The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hello all,

Need some help...

Does anyone remember the vendor/mfg of the inflatable kayak / kick boat in the middle building towards the parking lot (front)? They were based out of Montana, had an anchor system, motor possible, no frame, class IV rapid rating, green and not very heavy.

I grabbed some literature and a dvd from them, but somehow lost it.

Also, has anyone given these a test drive or any experience with them? They seemed pretty cool but pricey.

Thanks in advance,
LB

I think you are talking about Big Sky Inflatables



Buzz

I was, and thank you Buzz!

Now, anyone have thoughts on these?

Big Sky Inflatables, LLC

Missoula, Montana.

www.bigskyinflatables.com
1-800-239-7238

They sure did look nice.....

I do not have personal experience with these, but one of my buddies who was at the show (and is seriously considing getting one of these) used a similar type craft (i.e., a knock-off) and said that he basically was able to row circles around his fishing partners that were using pontoon boats. Especially useful when appraching a rapid and needing to get in the right line in a hurry.

It also seemed to me to be a "best of both worlds" compromise, having float tube characteristics in terms of lightness and the ability to use fins, but still sitting up off the water with oars as well. A very shallow draft contributes to the maneuverability, while the open front makes it easy, when in shallow water, to just stand up and cast, while the boat just stays with you. The owner also said that the seat was strong enough to stand on, and that they are working on perfecting a casting platform that would mount in the "foot hole" area. He said that it was approved up to Class 4 rapids as long as the rower was experinced.

It's a bit pricey, but seems like it's probably worth the money.