Hi All,
I am a new member here. I found this site while researching kickboats. Originally I was set on the Waterskeeter River Guide or Fish Stalker boat because of the standing platform, but the more research I do, the more options I find. Creek Company, Trout Unlimited, Dave Scadden, VV, etc.. all look to be nice rigs.

I know most here stick to lakes mainly, but I plan to use mine for a variety of fishing spots. I want to use it for fishing Bay Area lakes as well as places like the Trinity, Klamath, American, Sac, etc... for Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. I am 275 lbs and would like the ability to carry a good amount of gear for overnight trips down the river.

The thing I like about the Waterskeeter River Guide is all the options it comes with standard and the 500 lb weight capacity. Any feedback would be appreciated. Here is a link to it:
http://www.waterskeeter.com/river_guide.htm

Thanks,
Chris

Versa Vessel is the way to go. You can load a ton of stuff on it, the pontoons and frame design are awesome. currently 75% of the guys that fish BNT use VV boats and there's a reason. There the most best boats on the water.

I know, I know some people are going to knock me for saying "the best" :)

Do you work for them? LOL, just kidding...I've gone through a lot of posts and notice you speak highly of them. They really do look like great durable boats. Do you own one? How does the frame attach to the pontoons? It looks like it straps on, around the pontoon itself. Does it seem like the frame may slip around if the pontoons lost any pressure? I ask because I notice with my current Navigator II that I have to go to shore pretty often to firm up the bladders when the water is real cold. I'd hate to have to do that in the middle of a river.

I think that with all options and cost to add weight capacity to the seat, I'd end up paying quite a bit for it. I really can't afford more than $1100 or $1200. One really nice thing about the boat (and may also being a selling point for my Fiance) is the option to add a second seat. That is the first one I have seen with that option.

I have to say from all the research I have done, they are definitely one of the best, if not THE BEST.

Thanks for the input!

Chris

I dont work for them and am not sponsored by them. I speak highly of them because of what I have put mine through. I have had mine for about 6 years now and if you ask around you will hear that I am not nice to my equipment at all. I have jumped it off rock barriers 2-3 ft drown water falls hitting exposed rocks and never had any problems. I drag it down leeve's to get it in the delta, its been through hell and still running strong.

The pontoons strap to the frame but they wont move while your on the water at all even with very little pressure. The pontoons like any pontoon will loose some pressue when using them in cold water but usually dont need air added. If they do the boat comes with a hand pump that fits in a strp on top of the tackle bag that VV makes and you can put air in it while sitting on the boat in the water, no need to get out and add air.

Thanks for the info. I beat the hell out of my stuff too and you're making me rethink my limited budget. :D I've rowed a river a few times, but still need more experience so I will definitely need something that can "handle" it.

Thanks again for your help!

By the way, do you ever fish in the South San Jose area? It would be cool to see one in person. I fish around San Jose alot and may see you on the water sometime.

Limited budget $1100-$1200?!?! You can pretty much get whatever suits your needs with that money. My Fishcat9 cost less than $400 and it works just fine. I seen many boats comparable to mine on the Green River in Utah and they seemed to be doing good. I believe they are rated for class 3 rapids.

>Limited budget $1100-$1200?!?! You can pretty much get
>whatever suits your needs with that money. My Fishcat9 cost
>less than $400 and it works just fine. I seen many boats
>comparable to mine on the Green River in Utah and they seemed
>to be doing good. I believe they are rated for class 3
>rapids.

LOL!! I'd consider it limited becuase of the "things" I want in the boat. From what I can tell....boats with the weight capacity, river rating and options I want aren't cheap. I wouldn't mind getting a high end USED boat, but they seem to be few and far between....atleast in my area.

How long have you had your Fishcat9? Have you had any problems with it? Is it pretty stable?

Thanks,
Chris

I myself have never had a versa vessel. i have an ODC 816. But i have heard so many good things about the versa veseel, that i dont think you could go wrong. On the water they look pretty awsome too. You can get the livewell bar on the back for a pretty sweet setup.
I think you should trust the people here and go with the VV.

Good luck on your desicion,

Jdub

If your a big guy you need to go with the VV. I'm around 285 and if I had anything else I'd sink the dang thing, with all the crap I carry with me. If you get something else you will always be wondering, what if I got the VV so just get it they are sweet!

cz

Bassinzink,
Have you owned any other boats besides the one you have? If so, how did they compare to what you have now? Did you have to upgrade the seat for more weight capacity or does the standard one work OK for you?

I did get the upgrade on the seat cause I decided I'd leave a little room to grow :) I personally think the VV's ride higher in the water than any other boat and it just is even more noticeable when your bigger, I think a lot of the little skinny dudes can ride high in other kicks, the higher up you are the easier it is to flip and walk a frog in my opinion. When I do both techniques in other boats that make me closer to the water it is just not as easy to flip far.

cz

I have no complaints. I've never had any other kickboat or tried anyone elses. So I have nothing to compare it to. It's very stable and tracks well. With nothing but original equipment, I believe it weighs about 75 pounds. If you know how to carry it, you can get it where you want it pretty easily. I've had it for less than a year. So it remains to be seen how durable it is. I would say it's a pretty good deal at less than $400.

Just my $.02. I know that the VV are well constructed and well thought out. They track better than most kickboats and have some of the nicest options. They also don't "rocking chair" near as bad as the kickboats designed for the rivers. The 2 things I don't like about them is that they only have 1 chamber per pontoon and they are harder to turn than the river type kickboats. If 1 pontoon gets killed in the river your SOL. You wont be able to sit on the boat and finish out the trip, instead you get dumped in the river.
I have the Waterskeeter River Tamer 2. It has 2 chambers in each pontoon, and I think the one you mentioned from Waterskeeter does too. Many if not most river style boats have 2 chambers. If one chamber gets popped you still stay in your seat, just with a little leaning. I think Waterskeeter has a video showing a guy taking a knife to one chamber on each side, although it might have been a different company.
Tight lines,
Wade

Wade,
You bring up an excellent point that slipped my mind when I was looking at the VV. As a Waterskeeter owner, how do you feel about their products? Are they built well? I've read a few reviews that gave Waterkeeter high marks.

Another boat I am looking at is made by this company www.steelheader.com . With a 1000lb. weight capacity, I don't think I'll be worried about weight. I'm just waiting to hear back from them on pricing.

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback! I've been fishing from tubes for years and really look forward to getting into kickboats. I'm glad I found this site! jsmith and I used to work at the same place a few years back and he was the first person I contacted trying to get info...that's how I found this place. You guys really have a great site going here. Lots of knowledgable people and everyone is very civilized. I've been reading a bunch of threads and notice everyone gets along well. The only other site I have hung out on that has this many great people is www.tundrasolutions.com

Keep the feedback coming!!!

I saw your post about fishing the South San Jose area and wanting to check out a VV in person... I've owned my VV for several years and have been quite happy with it. Although I don't fish as often as a lot of the other guys in the club I do beat my boat up pretty good.

I live in Santa Cruz and was thinking about going out Sunday for a while. Saturday is out as I have to take my daughter to a swim meet. I haven't decided where to go but would probably fish where ever you like as long as it is not too far. Do you fish out of a tube now? I could probably line up a second kick boat if you want. You could fish the VV and I could fish my old boat assuming I can get a hold of it (should be able to...)

If you're interested, give me a call - 831-359-1049 (cell).

Buzzfish

I've held back a little here but will have to throw in the Buck's Bags Bronco! I know I'm sold on my boat due to the dual air chambers in each pontoon, track very nicely in the water and have yet to be beaten in a race (remember what we had talked about before buzzzzzzzfish??) due to the shape of the pontoons (rockers). It IS rated for a class III and I have taken it down a little river in winter (Russian). Yeah you guys, I know this isn't much of a river but hey, it is a river :P

It is a thick pvc outer layer and can take the abuse (I've had mine for four years and use it to fish about 50 times a year).

I'm outnumbered on this board but there was a reason a number of guys in our club went with them! And then there might be a couple more going to them...

Todd

Sam TI,

That was a couple of years ago; I'm too old and tired to race a young pup like you now!

Seriously though: dual air chambers in the pontoons would be very nice to have if you sprung a leak. Even the toughest pontoon can rip or tear. My previous kickboat (Leigh outdoors, no longer around) had an outer shell made of something they called Rhino hide. It was tough too until I put an over filled boat on the levy and had one explode. The interesting thing was when it gave it tore along the length of the pontoon, about six feet. After removing the bladder I tried to continue by pulling the sides apart with my hands as hard as I could. Could not tear it. The main downside to that boat was it had a steel frame AND the pontoons were very heavy.

I'm sure that Buck's Bags are very solid boats. Instead of racing, maybe we can swap before one of the tourney's so I can do a "side by side" comparison. Or even better, how about having a contest at one of the opens/invitationals where a panel rates the boats entered? Could do small prizes for lightest, best rigged, best tube, etc...

Buzzfish

P.S. Swampy and I have had our boats in the Feather and Chetco Rivers. The only real problem we had were the wieghts being thrown at us by shore-bound salmon fishermen! That and having my rod rack come off when current pushed me into some trees...

I love my 'skeeter! Having said that, I'll point out it's downfalls.
1) Mine has a steel frame. Since I take it in the salt about once a month in the summer, that SuX! I spray it down/out after every saltwater trip with Salt-X, so it doesn't rust and I've only seen a little rust around some of the hardware.
2) The pontoons are shaped like rockers. This has the upside of being able to spin easily like you might need to in a river. The Downside is it doesn't track for $h!t in the lakes. The other downside is it rocks if you lean forward or back, like when flipping, much more than the VV.

Tight lines,
Wade
Edit: 3) Mine was Burgundy, it's faded to a hideous Pink on top. The plus side is no self respecting male will ever swipe it. A few of the "pink" 'skeeter owners have dubbed ourselves the "Pink Boat Brigade" and others might refer to us as the infamous "Pink Boat Contingent".}(

Wade, you're selling our pink boat short! The frame IS aluminum but the useless rear basket, the clips/pins, and the seat mounting hardware are steel. That's why you are only seeing rust from the hardware not the frame. If the frame was steel the boat would probably weigh close to 100 pounds. If you don't believe me, get a magnet and see where it sticks and doesn't stick. It will not stick to aluminum.

Doug

Im just going to have to put in my 2 cents in here. One Bucksbag is all you need to get. The Bronco is the hot ticket, I know, I've watched Todd I. kick butt in that kickboat. Im still in a round tube, but I might someday buy a Bronco kickboat. Once again, this is just a round tubers 2 cents.

Rich

Fish fear round tubers and Bass Tech kickboats!!
http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/richcaro.htm

Thanks, everyone, for all the replies. I think I will end up going with the Waterskeeter River Guide. The price, ability to do what I need and the options that are included are right on with what I want. I won't be buying one until after the new year so I may find something else after more researching.

Clint, I am looking forward to an outing with you to try out the kickboat and learn a thing or two. If you go out in mid Nov.,I'd like ot join you. Thanks again for the offer!!

Chris

IFISH say's,

Versal Vessel, Versa Vessel, Versa Vessel ! I own this boat, and will NEVER own another kickboat, will only replace when the time comes ( maybe 10-15 yrs down the road )}(

IFISH

Ya, what he said...Versa Vessel, Versa Vessel, Versa Vessel!!!

If you're bass fishing, and serious about it, and like to take a lot of gear with you, it's the way to go!!

Now, if you only fish bass once in a while, get whatever you want. I did the same thing. I saw that there were lots of people that didn't have V.V.'s, so I went with something else. I bought a Blue Heron. Nice boat, but it can't touch my V.V. }(

You'll ride higher and be more comfortable. And it's light and easy to pack. If this wasn't the way to go, I doubt (I know) that there wouldn't be this many V.V. converts!

Edit: I just want to add, that there are probably a dozen people each year that ask the same question. And each year the answer is the same, Versa Vessel. Every year, more and more people buy the V.V. and then they too recommend it. But, there are those that ask, don't follow the advice, and are sorry later. I guarantee if the V.V. were only $400-$500, everyone would own one. Almost everone that's used one wants to upgrade.

Mr. Ochs --

Mark's got an 8-1/2 ft Renegade for sale that he's letting go for a *STEAL* at $250! You get that 'extra capacity' plus a whale of a price, all at the same time! Definitely something you should check into! You wanna buy; he wants to sell -- perfect combination!

- jeff

-----------------------
Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

Hi Jeff!
I'll have to research a little and see what the weight capacity is on the Renegade. That is a really good price. I am getting married in December and will be paying for the whole wedding myself (no help from any parents) so money is kind of tight until the new year. How did the tournament go? Did you take the RV?

I may have to rethink my options for a kickboat. I am in Portland right now (well Beaverton to be exact) for an OSHA certification through my company (Washington Group International, formerly Morrison Knudsen). I am also looking at a better position up here that would be a huge "step up". If they offer the right money, I may be moving to Oregon. Which means lots of Salmon and Steelhead fishing on Rivers and not a lot of bass(lake) fishing. It's a tough decision seeing as how I don'tknow ANYONE up here, let alone a FISHING BUDDY (my Fiance likes to fish, but she's not as into it as I am). I'll have to wait and see what they offer. If I do choose to move to Oregon, I hope I can find a site like this one (no luck yet). If anyone has a link to a northern Oregon fishing board, please post it.

Thanks,
"Mr. Ochs" (pronounced Oaks) :D

*Tourney*, that is! (Yes, I took the RV, which made me especially happy once the *RAIN* started falling!). ;-) Wished I could've landed those 3 fish that would've allowed me to bring **10 more lbs.** to the scales, but that's fishin', I guess!

From what I can tell, though, you *haven't* missed a chance on Mark's Renegade!

As for the Renegade specs, check out the other thread started by Mark C., who's trying to sell his rig. I just posted a catalog ad for the boat which includes a small photo & some weight specs, dimensions, etc.

Check it out -- for that price, you just can't beat it. As for what you tell your wife, to get it before the wedding...well, I can't help you much there, bud. Congrats on that, by the way! Hope it all works out for you up there in OR!


In the meantime, keep on postin'! Hopefully, we can hook up out on the water soon, whether in *kickboats* or in my Four Winns! Catchya later!

- jeff

-----------------------
Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

>*Tourney*, that is! (Yes, I took the RV, which made me
>especially happy once the *RAIN* started falling!). ;-) Wished
>I could've landed those 3 fish that would've allowed me to
>bring **10 more lbs.** to the scales, but that's fishin', I
>guess!
>
>From what I can tell, though, you *haven't* missed a chance on
>Mark's Renegade!
>
>As for the Renegade specs, check out the other thread started
>by Mark C., who's trying to sell his rig. I just posted a
>catalog ad for the boat which includes a small photo & some
>weight specs, dimensions, etc.
>
>Check it out -- for that price, you just can't beat it. As
>for what you tell your wife, to get it before the
>wedding...well, I can't help you much there, bud. Congrats on
>that, by the way! Hope it all works out for you up there in
>OR!
>
>
>In the meantime, keep on postin'! Hopefully, we can hook up
>out on the water soon, whether in *kickboats* or in my Four
>Winns! Catchya later!

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 2 months since I posted! It's been so busy the last 2 months with the wedding and a recent promotion, I haven't been posting. It's also partly because I had to refrain, all the talk about buying a kickboat and not being able to was killing me!!

Now that more cash is coming in than going out, it's time to FINALLY buy one. A couple of friends and I are going to head to the San Mateo sportmen's expo to take a look at some kickboats. Once we have had a chance to take a look at a few manufacturers in person, we're placing the orders. I'll keep y'all posted!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am hoping for a more eventful fishing season this year. Last year was pretty weak, although the marlin I landed on the honeymoon was a good way to end the year! :D

Chris
>
>
>

Alright, Chris - glad to see you posting again! Congrats on the wedding! I hope your 'marital obligations' don't cut *too* much into your fishin' time ;( (I know mine do, on occasion, but I work it out well enough to still get out a handful of times every month).

Anyway, all this talk about Versa Vessels is about to make me *puke* :+ , but hey, it sounds like you're doing the right thing, checking out all the models at the Sportsmen's Expo. That's where I found my Outcast back in '96, & we're still going strong (a blown pontoon here & there in-between -- but none of them cost me a penny to have repaired!). Great 'no-questions-asked' service!

Anyway, speaking of Outcast, I've always like their 9-foot, double-pontooned model, the PAC-900. If you're concerned about weight capacity, that one seems to be a good option. Unfortunately, keeping it under $1,100 might be a concern, but I recommend taking a close look at it. It's a quality rig!

So, you're back in the south bay for the time being? Let's hook up!


Talk to you soon!

- jeff

-----------------------
Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

just happened to see your in my old neighborhood,try hagg lake ,ive caught both small and largemouth there, the state record smallmouth was caught there.if you get the chance fish Trillium lake in the Mt. hood area ,off the 26 i believe, it a great lake to tube for trout,you wont regret it:).i have pics of it in my photo section here in the group.theres some neat ponds off the colombia river as your heading toward the falls that hold some bass and trout etc..email me if you have any questions ,i will help the best i can .
tight lines,
Brian