Use for a sled in Anchorage area?

[cwh]

Hi folks,
I'm moving up to Alaska from Oregon, and I am trying to sort through the list of stuff that I have to see what I should bring, and what I should sell. I have a 17 foot aluminum sled with center console that I just bought this year. It's got a 140 Suzuki outboard jet, that I may be buying a prop lower unit for as well. I really like the boat, but I'm wondering how useful it will be around ANC.

I bought this boat for duck hunting in the Columbia River. It has a half-top that covers the front, so there is a little weather protection, but not anywhere near complete.

Appreciate any opinions you folks have. Also, what's the easiest way to get a boat up? I've been looking at the Alaska Marine Highway system, but wondering if there are other options.

 

[Dirtofak]

I have a 17.5 foot river sled with a 115 Suzuki. It has a full top and windshield. I use it on the rivers and lakes. Remote fuel can be a little expensive. A 140 on a 17 footer should be pretty fast. It is nice to have some weather protection. You may want to add more top at a later time. You can fish for all the salmon species, trout, grayling, pike, lakers etc all within 2 hours drive and a short jet ride.

If you are driving, pull it up. Carry 2 spare tires, a spare hub, bearings etc.... Make sure your trailer is solid. You may also want to shrink wrap it and possibly put carpet or something on the lower front to protect it from road debris/chip seal/rock chips. Mud flaps on tow vehicle? Maybe remove the engine to save wear and tear on the transom?

You can also pull it on a ferry from Wa to Haines. You still have a day and a half drive to Anchorage. They charge by the foot including tongue.

You can ship it with one of the companies like Lynden, Carlile etc.

 

[Doug in Alaska]

I live in the Mat-Su valley, about 50 miles north of Anchorage and run an 18' Alumaweld Sled with a 115 hp Merc jet. This is by far the best boat I've owned for this area. You won't be able to run it down south on the Kenai because of the horse power restrictions but what the heck, there's plenty fish on the rivers that don't have restrictions. You will really appreciate your sled late in the fall during hunting season when the water levels are extremely low. Don't sell your boat, I went through four other boats (Hewescraft, Zodiak, Novarina, and Duckworth) before finding the perfect one.
Just my opinion of course.

 

[cwh]

Ok, that settles it... the boat is coming up. I had those same concerns about trailering it the whole way, except for the road debris - it's not a pretty sled as it is now.

Thanks guys - I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Doug in Alaska]

cwh,
You are going to be a happy man about mid to late May. Send me a PM and let me know when you plan to touch down in Anchorage. Bring your boat out to the Valley as soon as the ice goes out and we'll go out and give our sleds a run. I'd be happy to show you around.

Doug in AK

 

[cwh]

Thanks Doug! I will definately do that. I'm hoping that I'll be moving up in about a month.

Appreciate the offer!

 

[Dirtofak]

I hope you have a safe trip! When you see a sign with 3 little hills on it, slow down. There will be a frost heave following that will launch your boat. Usually they are marked with orange flags. My first trip I had my trailer 3 feet up according to my friend following. Get a Milepost for the trip up. It will have all the mileage, gas stations etc. If you want to make time, fill up before you go to bed, leave early in the AM. Some stations close early. Keep a few gallons of fuel in a can and try not to go below 1/2 tank. Ship your guns.

Come spring, post that you are ready for a trip and I am sure someone will show you around a bit. I HIGHLY suggest a GPS and a copy of the Alaska Atlas and Gazetteer.