[mtnwrkr]

Getting my tax return and was thinking of getting myself a little boat. I always wanted a jon boat with an electric trolling motor for lake fishing, is that the best option for fly fishing out of though? Looking for something stable enough to stand and cast in with room for a second person or sometimes my dog. Would a 12' row boat be stable enough(I know where I could get one with trailer in good shape) or should I be looking for a little pram? Thanks for your expertise on the subject, I'm new to boating.

 

[FlyBC]

A good used boat would be a Harbercraft Flyfisher and if you are looking to buy new the Spratley would be a really good choice as it is fully welded.
http://www.spratleyboats.com/index.htm

 

[Guy Gregory]

"I always wanted a jon boat with an electric trolling motor for lake fishing"

Well, then. Yes, it will hold you and your dog, yes it will do what you want, likely better than a 9 ' pram (though they're really nice, too). Get what you always wanted. It won't be your last.

 

[jcalderon]

Great thread. It was like you read my mind. I too, have been thinking Jon boat, or pram. id definitely love to be able to launch over on possesion and circle the island inshore as well.....

 

[yellowlab]

I loved my 10' Koffler whitewater pram. If I had the $$$ I'd buy another in the wide back version. Probably THE most widest and stable platform for you and your dog. I'll have to suffice with my Springcreek for now...

 

[willieboat]

Get the salt water trolling motor. You will want to fish in the salt.

Don

 

[jcalderon]

Whats the general consensus on a 12' koffler pram? I think this would make a great lake platform, and still perform well on rivers. Plenty of room for your dog and gear.

 

[Jim Wallace]

I think a 12' Koffler would be awesome as long as you don't mind trailering it. Once you start using a trailer, then a "little more" boat is a highly reasonable option. Just depends on what you really want and your needs.

 

[bigfun4me]

Here's my vote:

 

[Banff Visitor]

I have a Koffler 12' WW pram. It is a great little boat! Mine is a pretty old one, so it is a bit heavier, but I can take it on easy moving water and lakes, very versatile. I take my two little girls and they have a ball, and easily seats two adults with plenty of room. Very stable. you easily take your dog with two adults as well. If buying new I would absolutely look at the wide back version.
Bigfun, is that yours or is that a factory photo? Very nice looking.
Great boat.

 

[yellowlab]

I fished with Big Fun and have seen his boat, he isn't a small guy either, so if that boat can support his height and weight, it will easily support up to 2 anglers and a dog. The wideback is the way to go, and its stable enough to do most of all the rivers here in WA.

 

[bigfun4me]

Thanks Mike, that is my pram. It's the wide back style and performs much better than the narrow version I had previously.

 

[Richard E]

Budget? Always a consideration when selecting boats - wink.

If you don't mind trailering a boat, and you have an opportunity to get a 12' boat, I'd be all over that. Check it out and see how you like it; if it works, great, if not, you can sell it. There is always a market for row boats . . .

 

[jcalderon]

I dont mean to threadjack , my apogies. I am planning on ordering the wide back 12' tomoro. Just out of curiousity, i notice that the have a motor notch as an option. Anyone ran a small outboard on one of these?

 

[jcalderon]

also, big fun, is that the 10' model???

 

[Glenn Kramer]

This 12' Koffler pram is a very interesting boat. Does anyone have experience with it for close to shore saltwater work? Or...with a small gas kicker, like a 4HP Honda? Lokks like a boat that can easily be dragged up on a beach. Any input is appreaciated. Thanks!

 

[yellowlab]

yes, I've done it with my 10' Koff and 5 HP honda 4 stroke. Its a bit undergunned and you can't get on plane, but its ok for near shore work. An 8 or even 10 hp 2 stroke would be a better choice for the 12' boat.

 

[bigfun4me]

Jcalderon - my boat is the 10 ft. model. I have not used it with a gas motor.

Glen - I've put my boat in the sound many times with no problems. It is easy to drag around at 140 pnds.

 

[Glenn Kramer]

Thanks for the replies on the Koffler on saltwater use question. One more question, do your boat have transom notches (cut outs) for the motor. I'll be headed down to Albany, OR for the FFF Fly show in March and I am thinking to order one now that I can pick up during my visit, as Eugene is not far past Albany.

Again, many thanks! Glenn

 

[jcalderon]

Glenn, I just ordered my 12' koffler today. Got the wide back option and the motor wedge, Not the notched transom. I will have to run a long shaft motor, but it should all work fine.