For about a year now I have been trying to decide on some form of personal watercraft. Like many, when I started my research I was looking for one that would meet all my needs. I soon learned there is no such thing as a single personal watercraft that would meet every criteria. I would get to a point that I would think I had finally made a decision and I would see a new post or advertisement about another boat and I would be right back at the beginning.
The boat that I am looking for is to be used on small stillwaters (anywhere from an acre pond to 50 acre lakes) and small slow rivers (Class I). Basically I want to be able to do more than just fish from the bank. If I want to fish large waters I will go with a bigger boat. I am looking for portability and ease of storage. I am also a big guy (6’2" & 255) and want stability and and high weight capacity.
I have liked the Water Master since I first saw it used on one of the Trout Bum Diary videos. I will also include the Water Strider and Wilderness EXP in this same category. I have also liked the looks of the Scadden lineup. I have been really intrigued by the standing platform on those. However, I recently saw the new additions to the lineup in the Outlaw series of frameless boats. I really like the looks of those. I would love to get something like a Spring Creek pram for the small stillwaters, but there just aren’t any down in my neck of the woods (Texas) and it would add to the cost significantly to get one shipped or drive up there to pick one up.
I have basically narrowed it down to the Water Master or the new Outlaw boats from Scadden. Can anyone shed some light on the pros and cons of one versus the other? Experiences, etc… Thanks!
I use a Scadden boat, but I think my needs are quit different.
As for the frameless Scadden boats, you can’t stand up without a frame.
Do you want a one person craft or 2 or more?
Sure, you can set up the XX models with only one frame. It’s lighter to pack around like that and you’ll have the second frame ready for visitors.
If you go with a Scadden boat with a standing deck, you’ll probably want to add a seat riser (7 inches). It makes it WAY easier to stand up. You’re also more comfortable when seated, but it makes fins difficult to use. They are a couple bucks less at a marine store or Cabelas, except that when you order it from dave, he sends the extra nuts 'n bolts etc as well as the shorter seat pins so it means less running around.
Looked at the Water Master…went with an Outlaw.
First off, I can turn my frame around, but I prefer the open front. I can walk out and walk in, no climbing over.
The Outlaw Frameless USE to have a standing platform attachment…ask Dave.
I can tell you, I had the seat that is on the Frameless for my Cardiac and it is very comfortable with two steel braces, so doesn’t collapse over time.
NFO are Bladderless and super strong material. The bags are huge and can double as an ice chest.
I can tell you why I chose the NFO over the WM, but, that is what appeals to my hubby and myself.
I have no experience with the Water Master however.
For the past nine or so years I have used a WaterMaster raft for my lake fishing. You can walk in the center and carry the raft with you but for longer treks I had a friend make a two wheeled cart with one axle shaft that the raft is bungeed onto. Works great. I have been out on some lakes when really heavy winds have hit, even had waves breaking over the bow of the raft once, but there was no problem to row myself across the lake to the far shore. I use two mushroom anchors and have tossed them out and waited out a wind storm right out in the center of the lake, just kept fishing downwind and had fun. I usually carry a medium sized ice chest on the platform behind me as well as a waterproof bag that contains my flies and leaders and such.
The WaterMaster raft is a very safe and comfortable vessel. I have never tried the Scadden boats so I can not make any kind of a judgment call on them.
Let me see I if can add to your confustion. I’m about two biscuits behind you on weight at the moment. I am currently fishing out of a Fishcat LCS 4 and love it. Most of my fishig is exactly what you described, small lakes about 25 - 30 acres typical. I have a FishCat pontoon that I use on larger lakes where I might need to cover more water in the same amount of time. A couple of years back I had a Dodge Magnum and could put my tube and another in it and the weight is less than 20 lbs. I can move up stream with a small current with ordinary swim fins also.
I picked up a WaterMaster this summer while I was visiting my brother in MT. I specifically chose the craft for the water we would be (and I still am) fishing. For the most part I fish moving water, but I still like to get my feet wet in local reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. Bottom line is, I love the WaterMaster. I used it in the Ruby, Bitterroot, and Yellowstone rivers in MT as well as a half-dozen stillwater locations here in northern CA. My brother also has the same boat and has rigged his with a platform in the front, giving him an amazing amount of room for storage and/or standing. The two of us are planning a multi-day river trip next year using these boats. I think one of the most appealing things to me was its portability (it fits in the trunk of my Honda) as well as versatility. There’s nothing like being able to stand up in some skinny water and work a seam that nobody else can touch.
You’re gonna have a tough time deciding, but bottom line is, I’d say ask yourself what kind of water you’re likely to be fishing most often, then decide on what water craft is going to serve you best.
I picked up a WaterMaster this summer while I was visiting my brother in MT. I specifically chose the craft for the water we would be (and I still am) fishing. For the most part I fish moving water, but I still like to get my feet wet in local reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. Bottom line is, I love the WaterMaster. I used it in the Ruby, Bitterroot, and Yellowstone rivers in MT as well as a half-dozen stillwater locations here in northern CA. My brother also has the same boat and has rigged his with a platform in the front, giving him an amazing amount of room for storage and/or standing. The two of us are planning a multi-day river trip next year using these boats. I think one of the most appealing things to me was its portability (it fits in the trunk of my Honda) as well as versatility. There’s nothing like being able to stand up in some skinny water and work a seam that nobody else can touch.
You’re gonna have a tough time deciding, but bottom line is, I’d say ask yourself what kind of water you’re likely to be fishing most often, then decide on what water craft is going to serve you best.
And FWIW, I’ve met and corresponded with the owners of WaterMaster (actually Big Sky Inflatables) and I have to say their customer service is awesome!
With all due respect…what is so different about the water you fish?
Isn’t that what everyone fishes?
And what exactly does the WM offer that the Outlaw doesn’t?
BUT as I said, you can walk straight out of the Outlaw, and not have to step OVER a tube.
Don’t forget, the OUTLAW is totally inflateable with no frame, so no advantage there, they both have storage to boot. Both USA (I guess, I know NFO is) built and very well at that.
With the foot brace hooked up for rowing, you can also just stand up in rivers and not have to chase your boat…just like the WM.
I don’t think what kind of water is going to help, because they both do the same thing.
and for the record, My Outlaw X5 has a bag also. About 50"x36"x12" and the whole frame, standing platform, rear deck and pontoon all fit in it. That fits in most trunks too, but I have a Grand Vitara.
Nothing different about the water I fish vs anybody else. I just meant to look at where you’re fishing and choose the craft that serves you best.
I didn’t say it, but all I can speak to is the WM. I have absolutely no experience with the Outlaw. All I can offer is what I’ve been able to do in my WM.
Certainly didn’t mean to step on anybody’s toes All I can do is offer input based on my limited experience. Choosing any type of gear is always going to be personal preference and deciding is one of those things that always leaves me in “analysis paralysis”
