onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Would it be possible to use a cheap raft to float down the river to reach wade fishing areas that are not accessible by land?I would not fish from the raft because it would be too hard to stand up and I would probably pop it but could I use it as a cheap transport device? I cannot afford a full fledged drift boat or pontoon but I still want to reach more secluded areas and rubber/ synthetic rafts are pretty cheap...... Does anyone do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayhad Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I've done it and so have a few of my buddies. Some will think it's crazy but there is no reason you can't use the same type of dingy that 1000s use to catch rays and drink beer in. I have fished from a raft and used it to get to hard to reach areas. Sure it's not a drift boat but it's not $7000+. Several time last summer I went from Bear's Paw to the elbow confluence. You should be able to cast seated but you pretty much need another person to row but it's good times to switch on and off with each fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Ya I was thinking like a sea eagle or whatever and getting out of the boat whenever I want to fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick0Danger Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 a piece of ply wood in the bottom does wonders, just make sure its smooth and probably painted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tungsten Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 You'll see all sorts of contraptions floating the bow.If it floats and you can row it, it will work. You may want to check the flow rate first though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 cool thanks! methods of getting back after the float will have to be considered now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 This is the one I use (it's predecessor, actually - a tad bit smaller - Costco had them for cheap a few years back and they were gone in a week!) http://www.intexcorp.com/boats_marine_seahawk_II.html Anyway, I upgraded the oar locks (nickel plated eye bolts with nylon nuts), oars and made some bench seats... A beaver board for the floor (as someone previously mentioned), would be the *hit - great idea!! P cool thanks! methods of getting back after the float will have to be considered now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 looks nice uber, how much did it cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 A few years ago (like 4 or 5) I think it was around $200 (I know, that's why they went like stink!)... I know the Costco USA site had them listed... Not sure who else carries them locally, but you could always call the company... See you on the water! P looks nice uber, how much did it cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamIam Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 If you are just looking to go yourself, and are able to spend 200 dollars, look around for a used pontoon boat, or even a cheap new one. Would work much better for what you want it to do. Much easier to row and get in and out of, and a bit tougher pontoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 No I was going to use it with 2 other people so a pontoon would not be ideal How do you guys get back to calgary after a float? 2 cars? someone picks you up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Two cars or have someone pick you up at the spot you take out at (don't leave your keys in the car at the put in - I have a story about that!!)... Of course one of the sponsors of the site is Bow River Shuttles (call Michelle) she'll take good care of you! P No I was going to use it with 2 other people so a pontoon would not be ideal How do you guys get back to calgary after a float? 2 cars? someone picks you up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Is this the boat you are talking about Uber? http://www.google.com/products?pws=0&q...=1&ct=title You think it is pretty sturdy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthefly7 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 This one got even better reviews http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Yes, the Mariner is the larger version. Which ever you decide, make sure it's the one with removable/replaceable oar locks as you definitely need to upgrade those, as well as the oars (the same company makes a version with a solid shaft - canadian tire sells them for like $20). I can tell /show you more on the oar locks if and when. Oh, and with either version, you won't be getting 3 people fishing - one on the oars and one casting (plus gear) is the best you will be able to do! And no studded wading boots!! P This one got even better reviews http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 You think it is pretty sturdy? I'm going on to my 3rd season with mine... It's no drift boat or white water raft (please understand that - and WEAR your PFD - NO QUESTION!!!), but with that being said, it's WAY better then any Canadian Tire special!!! It works well for the Bow and the lakes around Calgary (lower K, Gap, Grotto, etc!)! A small anchor is also a necessity, but you can make one of those easy enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 If you want to check mine out before hand, lemme know you can come over and see it with all the modifications... Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverDoctor Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 This is only my personal opinion I've seen more than one drift boat and raft shattered on the bow. Avoid high water. The way I look at it is what's our life worth. Whatever you do wear a PFD. take care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishfreak Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Just wanted to bring up this old thread as I just ordered an Intex Seahawk from Cabelas for $120 US!!! I've got a friend who is going down to the states soon, so she's picking it up for me. All in with shipping (to the US) and exchange rate comes out to $160 CAD. The Mariner is also on sale. I'll let ya know how it goes. Oh yeah, they've also got some pontoons going for under $300... crazy! I gotta limit my time on that site.... it's dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ÜberFly Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Kewl! If you need to look at the modifications I made, lemme know! P Just wanted to bring up this old thread as I just ordered an Intex Seahawk from Cabelas for $120 US!!! I've got a friend who is going down to the states soon, so she's picking it up for me. All in with shipping (to the US) and exchange rate comes out to $160 CAD. The Mariner is also on sale. I'll let ya know how it goes. Oh yeah, they've also got some pontoons going for under $300... crazy! I gotta limit my time on that site.... it's dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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