{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Buying a Raft

Reading this thread got me thinking about buying a raft myself. I stumbled across this company from a friend and saw they're running what I assume to be a good deal (with 0 background in raft pricing) on their fishing version. I can't speak to quality, durability, or any other factor than price but would love some input if anyone is familiar. thanks!

https://www.seaeagle.com/FoldCat/375fc

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 9:01:46 PM UTC-4, Brad wrote:

All great advice. You won't fish more, but you will get a great upper body. All kidding aside, with a decent anchor system, you'll fish all you want. 

I definitely second getting some time behind the oars before you buy a boat. Find someone with a boat. Talk them into letting you knock your own teeth out with the oar handle...Alternately, go find and take a class. There are quite a few out there. You may find that you aren't cut out to be an oarsman. You actually should get a class as there is a ton of great water in the area that is guarded by really hairy water. Like Little Falls. 

Best boat on the market, IMHO, is Streamtech. It is a raft that rows like a drift boat. 

Best budget boat, probably NRS.

Best advice? Call rafting companies and buy their old rafts. They usually get rid of them every two years and generally, while well used, are in good shape and decently maintained. When I used to live in DC a local guide that guided the Potomac in the spring and the New and the Gauley all summer could get me a company boat and frame for under $1000. That is a really great deal considering the Otter 130 retails for $6000, with the fancy fishing frame. He also let me get behind the sticks a fair amount. 

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 2:28:45 PM UTC-7, DontCallMeEd wrote:

Hey Joe,
That's good advice above from Connor. You might find that most of your fishing buddies, like mine, aren't really interested in learning to row when they could be fishing instead.  
 
I have a NRS otter. I've been real happy with it, and the company so far. I haven't had an issue, or question, that they haven't helped with. I'm not familiar with the outlaw raft, but I suspect it's also a good boat. The fishing frame is great, but it's heavy and a lot to deal with if you're not trailering it. Many of my favorite floats aren't trailer accessible, so the less I have to carry the better …. but the frame is modular, so you can always leave pieces at home. If I were doing it over, I would spend more on the oars at the beginning. Good oars (and a good seat) make rowing so much better.
 
Good luck with your purchase.
-Brian

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