Need Assistance - Inflatable Fishing Boat?

[Newbass112]

Here is the lowdown, we have a ford windstar minivan with no hitch and a chevy cobalt (irrelevant).

We want a boat and are without a truck/suv...for now.

We want a 2 person boat that we can take out all the time in the middle of lakes, etc. to fish out of. We initially looked into 10 foot jon boats which we then heard only handle 300 lbs and are very unstable. Then we looked into 12 foot jon boats but it is questionable if we could fit it into the back of our minivan with all of the seats out....plus we hear even the 12 foot jons aren't too stable.

We then looked into inflatable boats. We have it down between a sevylor fish hunter 6, a intex excursion 5, or a seahawk 4. Either way on these I planned on putting in a plywood flooring so we can stand. The weight limit on the inflatables are also around 800 lbs which is far better than the jon boats.

I do like sitting higher but i'll take what I can get. We would like something with a bit of space, much as possible for these types of boats.

We need it to hold 2 people, our rods, tackle box, lunch, an anchor, and we will be attaching a fish cage to the boat for our catches.

Any input is appreciated, we are unsure if we want to try to fit a 12 foot jon IN our van or if we should get an inflatable.

Another factor is our budget, if we opted for a Jon boat it would need to be used, however an inflatable we could get new. Budget is $200 or less, could go slightly over if needed.

Thanks

P.s.// we will not be using a motor, just oars. At least initially.

[drew4779]

I have a seahawk 4 with a plywood floor and trolling motor. We deflate it each time and assemble at the creek. It takes about 30 minutes with me and my brother both working on it. If your looking to stand, this isn't the way to go. Not that you can't stand but its no more stable than a jon boat. That being said, definitely worth it if you get a good price and almost always more affordable than a jon boat. I'm surprised at the beating these boats take. The creek we fish is typically anywhere from 18" to 12'. We each take 2 rods, each have a backpack of tackle, cooler (which doubles as a seat), a milk crate w/cushion for seat number 2, anchor, radio, and trolling motor battery.

[Newbass112]

I've been trying to choose between the seahawk 4, excursion 5, and fish hunter 6 based on size. The dimensions of each are online but some look bigger then ones with with the bigger dimensions due to shape and it's hard to tell which would give us the most space for our stuff such as a tackle box.

I was told intex brand is more of a toy than a boat but don't know if that's true or not. We definitely want something that will last and be able to go out far in the middle of lakes, down channels and creeks, etc.

From what I'm seeing these inflatables look like they hold up well, though I'm on edge about anything that is inflatable....every air mattress I've had has popped a leak in the first day.

[Long Mike]

$200 will not buy you much.  Take a look at the SeaEagle 9, but it's going to cost you twice as much as your budget. 

[drew4779]

I definitely went into it thinking I'm wasting money just to get to a deep pool but its year 3 now so I feel like I got my moneys worth. If your main body of water is a lake or pond and not a shallow creek with broken bed rock and sharp shale everywhere, I'd go for it.

[Newbass112]

Long mike,

The excursion 5, the sevylor fish hunter 6, and the seahawk 4 are all under $200. Thanks for the recommendation on the se9.

Drew4779,

I appreciate hearing the feedback from your experience. It looks like an inflatable might be the best thing to go with. Just need to pick which one now

[Jig Meister]

There are a few Tandem Kayaks that would work, not sure if you researched them or not. Is expensive however.

[Bigbarge50]

I do not think your getting out of the "toy" group for $200 bucks or less. 

 

I fish out of a 10.6 ft inflatable with a aluminum floor and i can tell you, with two people it gets a little tight.  I stand in it very easily, but this was a over $1000 dollar boat (i got it for a deal around $800 bucks).  

 

I must also say inflatables get quite expensive.... way pricier than just buying a jon boat.  This and the set up are things to lament about fishing out of a inflatable.  

[Glenn]

I fished out of a Sevylor 6 for a few years.  Great boat, but I would not recommend standing in it - it's not stable enough.  Which means it's biggest drawback is that you're almost level with the water - even when sitting on the edges (which I recommend).  That makes it difficult, but not unmanageable.

 

Another drawback with this boat, and all boats like it, is wind.  The slightest puff of air will scoot you across the water in a heartbeat.  It's a pain.  I tried using a windsock, but that never worked.  Anchors work, but that's a lot of extra weight to have in an inflatable.  I recommend using a clothesline string with an alligator clip at the end.  Tie it off and clamp it onto an overhanging branch, or even weeds like lily pads works wonders. 

 

But if there's more than a slight chop in the water, just don't bother going out. You'll just get frustrated trying to control the boat.

 

You might have better luck with a used Jon Boat, or something similar.  Here's a great article that will help you find one on the cheap: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying-a-used-jon-boat.html

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

How about one of those Bass Raiders from Pelican or the like. Might find used for cheap new they are like $400 for the small one. Not sure how easy they row just tossing out an idea.

I have a Sea Eagle that has been great for me. Its very stable take 2 kids and wife at times no worries of tipping over at all.