I'm looking into small inflatable boats to take on lakes. For the time being, I will not be getting a motor, so it is important that the boat be easy to maneuver with oars, and I'm trying to keep it under $200. The front runner for me right now is the Sevylor Fish Hunter HF-280. What have your experiences been with this boat? How long could I expect it to last? Recommendations for other boats are welcome.

 

Thanks!

Well...if I had it, it would last as long as it took me to snag it with a jig hook on a cast and rip a huge hole in it while I was out in the middle of the lake with $1000 worth of tackle winding up on the bottom.  But that's just me.....

Really bad idea imo unless you have 1 tiny pond to fish. These boats develop leaks and lose their shape with repeated inflations. They are not stable in wind/waves. Not efficient to paddle or to motor more than a couple hundred yards. And you will NOT be able to get a 27 size deep cycle TM battery on it without totally messing up its balance. Save a little extra and get a real boat you can use for many years, resell, store lots of gear in, use in non-ideal weather, modify/upgrade, etc.

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

I do not have enough experience with inflatables to offer useful input.

 

But there are a number of savvy, experienced and very successful bass angling members here who should be along to offer some advice, including what's already been offered.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

I can see it working in shallow ponds, but if you can wait I'd look for something a little bigger. I'm in my first inflatable, a 10' Zodiak with a yamaha 9.9 - bought used, 3 y/o. I keep it in the bay up in kennebunkport and tool around with the kids and fish out of it. I don't stray too far off the coast, but I do have confidence with it where I can take it out for distances and be in 30' feet of water. I'm in my 4th year with it and love it but I would love to upgrade as well.

 

Good luck.

Sea eagle 9 with hard floor