of putting in a hard floor instead of the inflatable floor. Kijiji is the way to go!

32-40win · #5 06-14-2011, 12:30 AM

Can check Army & Navy, they keep Sevylors, seems to me they have some cheap float tubes too.

WayneChristie · #6 06-14-2011, 07:05 AM

I have a 4 man coleman, which is good for 2 people. I made a floor out of plywood, well sanded, or you can glue the foam pipe insulation around the edges, and it makes a huge difference. take a 5 gallon pail on a rope, if the wind comes up it makes a good sea anchor, they drift like crazy with any sort of breeze. and carry a small bottle of vinyl repair for when you stick a hook in it like I did

madeincanada780 · #7 06-14-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trapshooter

Kijiji is the way to go!

x2 , crazy deals on everything and anything!

coorslight · #8 06-14-2011, 07:47 AM

i got a sea hawk II with a a trolling motor and battery doesnt even afteect goes pretty good was only 140ish great boat

joe_manix · #9 06-14-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coorslight

i got a sea hawk II with a a trolling motor and battery doesnt even afteect goes pretty good was only 140ish great boat

been looking for this boat around Calgary! where did you pick up yours?

WayneChristie · #10 06-14-2011, 10:59 AM

just remember to pick up your boaters license if you plan on using an electric so you dont mow down all those innocent jetskiers!

Okotokian · #11 06-14-2011, 11:50 AM

Slightly different tack... last week I saw a pretty inexpensive float tube at Costco, under $200.

huffy · #12 06-14-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trapshooter

I have a 4 person intex seahawk, that I got on kijiji for $80.00. The lady never even opened the box! It is great, you can even put a motor on it. I am in the process of putting in a hard floor instead of the inflatable floor. Kijiji is the way to go!

I just picked up the same from Walmart for 120 bucks, came with oars and pump. I was thinking of putting in a hard floor bt have seen some comments about seams holding up to the pressure/ weight of the floor (not a rough wood or sanding issue). Would love to here your results, see some pictures when you are done. Haven't had mine in the water yet, just picked it up.

FishingFrenzy · #13 06-14-2011, 07:05 PM

Cheap inflatable boats work... but they can be a PITA when you swing a fishhook the wrong way or drop your pliers.
Have you looked on kijiji for a cheap used canoe that you can throw an electric on? Or even a kayak?

Geezle · #14 06-14-2011, 10:13 PM

Thanks for the input guys. The Sevylor Fish Hunter 3 deal fell through...the sale price was apparently for last year's model (which they're all out of) and the new one doesn't even come with oars.

I'm now looking at the 3 person Sevylor Colossus from CT. Looks to be roughly the same size, and I like the idea of the raised 'seat' in the middle. I'll also go check out the Wal and see what they've got.

FishingFrenzy - I know a canoe or kayak would be better, but for my current situation (Jeep with soft top) the inflatable is just a lot easier to deal with. Don't have to worry about putting it on the roof or getting a trailer for it or whatever. That being said, I do realize that I've gotta be careful with any cheap inflatable I get. It'd mainly be used on the trout ponds anyway so I shouldn't have too many big hooks swinging around, and with any luck all fish will be handled outside of the boat in a net...where it's best for the fish as well as myself!

Kokanee9 · #15 06-14-2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geezle

FishingFrenzy - I know a canoe or kayak would be better, but for my current situation (Jeep with soft top) the inflatable is just a lot easier to deal with. Don't have to worry about putting it on the roof or getting a trailer for it or whatever. That being said, I do realize that I've gotta be careful with any cheap inflatable I get. It'd mainly be used on the trout ponds anyway so I shouldn't have too many big hooks swinging around, and with any luck all fish will be handled outside of the boat in a net...where it's best for the fish as well as myself!

If you have a hitch receiver on the back, you may be able to get a 90 deg piece of metal to fit into it and go upwards ending in a T, to support the back of a canoe. Something similar could be done on the front to support the front half of the canoe.

FishingFrenzy · #16 06-14-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geezle

Thanks for the input guys. The Sevylor Fish Hunter 3 deal fell through...the sale price was apparently for last year's model (which they're all out of) and the new one doesn't even come with oars.

I'm now looking at the 3 person Sevylor Colossus from CT. Looks to be roughly the same size, and I like the idea of the raised 'seat' in the middle. I'll also go check out the Wal and see what they've got.

FishingFrenzy - I know a canoe or kayak would be better, but for my current situation (Jeep with soft top) the inflatable is just a lot easier to deal with. Don't have to worry about putting it on the roof or getting a trailer for it or whatever. That being said, I do realize that I've gotta be careful with any cheap inflatable I get. It'd mainly be used on the trout ponds anyway so I shouldn't have too many big hooks swinging around, and with any luck all fish will be handled outside of the boat in a net...where it's best for the fish as well as myself!

I get where your coming from now. In that case i guess an inflatable is a good option for you. Currently I have an Intex Excursion 4. They retail for about 200 bucks but they can be hard to find. Basically the same as the one you were looking at, at CT. I have a hard floor made from 1/2 plywood, a motor mount and a little electric motor. With this setup i can cruise around at a whopping 5kmph

I'll post some pics one day soon. If you decide to go with a hard floor, dont use 1/2 ply, its wayyy to heavy. 1/4in would be plenty but i got the 1/2 for free. OR use blue construction foam, that would also work very well.
Also, this inflatables are NOT fun to paddle at all. Go with one that you can buy a motor mount for.
For small trout pond they can be a good boat. You might also want to look at the pontoons Costco sells. Out of your price range but a better long term investment IMO.
Hope that helps you out!
Tight lines!

AnglerCraig · #17 06-14-2011, 10:49 PM

Have you considered a belly boat, or is that a no no?

Geezle · #18 06-16-2011, 09:19 AM

Thanks again for the input guys. I scooped up that 3 person Colossus from CT, filled it up, sat in it, and realized that there was no way I'd be able to comfortably fish out of the thing, so back to the store it went.

After looking around a little more, I saw the Intex Seahawk 400 which looks like a better sized unit...plus it's got a built in rod holder more like the Fish Hunter and a small seat, which I like the idea of. The only problem is that I can't find anywhere that has them in stock!

Dust1n · #19 06-16-2011, 09:43 AM

Fish Hunters are pretty sick. they come with 2 rod mounts, lots of air pockets in case you pop a whole, thick vinasal, and lots mroe for less then 200 bucks i got one and there great!
and good with for fishing
comes from my user name trying to fit 7 people into it haha

Ruger1022 · #20 06-16-2011, 10:04 AM

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=94409
may help a little!

Fishfinder · #21 06-16-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madeincanada780

x2 , crazy deals on everything and anything!

x3

ADIDAFish · #22 06-16-2011, 10:41 AM

I have an Intex Mariner which has worked well for me. It was $500 at Canadian tire a few years ago. I picked up a motor mount for $50. It has been very durable and great for rafting as well. It's payload is 900lbs too. Make sure to pick up one of those little boat safety kits if you are putting an electric on your inflatable. I got a warning since I didn't have it.

ORV · #23 06-16-2011, 01:37 PM

geezle

here is a link for you to check out.

in calgary kijiji

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ288549049

orv.