Josh, I have done a lot of research recently on inflatables. This page gives a slightly overwhelming, but pretty good overview of the types of rafts that are out there: http://aireraft.com/more/rafts-rubber-versus-pvc-the-great-debate/
-- Full disclosure: I have seen neither the Sea Eagle nor the Flycraft in person, and I own an Aire. But here are my thoughts on the boats you mentioned. First, I think both the Flycraft and Sea Eagle are substantially overpriced for $2995 and $1795, respectively. As far as I can tell, both are glued PVC boats, which typically do not last as long as boats made of welded PVC or hypalon boats. The meager 2 year warranty on the Flycraft and the 3 year warranty on the Sea Eagle give you a hint that these boats are not expected to last that long without issues. I'd also noted that they appear to be rated for up to Class II. This may be fine for your purposes, but there are a few Class III+ on the Shenandoah, Potomac, Yough, North Branch, etc.
On Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 3:15:30 PM UTC+2, Josh L. wrote:
The Flycraft Stealth is pretty and appears to be well-thought-out from the standpoint of frame engineering. But I have a sneaking suspicion that it's a Chinese glued-PVC boat with a snazzy frame strapped on. The inflatable component of the Flycraft appears to be a Saturn RD365 Light River Raft (or some slightly modified version of the RD365, probably made by the same Chinese manufacturer but printed with a "Flycraft" logo). I dont know this for a fact, but just compare the Flycraft and RD365 side by side--shape, design, high pressure air floor, 0.9mm thickness, and length all appear to be the same. Buying the Saturn RD365 alone costs just $650 (without a frame). So if you buy a Flycraft for $2995, you're essentially paying $2300 for the frame, seats, anchor system, etc. Does it even include oars?
The Amazon reviews of the Sea Eagle are just not good, so I won't go too far into that boat. The reviews even suggest that the black cones in the front of the cataraft tubes are defective... Not something I'd expect from a $1700 boat.
I don't know what your budget is, or how much time you're willing to invest in your raft, but I think you can buy/make a superior boat for less money. For example, you could get a 12 or 13 foot used hypalon boat in good shape, or an entry-level-but-reputable new boat like a Star or Achilles, OR a pair of brand new cataraft tubes, and BUILD YOUR OWN frame out of aluminum/steel pipe and fittings. NRS sells parts for custom raft frames, but you can also use steel fence post and aluminum speed-rail fittings to save some money. Hell, if you wanted something like the Flycraft Stealth, you could probably buy the Saturn RD365 and build your own row frame for it with oar stands for around $1000 all-in. The message board MountainBuzz.com has some good threads on home-built row frames for rafts.
After searching for the right boat for over a year, I ended up finding a used Aire Traveler inflatable canoe in Maryland. The Traveler is about 15' long and retails for $2200 without a frame. But it's made of the same stuff as Aire's premier fishing rafts like the Super Puma: an inner urethane air bladder, surrounded by a welded PVC outer shell. I built a row frame, similar to the one Aire sells for the Traveler, but I added tractor seats and a lean bar. Still have to upgrade my lean bar from PVC to aluminum or steel, but...baby steps. The frame has cost me less than $300 all in, including the seats, oar stands, oar locks, etc.
That's just my 2 cents. Hope this novel is helpful. Whatever you decide...good luck!
On Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 3:15:30 PM UTC+2, Josh L. wrote:
Thanks, everybody! I will let you know how the inflatable giraffe rides. I call front end, though.
On Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 9:09:45 AM UTC-4, Scott S wrote:Thanks, Gene! That definitely falls into the "something even better" category! Might be a little tight for 2 people, though...--ScottOn Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 8:37 AM, TurbineBlade <doubl...@gmail.com> wrote:Alternately, you could go the Jack Gartside route:--
On Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 8:05:31 AM UTC-4, Scott S wrote:Yeah, yeah, yeah... One of these days I'll get around to buying one of those, Thomas! Or who knows, maybe something even better!--Scott
Sent from my iPhoneI saw the FlyCraft at the Somerset show and was really impressed and really want to fish out of one. It seems like it can go anywhere. They even take it to Baja and fish the Gulf of California with it. I would have first hand experience if Scott S. would get around to buying one!--
On Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 3:28:15 PM UTC-4, HeaveToo wrote:Have you ever considered a kayak or inflatable kayak.
I have been fishing out of an inflatable kayak for 4 years. I have fished the ocean, rivers, streams, and lakes. It is pretty versatile and it works good. When not in use, it is folded and stored in a storage bag in my closet.
A hard kayak, if you have any storage, could be another platform. The prices range on them and you can get a rack to put it on top of your car. Eventually I want to move to one of these.
http://www.tpfr.org
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