layout boats???

HonkerKnocker · 04-10-2008, 11:16 PM

Since our great president decided to give us a kicker check I decided that with the money Ive saved from OT and his check Im going to purchase a layout boat....My problem is however that I have no experience what so ever with these types of boats and all the different companies....Ive been looking at four rivers and they look like a very nice rig but the weight concerns me the 13'6 model is 110 pounds and thats gonna be hard to drag over a dyke....has anyone used marsh rats or aqua pods??? Id like something that I could mount an electric or small out board to and being able to throw the dog in it as well would be a bonus....can anyone recommend some other companies or boat styles??

Dave Smith · 04-11-2008, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HonkerKnocker

Since our great president decided to give us a kicker check I decided that with the money Ive saved from OT and his check Im going to purchase a layout boat....My problem is however that I have no experience what so ever with these types of boats and all the different companies....Ive been looking at four rivers and they look like a very nice rig but the weight concerns me the 13'6 model is 110 pounds and thats gonna be hard to drag over a dyke....has anyone used marsh rats or aqua pods??? Id like something that I could mount an electric or small out board to and being able to throw the dog in it as well would be a bonus....can anyone recommend some other companies or boat styles??

If you're going to take the dog, AND a four rivers is kind of out, I would consider the bigger aquapod. I think the problem is the price has gone through the roof. I bought one of the newly designed Marsh Rats last year and am in love with that boat. It is light as a feather, but soft and forgiving, unlike glass or kevlar (the other way to make a lightweight boat). It has floatation in the front and rear and tracks really well. I also like the blind system with the Marsh Rat- you're visibility is better than any other style out there. Lot's of guys take a dog with theirs- I don't.
Good idea to get a marsh boat, though- you will have a blast with it!

HuntNFishAddict · 04-11-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Smith

If you're going to take the dog, AND a four rivers is kind of out, I would consider the bigger aquapod. I think the problem is the price has gone through the roof. I bought one of the newly designed Marsh Rats last year and am in love with that boat. It is light as a feather, but soft and forgiving, unlike glass or kevlar (the other way to make a lightweight boat). It has floatation in the front and rear and tracks really well. I also like the blind system with the Marsh Rat- you're visibility is better than any other style out there. Lot's of guys take a dog with theirs- I don't.
Good idea to get a marsh boat, though- you will have a blast with it!

Good advice here from Dave. He knows a little about how to consistently find and harvest (my best politically correct phrase) waterfowl. I currently own one of the old marshrat's and it is great, but not the easiest to transport if you have walk a ways before paddling. One of my buddies has a 10' Aquapod and it is very similar to my rat.
JB

duckboy · 04-11-2008, 07:51 AM

I have a MOmarsh Fatboy, with blind and doors / seat that Id sell to you for $1000 firm.

She is more than I need in my garage at this point she's been used about 3 times over 1 season

jnicholson · 04-11-2008, 07:53 AM

You have to decide wether you want a real boat or a "kayak." There's a purpose and point for both.

If you want to check out my Final Approach boats I'll meet you at Vancouver Lake this weekend. From what I've seen it's the best of the best when it comes to boats.

BTW ... I have no business connection what so ever with these boats. All the boats were sold to a retailer in the midwest at a drastically reduced price when Bushnell bought Final Approach. I think you can probably buy one and have one shipped to your house for about what it cost to make them if they have any left.

John

jnicholson · 04-11-2008, 08:16 AM

Took me a while but I found it.

NON-SPONSOR CONTACT INFORMATION REMOVED

Rogers Sporting Goods in Liberty Missouri bought the FA Marsh Gunner boats. Tou can see what kind of deal they got by this webpage.

It looks like they'll ship the boat and layout blind package to you for $1,749.99

I think that's an amazing deal on a quality product and I hope some of you avid waterfowlers can take advantage of them while they still have some.

John

Frozen_Arrows · 04-11-2008, 10:14 AM

Aqua pod has a new line that is very reasonable!

www.attbar.com

TheJester357 · 04-11-2008, 10:56 AM

I bought my Marshrat last year and wouldn't trde it for all the aquapods in the world. Light and maneuverable, and you don't need a dog. Keeps my little lab rested up for the rest of the season.

Bob

jnicholson · 04-11-2008, 02:14 PM

There's a time and place for all these types of pods and boats. Glad I got the best of the best.

John

Quote:

and you don't need a dog.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bucky

jnicholson · 04-11-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frozen_Arrows

Aqua pod has a new line that is very reasonable!

www.attbar.com

I just went to the website and looked at the prices and boats myself.

While Rogers still has their discounted FA boats I would say that they are far more boat and layout blind for the money ..... far more!!!!!

John

BrotherWolf · 04-11-2008, 02:43 PM

Im a 4 rivers guys myself I have the 13'6 model , But yes it's a little heavier than the other's. But it's more stable than some of the others. The F.A boats are preety slick also. I have had alot of diffrent kindsof layouts over the years
and here is why I got what I got.

Marsh ratt... I couldnt get my shoulders tucked down inside low enough and no room for my dog, Other than that great boat.

Aqua pod 12' I wanted more of a lower profile boat and I couldnt put a gas motor on it.

Bob Cat Mag 1....loved that layout but it was a real blankety blank to pull across the mud flats, the bottom of the boat was so flat it would suction cup itself to the mud

Kara-I built one two dang heavy but a very stable boat.

So I finaly broke down and spent the extra money for the boat I wanted in the first place
4 rivers is one of the cream of the crop layouts...Just my 2 cents

HonkerKnocker · 04-11-2008, 08:28 PM

Thanks guys I really appreciate all the input....I love Ifish for this very reason because you can get such a variety of opinions from everyone....John I love the F/A boats but at almost two grand I could save another thousand and be looking at the used jon boat market....This is why I like the four rivers its half the price of the f/a its motor capable and there is some room in the 13'6 model for my lab...If the lab cant go then Im not going to hunt the spot because half the fun for me is watching the dog work and make hard retrieves....He's my best bud and without him hunting is just not the same...John it seemed like you had no problem with your dog in the f/a boat, quick question what hp motor do you have on your boat??

Tvfowlhunter · 04-11-2008, 10:00 PM

I like the design of the FA Brand Boat. I have a fiberglass Marsh rat and really like it. I would buy one of the Newer designed Rats, but me not being a normally sized guy I have to stick with the classic rat.

ogrejager · 04-13-2008, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnicholson

There's a time and place for all these types of pods and boats. Glad I got the best of the best.

That's a matter of opinion.

I'll stick with my 4 Rivers.

jnicholson · 04-13-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HonkerKnocker

Thanks guys I really appreciate all the input....I love Ifish for this very reason because you can get such a variety of opinions from everyone....John I love the F/A boats but at almost two grand I could save another thousand and be looking at the used jon boat market....This is why I like the four rivers its half the price of the f/a its motor capable and there is some room in the 13'6 model for my lab...If the lab cant go then Im not going to hunt the spot because half the fun for me is watching the dog work and make hard retrieves....He's my best bud and without him hunting is just not the same...John it seemed like you had no problem with your dog in the f/a boat, quick question what hp motor do you have on your boat??

That's a 3.3 Mercury. It doesn't get on plane but it scoots along pretty well. The boats are rated for a 7 hp. I'm saving for a newer 6 hp for the other boat. A 6hp will go very fast. The boats are incredibly stable. I've been told you can put a mud motor on them and run standing up as well.

John and Bucky

Headhunter · 04-13-2008, 07:17 AM

Is this a thread to discuss layouts (all types) or an advertisement for a specific layout boat?

BrotherWolf · 04-13-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnicholson

I've been told you can put a mud motor on them and run standing up as well.
John and Bucky

yep you can do that also on a 4 rivers... I run a 1955 johnson 5.5 on my 4 rivers

BrotherWolf · 04-13-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headhunter

Is this a thread to discuss layouts (all types) or an advertisement for a specific layout boat?

well that just a matter of opinion isnt It!

Besides I sell Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer Not layout boats. But there is a 4 rivers dealer in Oregon now.

boatdave · 04-13-2008, 08:51 AM

Beware the subversive plan, when you hunt from a "lay-out" boat that means you have to "SIT-UP" to shoot. Here's the kicker, sit-up is a term we learned in foot ball practice and is no fun when repeated all day. Doesn't any manufacture make a "barcolounger" boat with a turrent ?

BrotherWolf · 04-13-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatdave

Beware the subversive plan, when you hunt from a "lay-out" boat that means you have to "SIT-UP" to shoot. Here's the kicker, sit-up is a term we learned in foot ball practice and is no fun when repeated all day. Doesn't any manufacture make a "barcolounger" boat with a turrent ?

all day???? only maybe 7 times....if ya dont pick up a double...hehehe

Now a turrent would be awesome

jnicholson · 04-13-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headhunter

Is this a thread to discuss layouts (all types) or an advertisement for a specific layout boat?

If you're refering to me then I guess it's what ever you think it is headhunter. FA doesn't sell them anymore so I'm not in violation of any rules. Passing along a limited opportunity to ifishers is a favor not a problem.

John

Headhunter · 04-13-2008, 04:06 PM

John I don't understand? What do you mean?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnicholson

If you're refering to me then I guess it's what ever you think it is headhunter. FA doesn't sell them anymore so I'm not in violation of any rules. Passing along a limited opportunity to ifishers is a favor not a problem.

John