Car topper

[fmunoz]

Hi,
I'm thinking on getting a small boat or canoe that I can carry on top of my compact car, I don't want to get a pontoon or kayak because I want to be able to take my daugther with me (7 yr old). I have a Thule rack installed in the car (about 42" wide). This will be used in small lakes only. I also need to consider that I'm a bit on the heavy side. :)

Any sugestions?

Thanks,

Franklin

[tomc]

If you want a boat you are NOT talking about a canoe:p Get an inflatable (wash and wear out) on Craigslist. If your daughter likes boating for more than 45 minutes at a time (that is all you'll get). Then figure what you want in a boat.
Tom C.
Terrible 20's are worse than terrible 2's TRUST ME:beathead:

[fmunoz]

I had the impression that inflatables would be more problem than they are worth. As fo my my daughter liking it, she is the one asking me to get it, she loves fishing and is tired of being restricted to the shore/docs.

[Wayne Kohan]

I got a Walker Bay 8 foot from one of our other members last year. I car topped it on my Ford Explorer until I got a pick up this past year. My intent was to be able to take others (my kids) fishing. It has a capacity of about 380 pounds of people is all though, but that works well for me. I have used it on the lakes is all. It is a bit wide at its widest point, but worked well on top.

Now I'm looking at getting a real boat, possibly a raft or drift boat, assuming I can talk my wife into it. I would like to float some rivers with others (I have a pontoon.)

I think you can get away with any cheap boat to start with, and then graduate up as required by circumstances later. Fishing with the kids is fun.

Wayne

[chadk]

I had one of these for a few years and loved it. I could car top it by myself just fine. They are tough and stable enough for the kids.

I rigged mine up with a trolling motor (since it had the nice square stern)and that made it even more kid friendly and fisherman friendly at the same time.

Get one and take it to Rattlesnake or Pine with the kid. It will be a hit :)


http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/huntingFishing/predator_ss150.html

[fmunoz]

I got a Walker Bay 8 foot from one of our other members last year. I car topped it on my Ford Explorer until I got a pick up this past year. My intent was to be able to take others (my kids) fishing. It has a capacity of about 380 pounds of people is all though, but that works well for me. I have used it on the lakes is all. It is a bit wide at its widest point, but worked well on top.

Now I'm looking at getting a real boat, possibly a raft or drift boat, assuming I can talk my wife into it. I would like to float some rivers with others (I have a pontoon.)

I think you can get away with any cheap boat to start with, and then graduate up as required by circumstances later. Fishing with the kids is fun.

Wayne
Thats along the lines of what I've been thinking, do you know if there are any dealers close by (seattle area, east side preferable)? And what is the price range?

Thank you.

[fmunoz]

I had one of these for a few years and loved it. I could car top it by myself just fine. They are tough and stable enough for the kids.

I rigged mine up with a trolling motor (since it had the nice square stern)and that made it even more kid friendly and fisherman friendly at the same time.

Get one and take it to Rattlesnake or Pine with the kid. It will be a hit :)


http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/huntingFishing/predator_ss150.html
How stable is it? I would like a canoe since they are not that wide, but as you know kids don't tend to stay still. I guess I could also get some stabilizers for it, but that would raise the price about 200. Do you know any store that carries it locally? I know Joe's sells that brand but I haven't seen that model stocked.

Thanks

[Wayne Kohan]

Thats along the lines of what I've been thinking, do you know if there are any dealers close by (seattle area, east side preferable)? And what is the price range?

Thank you.

Just Google it. But check out Craigslist for all sorts of options. Used but less money.

Wayne

[chadk]

I got mine at GI Joes in Issaquah for about 800 or 900 (but that was about 10yrs ago).

And yes, those models are pretty stable. Just about as stable as a small alum boat like I've been using now. When fishing alone, I used to stand and cast just fine from it. With kids, as long as you are seated, they aren't going to be able to tip it.

[Itchy Dog]

Have you also a considered Porta-Bote?

[fmunoz]

Have you also a considered Porta-Bote?
They look pretty neat, but pricey, also I worry about durability, since it has all these "moving" parts, I wouldn't want to get it used.

[fmunoz]

I got mine at GI Joes in Issaquah for about 800 or 900 (but that was about 10yrs ago).

And yes, those models are pretty stable. Just about as stable as a small alum boat like I've been using now. When fishing alone, I used to stand and cast just fine from it. With kids, as long as you are seated, they aren't going to be able to tip it.
Thanks, that may be my best option, I'll try to locate one locally.

[Jim Wheeler]

Franklin,

A couple of comments in your post seem to jump out. You have 42" Thule bars, at some point you would like to take you 7yr old daughter and you a bit on the heavy side. The Thule bars are not a huge issue as you can buy longer bars to fit the boat. Taking your daughter is an experience that you will hold dear for the rest of your life. But, does she want to go. For her or for you? My daughter, now 14 went at 7 but doesn't go now at 14. It will come again and I will make a change when that happens. There are many boats out there. A canoe and the Walker bay have round chines (where the bottom and the side meet). As a design they are fast and easy to row. They are also not a good choice for stablity. If price is a top priority there was a company that built a pram style in roto-molded "tupperware". I think the company was Pelican (not sure) and the design was tailored on the 8' El-Toro sailboat hull design. Not real stable but better than a round chine craft. I talked with the company many years ago and they, at the time said that they had problems getting the boat out of the molding process due to the design. So, bottom line is that buy the "craft" that fits your current needs and when those needs change so may your watercraft. Have fun with your decision.

Jim Wheeler
Spring Creek Prams

[Dick Warnke]

The "Man" came to you himself. Do your self a favor and check out his Prams. :thumb:

[David Loy]

No kidding there!
I've admired Jim's boats for years. And would get one in a heartbeat if I didn't already have 3 larger boats and 2 smaller craft. I keep dreaming and scheming though. It'll happen some day. A hat for the canopy.

[delbertnipper]

Fmunoz,
If you're so inclined, building your own boat might an option. Check www.butlerprojects.com. They sell easy to read plans for a variety of boats, most of which can be car toppers.

[sroffe]

I have an inflatable for fishing more that me in my tube. They works well for my son and I. I shopped for quite while before finding an inflatable that have a nice inflatable floor but didn't look like a Zodiac. It's designed by Jim King in Alaska, it is originally designed at a boat tender. If it's something you plan on keeping for many years shop around for a quality boat.

Sam

[fmunoz]

Fmunoz,
If you're so inclined, building your own boat might an option. Check www.butlerprojects.com. They sell easy to read plans for a variety of boats, most of which can be car toppers.
Unfortunately that is not an option at this time...

Thanks