Joe,

At last years CWFI I was using my brand new Fatcat float tube when I got a chill in places that you shouldn't get a chill. My trusty Simms waders had finally sprung a leak and that lake water was dang cold (warm water fishery my eye, it was cold as the Dickens). While sitting in my brand new Fat Cat Float tube with cold water invading my waders I watched my fellow FAOLer's in their motor powered boat and drift boat casting comfortably in DRY clothes.

I would advise against a 14 foot aluminum boat with a 25 horse motor. I'm thinking of a 16 footer with a 48 inch beam and a 25 horse motor. Anyone who advises a wood boat must be a younger person in good physical shape. The maintenence on a wood boat is for the young or folks who can afford to have someone else do it.

REE