Considering spending 600ish bucks on this inflatable set up for fishing rivers
Small lakes and ponds with my brother. good idea? or keep saving for a real boat?
--
by reallyhighpriest
I would recommend getting the Intex Mariner 4, if you are going to go with an inflatable boat.
--
by tidepodeater45
Okay, thanks for the heads up. Are the seats in mariner 4 removable?
--
by reallyhighpriest
Yes they are. I have one with a little motor on it. I've only taken it once so far but I'm happy with it. Just enough room for me my wife and the dog to go fishing.
--
by tidepodeater45
After watching a couple youtube videos it seems the quality of the mariner is unmatched by anything in its price range. Will definitely look for one if i decide to go the rubber route.
--
by reallyhighpriest
You could probably get a Jon Boat for a few hundred more.
--
by AbsructCigar
Or a few hundred less.. I’ve seen $200-300 Jon boats on Craigslist.
--
by backwoodman1
I would think that for $1000 you could find a legit used raft that would last you a lifetime and be more versatile. What kind of river use Are we talking? Just slackwater? or are you looking to run into some moderate whitewater? Slackwater would be ok, I wouldn't take this anywhere where there would be any heavy water. Either way, based on personal experience, I don't see this lasting more than 2 or 3 years before you A- wear it out or B- are wanting for a better boat. If I were you, I'd keep saving money.
--
by danthebiker1981
My husband and I have the same exact dinghy, we got in on amazon for around $75-80 because of a deal of $50 gift card when signing up for an Amazon account.
We didn't have to put the charge on the Amazon card/account, we received it in the mail and have later utilized it for our online shopping needs etc.. not necessarily sure if the deal is still on going but it's always good to check for a deal! we used it in the ocean and it was wonderful for fishing along the coast and trolling in the marina. It's not as roomy as they insinuate.. if you're just trying to have fun and go fishing , we have fit 4 people around 5"5 100-120 lbs each all at once, and yes you will be able to cast out comfortabley .. just want to add that that weight is including the motor , an anchor on board and gear.
You would have to purchase a motor stand and and motor if it is not included (our's weren't) But Intex is a good company. We got our motor stand and motor second hand for less than $90 together. It was a good deal where the motor is usually around $100-$150 brand new.
--
by Mimimg
Get a real boat plenty of small boats for sale.
--
by peglegpowderskier
I talked to the guys in the discord as I can't transport a solid boat so inflatable was the only way to go. I ended up buying a sea eagle 370.
That raft looks ok but like the sea eagle stuff is rated for class 3 whitewater rafting if not higher. The 370 I bought is 300 on Amazon right now and would easily carry 2 normal sized adults. Mine gets here Tuesday. They also have a 3 year warranty and a 180 day satisfaction gaurantee. With the raft you posted I'd be worried about punctures if your not careful.
--
by FailingComic
Keep saving. Try to imagine all of the things that could potentially put a hole in that raft. Hooks, certain types of fish, and rocks. I wouldn't waste my money on anything inflatable to fish from long term. You could get a decent fishing kayak for that much.
--
by symptomco
Really appreciate all the input, definitely second guessing this purchase meow. Part of the reason for going inflatable was that i live in an apartment and drive a car, so installing a hitch and finding storage is also part of buying an actual boat. Tough call still.
--
by reallyhighpriest
Having owned inflatables, I would suggest you buy a used boat. Inflatables are uncomfortable and remember that you use hooks when you go fishing. You can find a fishing boat and trailer used for under $1000. You don't need a $70,000 boat to go fishing!
I have a 10' jon boat I bought from Academy for only 600 bucks, put a 120$ trolling motor on and was good to go.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.