Anyone have either of these two boats? I am thinking to use it mainly on lakes but maybe the russian river in the summer.

IFISH say's,

An Outdoor Engineering Kickboat ! They'll tackle the rapids and then some. You can even go salty with the Outdoor Engineering! I know it wasn't a choice, but I had to represent the baddest boat out there :-) :+ :+ }(

IFISH

Since IFISH started it :P Besides, I HAVE gone down the Russian with it!

Todd

IFISH say's,

neener, neener :P }( ! Actually, i've seen the Bronco and it's a stout boat aswell, but I'm totally sold on the Outdoor Eng.

IFISH

I agree with Mr Ifish,The outdoor eng has ,em all beat hands down!:o I've floated the feather a couple times and the merced once and Me & Buzzfish did the chetco in oregon.(That was at a real low water time and we were scraping bottom in alot of places):+ The load capacity and over all lightnes of the boat is great.
Also look at how long some of us have had the versa vessal with pretty much no problems and great customer service!(just ask lake)
Just my 2 cents,Swampy

I don't disagree with you guys that Outdoor Engineering has a great boat but...

Now tell me this, if you slash one side of your boat with a five inch gap...actually how about THIS...a five inch slash on both sides, would you be able to fish???

I ask this because I STILL COULD! :o :P }(

Answers gentlemen????

Todd

My question would be how in the heck do you slash a 5" gash in a OE pontoon, not by rock or wood for sure.only thing that can puncture the OE pontoon is metal like a razor blade :)

I'm not getting into a mine is better then yours discussion cause we have been down that road to many time's. Bottom line is if you like what you run and your happy then thats all that matter's, I am sure donut hole Rich would understand that lol :)

Slashed pontoons? No problem. After adjusting my attitude I would simply stand up and start fishing. Water too deep you say? I'd stick to bottom fishing!

Buzzzzzzzzzfish

Seen them come
Seen them go

It all boils down to BUY the BEST you can afford.

In less you’re Rich ;-)

Speaking for myself
When I began floating around it was in a round Browning tube.
Love every bit of it.
I just wanted a float to handle my capacity.
Then it became comfort and room to upgrade onto.

It took me six months to save up and buy
in which I believe is the best ~ Outdoor Engineering River and Lake Special. (Cadillac of kick boats)

Some things to consider when buying
Of course price $$$
Durability, Metal vs. Aluminum
Lightness vs. heavier
How much use are you planning to use your float?
Weight capacity
Some guys are into how fast they can oar. - Longer oars
How easy is it to upgrade accessories ~ Live-well, Rod holders, Trolling motor, Ash tray, bimini top ECT... :)
Does the float break down easy?
If and when something goes wrong - Does the manufacture have good customer service?

If you make it out to one of the Opens
You have a chance of winning a nice kick boat.

Almost forgot
Versa Vessels are rated @ Class 3 for your river adventures
Hope your happy in what ever you decide on.

I saw some good deals on these two boats for last years models.

Castaway for $245

Fish Cat 8 for $279

Anyone have anything to say about these boats?

Hi, Steve. I had a Waterskeeter - I think it was the Castaway. Anyhow, it was very comfortable & roomy, with plenty of storage. What I didn't like was the weight - the frame is heavy & it's hard to lug around. Also, it was too wide to fit while assembled into the back of my pickup. So, I had to break it down to fit it in there. It is a good, stable kickboat, though, & I liked fishing out of it. I thought I saw them at the Pro Shop a while back for $220 or so. Good luck - hope you get one you're happy with.

Andy,

What are you fishing with now? Are 8 foot pontoons too long. I see a lot with 9 foot pontoons now. A few boat have 7 footers. Are those big enough. Last years moodel of the Fish Cat Streamer XL has 7 foot pontoons for $239

Steve

I'm fishing in the Creek Company Jet Pack. I'd guess the pontoons are 7' long. It has an aluminum frame that's much lighter than the Waterskeeter, & it also has a narrower body, so it can slide right into the shell of my truck. Its storage pockets are a little small, & the stadium seat isn't as comfortable as the hard plastic seat on the Waterskeeter. Otherwise, though, it's a great kickboat.

I'm not sure what the advantage of longer pontoons are, other than increased stability. Since we're often bass fishing around trees, docks & tules, it seems to me that there's an advantage for maneuverability with the shorter pontoons. If you're going to be doing much river fishing, though, the longer pontoons might make a lot of sense.

I do have to say, after all those years in a U-boat & hybrid, it's great to be in a kickboat.

My friend Dan just got the fishcat 8 and its pretty sweet, he has his rod rack on it and plans to put a depth finder soon. It's also real light. He was like you and was torn between the fishcat and waterskeeter and finally chose the fishcat 8. Get The Fish Cat, He loves it:7

mike