Michael Strahan
webmaster
King,
You guys were using a Cougar, correct? If so, what are your observations on performance with a large load?
-Mike
moose hunting rafts
- Thread starter grit
- Start date
King,
You guys were using a Cougar, correct? If so, what are your observations on performance with a large load?
-Mike
kingfisherktn
Moderator
Mike, yes it was a Cougar and we were pleasantly surprised how well it did handle, but there were times it felt sluggish. Overall, we were pleased with it's performance and would use one again.
ps. Josh and I were commenting the other day we had not had our exit interview with you and we'll be contacting you to set up a time.
Take care.
wildone
New member
guys really interested in this thread. I have an application that requires a kicker to be mounted to push up river. Current is not much at all , and the water could be skinny at times. Floating out could be 2500 lbs . I know the levitator can handle the load weight and it seems the radical can too. Does anyone rent these with an outboard bracket, its a must have to get to where I want to be?
BlueMoose
New member
Man I almost don't want to state this I think I might know the remifications of the post. Wildone although I do appreciate the thought that both boats you mentioned can or maybe able to handle the load unless somone has a better idea your not pushing anything round with any bracket with that load up river. Maybe I am missing the point of your request does anyone rent one of those with an outboard bracket which I assume and please forgive me if I am wrong (been before) sure it will happen many times more however 16ft Round Boat with a 2500 lbs load pushing up river is difficult if not impossible under ideal conditions. If the Radical is self bailing 2500 lbs is IMO beyond maxing the capbilities if in fact you reach any rough water. Not to say you can not accomplish the task just the difficulty with achieving safety and handling. Both options are good options for what they are made for not digging on them at all. Just a general statement about pushing anything upstream with that load. Even down stream you can just about skip steering with that load so safety first.
Wildone, I would try to get hold of Larry Bartlett and Goo Vaught about the boats. Larry first designed or helped design the Radical, then the Levitator. Goo, as you've seen pictures from Rick, custom made that Radical. Between the 2 guys, they should be able to answer your questions IRT the outboard bracket. I don't have near the experiance of many on the forum, like BlueMoose, Mike Strahan, Goo, Larry, Brian and the rest of our experts, but when you are rafting with a heavy load, it is very much less than responsive. Listen to BlueMoose as he says "safety first". You mention the water may be a bit on the skinny side. 2500lbs in skinny water most likely means your out of the raft and dragging it to get to deeper water. As everyone on here will say, that is not fun, part of the hunt, but not fun! Maybe you want to look at using 2 rafts; keep one rolled up on the trip upriver, then spread your weight out on the way down river. Just a thought. It would be interesting to hear what finally comes out of the outboard bracket on those rafts though.
Good luck.
Moose44
Good luck.
Moose44
wildone
New member
The push is gonna be light 2 guys and gear . Thinking were gonna have to do the zodiac thing then to get up in there.
BlueMoose
New member
Moose44 sound advise Larry and Goeaux will provide sound data concerning those boats. It would be nice to have that do everything boat and between AIRE/NRS/SOTAR/SOAR/AVON/ Maravia I think they are all trying.
Wildone; Steve one of the moderators is a big Jet Ranger Fan and Mike S has commented on the craft prior hopefully they will chime in. Jim King the Sponors of Float Hunting forum section I do believe does have an option you should consider as well. Jet Ranger if I am not mistaken was based on teh Grabner design and does work little limited but does work.
Best of Luck with your hunt.
BMR
Wildone; Steve one of the moderators is a big Jet Ranger Fan and Mike S has commented on the craft prior hopefully they will chime in. Jim King the Sponors of Float Hunting forum section I do believe does have an option you should consider as well. Jet Ranger if I am not mistaken was based on teh Grabner design and does work little limited but does work.
Best of Luck with your hunt.
BMR
