Skinny Water Boat (Page 2): I suggest you check out Livingston boats. My 12' is a tunnel Hull and is unbelievably stable and two guys and gear, might be drafting 6"-8", 10" at most, if...

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I suggest you check out Livingston boats. My 12' is a tunnel Hull and is unbelievably stable and two guys and gear, might be drafting 6"-8", 10" at most, if I have a BIG guy with me.

A solution for shallow running besides a "mud motor" is a jet-drive, which many folks around here use on their drift boats. I understand that it can be retro-fitted to most outboards over 6hp, thinking about doing it to my Tohatsu. Haven't gotten far enough to estimate cost, yet.... we'll see if it's practical $$-wise, I know it would give me peace of mind when getting in the skinny water.

JB134 Loc: Montana

Actually, I posted my Robalo bayboat (scroll down). It drafts 12 in. Ideal if you also want to run offshore as well. Anything skinner this boat won’t work. Good luck

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

It looks great! Assume it is locally made and manufactured? Looks like a great alternative to a johnboat.

JB134 Loc: Montana

Way more than a johnboat. This is an extremely well made serious boat, used heavily by serious fishermen and professional guides. I have been boating for 45 years, and this was boat number 10 (wife says I have a problem. Lol) Anyway I believe they are made around Nashville where several big companies like Robalo are established. You won’t find a better built boat in this class. I believe a new one rigged like this is pushing $75-80 K. Crazy I know... plus a 6 month wait these days. Anyway, hope this answers a few questions. Good luck

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Lil Al wrote:

I just bought this yesterday it's called a Coleman Crawdad boat it weighs a whopping hundred and nine lb and it came with the three-speed trolling motor 44 in wide but as skinny as you can get

Nice acquisition Al. A friend from work had one about 25 years ago. He put a 4hp outboard on the back and a trolling motor up front. He had lot's of fun in the smaller lakes and ponds with it.

Have you got your control box yet?

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

jwald51 wrote:

I live on the Texas Gulf Coast. I'm considering a new (used) to me boat. I want something that will run in shallow water. We have lots of that here. Looking for suggestions from people that actually have one of these skinny water boats. I am considering Flats Cat, or something along that line, but I don't know all the different brands out there. All help welcomed. Thanks.

I just saw a brand I'm not been aware of, while looking for a picture of "Wally Gator"... There's a company that makes extremely shallow draft boats and outboard motors = "Gator Tail"... Not sure what their prices are like, compared to your "budget"; but, it might "fill the bill", as far as what it sounds like you're looking for. Do a "web-search" for "Gator Tail Boats and Outboards", would be my suggestion.

jwald51 Loc: Texas Gulf Coast. near Freeport

Thanks.

Lil Al Loc: Central Coast California

Hello Fred yeah I just bought that thing yesterday thought it was kind of cool the price was right can't wait to try it out it came with a little three-speed trolling motor my controller was sent my direction Thursday so I should get it Wednesday or Thursday of next week but yes it's on its way

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Lil Al wrote:

Hello Fred yeah I just bought that thing yesterday thought it was kind of cool the price was right can't wait to try it out it came with a little three-speed trolling motor my controller was sent my direction Thursday so I should get it Wednesday or Thursday of next week but yes it's on its way

That's good news Al, let me know how it works out.
You'll have fun with the Crawdad, especially if you have any electric only, or low horsepower, lakes or ponds. They're a tough little boat.

Lil Al Loc: Central Coast California

I do believe you're right Fred I thought it would be perfect for my Sierra trip in July it's like brand new I can load it on and off my lumber rack on my pick up by myself very easily it came with the little Sigma 14 electric 3-speed motor

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Lil Al wrote:

I do believe you're right Fred I thought it would be perfect for my Sierra trip in July it's like brand new I can load it on and off my lumber rack on my pick up by myself very easily it came with the little Sigma 14 electric 3-speed motor

Don't forget the pictures.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, that is a fine little boat with an electric motor. But here we have thousands of square miles of water in the bays around Houston/Galveston. It would take you a week or more to get anywhere with it. You really need something that will get up and plane at 30 to 40 mph, but also handle skinny water. That requires a jack plate so when you get up on plane, you can trim the motor to perhaps 5 to 6 inches of water! Just Sayin...RJS

RedMax Loc: SoCal

I just purchased a Scout inflatable. This boat is completely portable. It rolls up in a bag and can be assembled in about 20 min. I slap in a 3.5hp I carry in my truck and I’m off. However if you want more hp I’ve seen them run with 8hp, it’s just a heavier motor to haul from your truck.
I paid 1400 for the larger 12 ft boat and 1100 for the new motor. The flooring is inflatable too and the boat is so stable you can stand in it, unlike a kayak. I’ve added a few extra things so I’m in about 2700. Worth taking a look at these Kiwi designed inflatable.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

My Lund Renegade 1875 is very shallow draft.
I dont see any reason it wouldnt be a fine flats boat

brianf Loc: Virginia

[quote=jwald51]I have a Flats Cat that we used on the west coast of FLA and currently using it on the Flats around the lower Chesapeake Bay. I purchased the boat new and have had it since 2007. I have never kept any of my boats that long. It is the perfect boat for that type of fishing.