Passing over the Sol Duc, I saw an inflatable raft w/ fishing frame & thought what a great way to go; light, no need for a trailer, limited storage requirements. I've since looked at Outcast PAC 1300, Aire Super Puma, & Maravia's Renegade (13' boats w/ fishing frame, rower w/ fishing seat forward & aft). All pro-con comments regarding use on West-end rivers, stabilility, roominess, manufacturer would be greatly appreciated. My passengers would be primarily my 3 boys, two at a time.
Thanks, Del

Contact Jim Kerr at the Port Townsend Angler. He uses an inflatable when guiding on those rivers (might have been him that you saw). He's the "Jim" on this board, but you can reach him directly at ptangler@olypen.com.

I've floated the lower Duc in a friend's (Bob D.) Puma and it was great in low water conditions. From what I hear, they're also a lot of fun at high flows. If you get a self bailer you'll be a little colder and wetter in the winter and fall. Consider it the jeep of the rivers. Just my .02.

Several years ago I rented a 13-ft raft from Swiftwater in Seattle. I wanted to see the difference between a raft and drift boat. We floated the upper Sky in Feb and found that it really did not have as much room as you might think and even in light current there was no way to row back up river. When we finished fishing I thought that inflating and deflating was much more of a hassle than using a trailer. I now own a 16 x 54 Willie and love it. I think rafts are great to run rivers, but they are not the best vehicles to fish from......just my thoughts.

If you're talking about a raft then I'd agree with the previous guy, they lack the ability to hold in the current. They are a fun way to get from fishing hole to fishing hole, though.
I've heard a lot of good things about those inflatable pontoon "cataraft" things. A couple friends helicoptered with gear and cataraft into some pretty out of the way steelhead water in BC and they raved about it. They say if you get a big one they're roomy, stable in white water, and a heck of a lot of fun. I don't know if you could hot shot with one, though. I'd imagine it'd be hard to beat a drift boat for that.
With whatever you decide, just be safe, you and your boys'll have a blast!

If you ever look at eBay there is a Outcast water craft pac 800. Bid as of today was around $400. You might take a look.

Item# 198558957

Even with a small boat like that if you are alone you still need a shuttle. Better to get a big one so you can take someone with you.

I'm not sure what kind of raft others may have rented but the Puma I was in tracked like a dream. We had no problem stopping it or even backing it upriver. It was lot easier than my 14' boat. But I will agree that you do sacrifice quite a bit of internal space. I'm sure a raft owner or two will chime in on this one...

I keep getting this mental picture of an inflatable with a K-16 stuck in it..(hisssssss). Wouldn't that be a drag?
Rafts pretty much go where the river wants them to. Very little control with too much effort. If I'm wrong, just tell me to shut up. Good luck anyway.

I own a puma with rowing frame and anchor system. Its a self baler .The boat for all practical reasons travels better in the river especially in low water. Room is limited when fishing from the boat,so you need to be very organized. As far as a trailer I can use one or not use one depending on where I am headed. I prefer fishing from a drift boat when I have the choice. In the dead of winter the propane heater in a driftboat sure is nice to be able to use. I have had it up for sale on the board previously. Search the classifieds or drop me a note if your interested.

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Hi: I may be interested in the Puma.
let me know what your asking for it.
How compact does it store?
thanks
steve

Thank you for all the info, I'm still undecided. I thought it looked like an interesting set-up.

I would like to talk more w/ smilesforu about the Puma; (360)417-1182, Port Angeles

Del

I will try and call you tomorrow during monday nite football. Had to go to the hospital tonight for chicken that got caught in my throat. I fits easily into the back of a small pickup when deflated. Could be put in the back of a station wagon or even the back of a car.

There are pluses and minuses for all boats. Inflatables are a good way to go. YES, you CAN pull plugs effectively with them. I pull wigglewarts and baitwrapped kwikfish with my cataraft. I can put a total of three people on my 16ft cat. You have to optimize your load since there isn't the room you have on a driftboat. But you play your cards right and you can really have a great time with them. You can look at my reply about cats in the "pontoon boat" forum above. You can put heaters on inflatables, I'm not sure why everyone thinks you can't put a heater on an inflatable, but you can. Just takes a bit of engineering to get it on, but work well. The best thing to do if you really want an inflatable is to buy a used one with a frame. You can buy one for about half the cost of new. Do a web search for whitewater groups and they usually have bb's with used boats for sale. Look for a page for the NWRA (Northwest Rafters Association) they have inflatables for sale fairly cheap. Good luck.........

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I agree with steelie 69 you can do any thing on a catraft, any water low or high, it don't care, mine is so manuverable it will turn on a dime you can back a plug in any where, room is the issue, must be organized!! sorry guys no contest between rafts and cats....... Will the Rain ever stop... Tight Lines... p.s. Hows the Kalama holdin up? Thanks