Inflatable Boat for Small Lake Fishing

[Steller'sJay]

I’m seriously considering investing in a small inflatable boat for fishing small lakes in Anchorage and the Kenai. I have the following requirements:

1. Be able to install a padded boat seat with backrest.
2. Solid floor that would allow me to stand up.
3. Room for two fishermen.
4. Able to strap on a regular utility trailer.
5. Use an electric trolling motor.

I’ve been using a canoe but it kills my back after about a half hour and it’s slow moving around. I’d appreciate any comments regarding brand, style, etc., based on personal experience.

 

[urbanhillbilly]

I have had a number of inflatables for the same purpose… Started out with on of those fishing tubes, upgraded to a single man pontoon, then to a 9’ zodiac style, and now have a cheap 13’ Intex raft that is pretty sweet.

The hard part that I’ve found is finding the right combo of inflatable, hard floor, padded seat, and motor mount. My Intex Mariner has a hard floor and a transom mount, but no way to do a padded seat unless I build a rowing frame, which I plan on doing.

Another option that I have considered for the local lakes is a small bass boat from Cabela’s. It might be what you’re looking for, but it’s not an inflatable.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/pelican-bass-raider-10e-nxt-fishing-boat

 

[kk alaska]

13 ft Solar inflatable fishing kayak use it all over 10 plus year has a rudder tracks great. 10 PSI floor used it this weekend.

 

[urbanhillbilly]

Haven’t seen those, but that thing is awesome for sure!

 

[Steller'sJay]

Thanks for the replies. The Sportsman's Show usually has vendors selling inflatables so I'm going wait and see what they have to offer.

 

[Daveintheburbs]

Might try to find a Folboat on e bay or craig's list. Used mine a lot and the bigger models are very stable. Have not made them in a while.

 

[kk alaska]

Make sure it has a rudder most dont track well. My Saturn has a removable stand up board style rudder when I forget to put it on about unusable with it I have been in 30 plus gusts with no issues on tracking.

 

[kurtwitte]

I have an Sea Eagle 285fpb that is a 3 chamber 10" inflatable rated at about 500 lbs capacity. This is a single seat, inflatable, with hard floor that packs into a small( 30" x 24" x 12") cover. Rated for up to a 6 HP motor although I have a 2.5 that has plenty of power for myself.
Sea Eagle makes a STS 210 that seats 2. Although I have yet to use it in AK(its in storage in Anchorage with my RV & Jeep toad) I have used in on lots of lakes in Colorado and have had it in 35 mph headwinds with about a 2-3 ft chop and felt safe. I did install additional Scotty rod holders and purchased a taller seat pedastal. The seat is a common folding, padded, found in walmart and most sporting good stores that has a 360 degree swivel.
Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Chez]

I have a 16' SOAR if you're interested

 

[Steller'sJay]

I have a 16' SOAR if you're interested

Thanks, but that's too large for what I have in mind.

 

[Steller'sJay]

I have an Sea Eagle 285fpb that is a 3 chamber 10" inflatable rated at about 500 lbs capacity. This is a single seat, inflatable, with hard floor that packs into a small( 30" x 24" x 12") cover. Rated for up to a 6 HP motor although I have a 2.5 that has plenty of power for myself.
Sea Eagle makes a STS 210 that seats 2. Although I have yet to use it in AK(its in storage in Anchorage with my RV & Jeep toad) I have used in on lots of lakes in Colorado and have had it in 35 mph headwinds with about a 2-3 ft chop and felt safe. I did install additional Scotty rod holders and purchased a taller seat pedastal. The seat is a common folding, padded, found in walmart and most sporting good stores that has a 360 degree swivel.
Good luck with your purchase.

Thanks, I'll look into both of those Sea Eagles.

 

[Steller'sJay]

I ended up with the Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker. Like kurtwitte I'll probably add a taller seat pedestal.

 

[inspcalahan]

We picked up this 15' Saturn Kaboat (kayak/boat I guess) at Costco for about $700 years back and it's served us well. I think they are close to 1k now. The inflatable floor is plenty for standing. It's amazingly stable. Can carry a heck of a load. With only two on board, it zips right along with our 6hp. More weight than that, I'd put on a 9-15hp if you want to get on step.

We've gone up rivers, lakes and use it around Homer as a dinghy to ferry people and gear to shore.

Stock image as pictures of our actual boat are apparently too large for this forum to handle.....