Any flyfishing raft guys? looking to buy one

[Dos Perros]

Also, for the NRS frames, can I custom one? For example, this one:

I don't want that single seat in the front. I want a slab of HDPE all the way across so I could put two little kids side by side if I want.

 

[Dos Perros]

Also, for the NRS frames, can I custom one? For example, this one:

I don't want that single seat in the front. I want a slab of HDPE all the way across so I could put two little kids side by side if I want.

You know what, I think I answered my own question. I want the Bighorn frame. For some reason when you select fishing frames it filters out what I am looking for.

I like that HDPE slab up front with the U-shaped thigh bar.

 

[3forks]

Would I be retarded to buy a trailer before I bought the raft? Logic: I'd have the trailer to actually pick up the raft when I buy it, assuming I buy used.

No, not a bad move in my opinion.

You need a trailer, and if you find what you’re looking for or a good deal, you may as well jump on it.

Plus, if you need to convince the wife of the need and usefulness of the trailer, tell her you need it so you can use it as a float in the 4th of July parade you’re organizing for the neighborhood (when she asks about the status of the parade at a later date, tell her the permitting process has been very difficult and you may have to postpone the parade).

 

[3forks]

You know what, I think I answered my own question. I want the Bighorn frame. For some reason when you select fishing frames it filters out what I am looking for.

I like that HDPE slab up front with the U-shaped thigh bar.

You could also put a cooler upfront with a seat cushion for the kids (I think canyon and others make some cushions that can be attached to a cooler lid).

You can never have enough cooler space, and kids are constantly rummaging through coolers or asking you to get something out. With the cooler upfront, it’s easier to access.

 

[Dos Perros]

We rented a raft for 3 days last July...I'm not even sure if we took a cooler, but it was just day floats and we weren't drinking. I really liked the frame layout on our rental. It was a NRS frame, had that HDPE slab up front with thigh bar, and then it was another individual seat on the rear with an achor bar. Also had HDPE slabs on both sides of the rower which was nice to put fishing boxes and stuff. Also had a rod tube. Pretty slick rig.

 

[finner]

If it's a fishing raft primarily get an Otter dodger, slipstream or Blackfoot strike. I have an otter dodger 13' and rowing anything else besides that or a Sotar feels like a chore. Pumas, Super Pumas, Maravia's etc. suck in comparison to a dedicated fishing raft built for rivers with wind. I've taken mine down class IV and been fine. Also took it down the Smith this year fully loaded. As mentioned previously, if you have the money get Leo at Montana Raft Frames to build you a frame. Or get one of the packages from Blackfoot River outfitters with one of his frames on a Sotar.

 

[Dos Perros]

If it's a fishing raft primarily get an Otter dodger, slipstream or Blackfoot strike. I have an otter dodger 13' and rowing anything else besides that or a Sotar feels like a chore. Pumas, Super Pumas, Maravia's etc. suck in comparison to a dedicated fishing raft built for rivers with wind. I've taken mine down class IV and been fine. Also took it down the Smith this year fully loaded. As mentioned previously, if you have the money get Leo at Montana Raft Frames to build you a frame. Or get one of the packages from Blackfoot River outfitters with one of his frames on a Sotar.

Comparing a Super Puma to an Otter Dodger what's the difference?

 

[finner]

Comparing a Super Puma to an Otter Dodger what's the difference?

Otter dodger is going to row better with more weight and be a bit more stable. It's a purpose built fishing raft as opposed to a mid-level whitewater raft that you also can fish out of with a frame. Like a Toyota Tacoma vs. an El Camino. That said, there's plenty of people who fish out of Super Pumas around me and do fine. I just prefer rowing my Otter or my buddy's Sotar with three guys

 

[Dos Perros]

Can you articulate why it rows better? Specs wise they don’t seem that different to my noob eyes.

 

[finner]

Can you articulate why it rows better? Specs wise they don’t seem that different to my noob eyes.

Drafts less with three guys, cooler and gear. I'm not a raft salesman, but my guess is bigger tubes and more width add responsiveness and ease of rowing under the same load. I don't see any guides in my area rowing Pumas/Super Pumas on 150+ days of year of two fat clients and a cooler in the boat. However, most of my guide buddies are running Sotar Strikes. That's what I would have gone with had I not gotten a screaming deal on a Dodger

 

[3forks]

Urethane vs PVC makes a perceivable difference.

Urethane is stiffer, and makes the boat feel/row more nimbler.

Urethane sucks to roll, so if you’re planning to store your raft when not using it by rolling it up, go with a PVC boat.

PVC is easier to repair (especially on the river), but urethane is more abrasion resistant and less likely to puncture.

If you’re willing to spend the money on a Sotar, they have a spring sale where boats are 15% off.

If you find a good deal on any boat that suits your needs - I’d just buy it and get it on the river. If you’re using the boat to make a living, I’d pay attention to all the details that make one row better, more comfortable, durable, etc. But, for casual users, it’s probably a better move to save some bucks that enable you to take another trip or two and be out floating.