I did a search of this section of the forum for the “Water Strider” but I did not see anything come up about it.
This was recommended to me from one of the local shop owners. As I researched the possibility of getting into a personal fishing craft I was focused on the Pontoon style boats with the boats by Dave Scadden being my focus. I had been eyeballing the Skykomish Sunrise.
The big problem with this one is I would be using a craft in hard to access areas like the Taos Gorge. So ultimately these framed style pontoons really wouldn’t be that desirable in those situations. Well, honestly, they would not work at all having to hike into a launch site.
I wanted something more versatile that just a float tube so this Water Strider looks to be the ultimate option.
So I would like to see if anyone here has experience with this or has any gouge on similar products.
So, why not look at the North Fork Outdoors “Outlaw”? Bladderless pontoon, inflateable floor
Water Strider: $1,600. (allot of extra’s in there) and 33lb shipping.
NFO has the Rampage, the Challenger, the Renegade, and the Escape (all different lengths)
I have these Carbon Oars and there is nothing like them out there. They are FANTASTIC!!!.
I am sure weight is going to be close on both, but the advantage to the NFO…you can walk out instead of climbing over the end. You can later, purchase that Skykomish FRAME and put it on these boats (backwards like a Zodiac) and now even add a GAS or ELECTRIC motor.
They both offer the same thing with one being more versatile to me. Oh and sale prices are much less.
Not being a paddler, I can’t remember the name of the water craft that this one resembles, but it is the one that you can stand up in, with what the owner describes as many improvements. He is out of Hamilton, Mt., or thereabouts, and really is pleased with his boats. Try a google search and see if you can’t come up with some reviews.
The Outlaw and the Water Strider are very similar with the main difference being the Outlaw is open front and, like goddess said, it can be equipped with a frame. I think the Water strider is made out of a superior material but the Outlaw’s material is excellent as well. It is pretty much what your average whitewater raft would be made out of which is a very durable PVC material.
I am being told that the Strider is actually made of a Titanium Polyurethane Alloy, which sounds pretty damn tough to me.
It would be awesome to see a side by side float trip review with these two boats…
Must be, Timberline uses it for the toe of their work boots…LOL
I would like to see a NFO / Water Strider show down…
All I know, is this new bladderless stuff is some tuff stuff.
I really like the look of the NFO boats. They look high speed.
The Strider boat looks like something you bought at Walmart. I know that seems petty but it is what it is LOL!
Strider is also stating their boats are “expedition” quality now. These boats look bullet proof! The fabric used in making the Water Strider? raft is the very best available and the strongest and lightest in the industry. The raft material is made from PU (polyurethane) and PVC with a standard polyester woven base cloth. PU is a premium grade material that is four times more expensive than the material used in ordinary pontoon raft construction. By using this unique, premium grade material we have reduced the weight of the Water Strider raft by 25%. This produces the lightest, strongest kickboat made.
[LEFT] All seams on a Water Strider raft are hot air welded using a one-inch seam that is sealed on the inside edge, thus preventing porosity. All component parts on the outside of the Water Strider kickboat are RF (electronic radio frequency) welded into place. This process, along with the hot-air welding, makes the Water Strider raft the most durable one man or one woman raft there is. Glued seams have a shelf life and will rot with age. Other fabrics like Hypolon rot with age due to the destructive UV effects of the sun. Unlike other products, the Water Strider raft will literally last for generations.[/LEFT]
I have Used a water strider and there was only one reason I did not buy one and that was cost. They are a fantastic boat, and they certainly handle the rough stuff without any worries. On a lake they are easy to row or kick but on a river forget about kicking and concentrate on rowing, they are great fun and very versatile and they are easy to transport. The only down side is the cold, in the winter it gets cold with your legs in the water all day!
All the best.
Mike.
Take a look at the Wilderness Access EXP–looks like the Strider and is bullet proof. I have had one for about 4 years and it looks brand new. Cost between $1100-1200, and has the inflatable seat. Great boat!