fly fishing catamaran

Catamaran Lifestyle

Rocking and Rolliing in a Catamaran

The Ins And Outs Of Fly Fishing

It’s possible to spend over a thousand dollars just on instructional materials about fishing. Instead of going to all that trouble, why not just spend more time fishing? The following article can help you understand some of the ins and outs of how you can become a better fisher and make some great catches.

When bottom fishing using shad, snip the tail prior to putting it on the hook. That way, your bait will not spin around the line as it drops downward, and tangles can be avoided. To sweeten the deal, the scent of the severed tail is particularly appealing to fish.

If you fish at night, consider using a lighted bobber. Lighted bobbers are bobbers that have a light inside to help fisherman tell when they have a bite. The bobber will move up and down, alerting you to the catch.

When fishing on a boat, do your best to keep your floor surface as dry as you can. It could be dangerous if you should slip or trip, especially with sharp hooks and other equipment around. The easiest way to dry the boat’s deck is by using a towel.

Using sinkers is advised while fishing during the winter time. Sinkers give the line more weight which allows it to get deeper into the warm water where most fish reside during the winter. The number and size of sinkers used depends on your line and upon the depth of the water in which you are fishing.

Fly Fishing

You should give fly fishing a try! This popular style of fishing is exciting and fun, but is unique among other approaches. You should get the proper equipment if you are going to try fly fishing, including fly fishing rods, lures and different gear since you have to stand in water.

It is a good idea when you go fishing to bring along a scale. This helps you to determine which catches are worth keeping, as well as to record your own personal bests.

Fishing is a sport with a clear goal, which is to catch fish. So apply all that you’ve learned from this article in order to become successful when it comes to fishing. Next time you fish, you’ll come back a success!

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Best Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

20th oct 2023 by lenny rudow.

Choosing the best catamaran fishing boats is no easy task, because in this day and age, you have plenty to choose from. This wasn’t always the case, but in recent years more and more power catamaran fishing boats have been hitting the market. The reasons are simple: Whether you’re looking at an offshore fishing catamaran, inshore catamaran fishing boats, or small catamaran fishing boats, foot-for-foot they tend to run smoother and more efficiently than their monohull brethren. While all the types of fishing boats are different and each has its own advantages and drawbacks, as a general rule, if you want to get to the fish fast in rough seas, nothing is better than a powercat for the job.

It’s tough to try to sort through various builders and nail down the best fishing boat brands , and the increase in the number of catamaran fishing boat manufacturers means choosing the top picks in this genre is as tough as any other. So, which brands are best? Here are our top picks in some of the most important categories and why we think they make the grade.

Best Catamaran Center Console Boat Brands

This will be a very short section, because virtually all of the catamaran sport fishing boats being built today are center consoles. Yes, some manufacturers offer pilothouse models or cuddy cabins, but those that don’t offer a lineup consisting mostly of center consoles are few and far between. So, keep on reading—the manufacturers we call out as tops for the more specific categories below all fall into the category of best catamaran center console boat brands, as well.

Best Offshore Fishing Catamaran Brands

Offshore boats need to meet some prerequisites: they have to be large and competent enough to run dozens of miles from shore, have the fuel capacity for cruising hours on end, and of course they need all the fishing accouterments to handle big game pelagics like tunas and billfish. 

In many ways, Freeman is partially responsible for the current wave of cat popularity, because their 34- to 47-foot fleet was quickly adopted by a number of offshore fishing guides after they splashed their first model in 2007. Their boats are known for hat-stripping performance, often cruising comfortably at 50 mph or more, even in a head sea, with top-end speeds sometimes exceeding 70 mph. Tremendous fuel capacity and utterly massive fishboxes are some other traits the Freemans are famous for.

Invincible Boats offers a lineup including both monohulls and power catamarans, with center console cats ranging from 33 to 46 feet plus a 46-foot pilothouse model. These boats post spectacular speeds with cruising in the 50 mph range and often they can break 70 mph at top-end, thanks to semi-asymmetrical hulls with near-vertical inside walls. Invincible is also known for its advanced and customizable livewell systems. On the 46, for example, the boat can be rigged with up to four livewells up to 70 gallons each, fed by a sea chest system with as many as six pumps. 

When judged by the number of hulls built, World Cat is one of the biggest powercat manufacturers in existence, and the company has a lineup that starts small but includes five models from 26 to 40 feet that are up to the task of offshore fishing. They have all the basic fishing features, plenty of range, and comparatively good performance, but what they’re known for when matched up against the competition is a healthy dose of family-friendly features. Unlike some angling-dedicated offshore fishing catamaran models, the World Cats feature lots of comfy seating, roomy head console compartments, freshwater showers, stereo systems, and similar touches that can take the edge off a long day of fishing.

Best Inshore Fishing Catamaran Boat Brands

Inshore anglers can be just as demanding as the offshore crowd, and when the weather is right many of them will head into the open ocean as well. So, the main defining factor separating offshore fishing catamaran boats from inshore catamaran fishing boats is simply size. And often, the line between the two gets blurred. As a result, you’ll see some newcomers here, but some of the best catamaran fishing boat brands we’ve already talked about could easily pull a repeat performance.

Caymas is a newcomer to the catamaran world, having built only monohulls up to the 2023 model year. Their new 34, however, is an impressive boat which has offshore abilities and will also make an excellent inshore fishing machine. It rides on a set of twin-stepped hulls with 18/22-degree deadrise surfaces at the transom and 50/55-degree entries at the bow, features a Hooker sea chest livewell system with 70 gallons standard and an additional 50 gallons optional, and plenty of high-end perks like lighted stowage compartments, a JL Marine audio system, and USB ports at the helm.

Photo credit: Caymas Boats

Tideline is a small, semi-custom builder in North Carolina, and their boats can be difficult to find on the market, but we need to mention them here because they build a 24-footer that’s well known as one of the finest inshore hybrid fishing cats around. With twin 200-hp outboards, it boasts 50-plus-mph performance, has an utterly massive forward casting deck for slinging lures to gamefish like reds and specks, and hull draft is a mere 14 inches so it can sneak into the shallows where few anglers tread. 

Photo credit: Tideline Boats

Twin Vee does make some large models intended for offshore use but their 24- to 28-foot center console models are perfect for inshore angling. Better yet for many family fishermen who want a multipurpose platform, they also offer a pair of dual console 24-foot models. Twin Vees have a “compression tunnel” that packs air between the two hulls and compresses it as the boat moves forward, creating a cushion of sorts that makes for an unusually soft ride in choppy seas.

Photo credit: Twin Vee

World Cat is back as we discuss the inshore scene, thanks to models like their 235CC and 260 and 280CC-X. The 235CC is designed like a bay boat, with large fore and aft casting decks, while the 260CC-X features a very unusual drop-down transom design, with the livewell and fishbox shifted into widened aft gunwales. Like other World Cats, these boats have plenty of comfort features to go along with the angling perks.

Photo credit: World Cat

Best Small Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

“Small” is a relative term, and while 20- to 24-footers may seem like small catamaran fishing boats to some folks, they seem mighty big to others. However, the distinction is more or less moot because in the current marketplace, no major production builders drop down below 22 feet, seven inches of LOA (the World Cat 235CC). If you want a cat under this size, you can look for a custom builder or search the used boat market. Twin Vee made plenty of 19- to 22-foot boats in years past, Tideline made a 19, and when they were in operation, catamaran boat brands like Leader and Nautico made a number of powercats between 14 and 21 feet.

Choosing the Best Catamaran Brand For You

Are there some powercat brands out there that build a great boat, but we haven’t mentioned? Absolutely. Arrow Cat builds a pair of interesting cabin boats that aren’t 100-percent fishing machines, but do have semi-fishy cockpits that would work just fine for plenty of people. C Dory makes a 25-footer that falls into the same category. And Aquila , which traditionally built large cruising boats, has recently introduced a 28-foot center console billed as a fishing boat. Any of these, or others, could be the “best” brand for you, depending on your personal needs and tastes. But the power catamaran fishing boat manufacturers we’ve called out here are all arguably at the top of the heap—nd if you take one for a sea trial, we’re betting you’ll agree.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

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ArrowCat 420 Flybridge

Experience ultimate comfort & performance with our 42' flybridge cruiser.

There is nothing like the sensation of operating your yacht from the flybridge. The view ahead is better than any onboard, beautiful weather completely surrounding you as you sit atop the world en route to your next perfect getaway. If you’re looking for a boat that delivers both comfort and performance, ArrowCat’s power catamarans are the perfect choice. With the lower levels completely air-conditioned and offering a galley capable of gourmet meals, a salon that converts to a lounge accompanied by 2 staterooms and 2 heads, depending on your choice of layouts, ArrowCat is the obvious quality choice from an experienced boater’s perspective.

Specifications

Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors LOA Length over all – 41′ 9″/12.78 meters Beam – 14′ 9″/4.5 meters Draft – 20″/.5 meters Fuel – 400 gal/1514.2 liters Water – 100 gal/378.5 liters Waste: 40 gal/151.4 liters Disp Dry – 19,000 lbs Bridge Clearance (Top down) – 14’5″/4.4 meters (Top up) – 15’6″/4.72 meters

Standard Equipment

• Dining table (fold into coffee table)
• Flip-up aft bulkhead window port side with stainless steel bifold door to starboard
• Floor storage lockers in salon, 3 floor level LED at stairwells and passage ways and recessed dimmable LED lights above
• Forward quarter widows open
• Stainless steel fridge with freezer
• Three burner LPG stove
• Acrylic counter top with integral stainless steel sink faucet with pullout sprayer with fitted cutting board and fiddle
• Lockers and under bed storage, reading light with bedside light switches
• (2)Deck hatches with blinds and insect screen (forward berth only) and port light with shade
• Fully equipped head: electric toilet, hot/cold shower, shower sump pump, sink, mirrors, shelves, vanity
• Shower with glass door (S/S hinges and catch) height adjustable hot/cold hand sprayer
• Toilet (12v) purisan w/fresh water flush no odor from saltwater
• Black water holding tank: (120/30gal) with deck outlet and macerator pump out
• Coaming lockers (2 containing fire extinguishers for engine rooms and storage if inboard equipped)
• Foot level courtesy overhead LED and swim deck lighting switched from aft deck
• Stainless steel and acrylic stern gates (2) between aft deck and swim platform
• Swim platform with boarding ladder including storage bracket
• Transom stainless steel flag staff, removable
• Engine and lazarette hatches (2), self draining with S/S gas struts with lockable latches  
• Center helm w/controls & engine monitoring
• 12v power outlet
• LED floor lighting
• Helm seat on pedestal
• Port & starburst seating with removable cushions
• Storage under helm  
• 12v accessory outlet and dual USB outlet mounted at dash
• AC power outlets in each of following 2x salon, state room, head, galley and engine room Fischer Panda 5KW 12v
• Battery management system; 3 independent battery banks, engine and house battery emergency cross-over with automatic charging relays to allow engines to charge house battery
• Combi w/2×3500 watt inverter/100amp charger
• Digital vessel monitor AC/DC voltage, battery state of charge
• Water tanks level
• Galvanic isolator : 50A
• Shore power connection (30A 110v 60hz with residual current detector (RCD)
• Outlets in salon, galley, bathroom (s), berths, engine rooms with resettable breakers with shore pow-er and ships power interlock  
• Deck cleats (8) 2-bow, 2-stern. 4 midship, deck cleat at winch
• (2)Deck hatches at bow for ground tackle access
• Lewmar V3 anchor windlass with capstan for 3/8 G4 (10mm) chain, foot operated winch controls at bow, up and down and rocker switch at the helm
• Stainless steel anchor roller  
• Fresh water tanks: stainless steel, 2x300L(150 US gal)
• LPG Instant hot: hot and cold water: galley sink, head sink, shower in head, aft deck shower
• Raw water (deck wash) and outlet fitting in aft deck
• Black water holding tank; (120L/ 30 gal) with deck outlet and macerator pump out

Additional Options

• Mercury w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2×300 HP
• Mercury w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2×350 HP
• Mercury w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2x450R HP
• OXE DIESEL w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2×300 HP
• Yamaha w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2×425 HP
• Suzuki w/SS Props and Digital Controls 2×350 HP
• Joystick Control- Single Station for Mercury Outboards
• Garmin Fishing Electronics: GPSMAP 8612 12″ Display, Intergrated CHIRP Digital Sounder Module, 2000w Depth Sounder, Autopilot w/Display, gmr 24″ HD Radome, Muli-Display Repeater in Cockpit, VHF 300 Marine Radio w/Antenna & Mount
• Raymarine Fishing Electronics: 125 HybridTouchTM 12″ Display, DSM 300 Digital Sounder Module, 1000w Depth Sounder
• AIS- Automatic Identification System- Send and Receive Compatiable w/Primary Electronics
• Raymarine FLIR Night Vision System- MD-625 NTSC with JCU Bundled Fixed Thermal
• Camera Station Aft Deck
• Upgrade VHF with Forward Facing Hailer
• Sat TV Receiver Usable with Dish/DIRECTV in Continental US
• Stereo Remote Located Aft Deck
• Offshore 30 gal Bait Tank & High Volume Pump at Transom
• Outrigger Mounts, Recessed, Port/Starboard Hardtop, Taco GS270
• Power Sockets for 12v ElectrIC Fishing Reels
• Electric 2-Burner Stove 120/220 vac
• Lower Cabinet Mounted Convection Microwave Oven
• Spectra Newport 109 I/h 700MKII Watermaker with Fully Automated Operation
• Aft Deck Transom- Cabinet with Propane Grill
• Rear Awning with 2 LED Flood Lights
• S/S Frame Work Hand Rails and 6 Stern Rod Holders
• Upgrade House Battery Bank to 22kW (16.5 Included standard)
• Lighting Package: Underwater Blue LED Lights, Walkway & Cockpit Floor’s
• Lighting, Blue LED
• Remote Search Light- Aft Facing

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• February 12, 2024

The Invincible Boats 40 Catamaran: Luxury Fishing Like Never Before

Meet the game changer in fishing.

Gone are the days when fishing trips were just about catching fish. In today’s world, they’re about soaking in the adventure in style and utmost comfort. When the Invincible Boats 40 Catamaran hit the scene in 2017, it fundamentally changed the game for both serious fishing enthusiasts and those who revel in pleasure cruising. It brilliantly merged the thrill and speed of a powerboat with the unmatched stability and expansiveness of a catamaran, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Its introduction was not merely about a new type of boat – it was about opening up new possibilities for adventure on the water, making every journey as luxurious as the destination itself.

What Makes It Special?

This isn’t just another boat on the water. The Invincible 40’ has set itself apart with its expansive 40 feet 2 inches length and a generous 12 feet beam, offering unparalleled space without compromising on the exhilaration of speed or the confidence of stability. The brilliance behind its design, credited to the legendary Morrelli & Melvin, manifests in its semi-asymmetrical hull that slices through even the roughest waves with grace, ensuring a smooth and dry ride. Its capability to accommodate powerhouse engines up to 1,800 horsepower, coupled with an impressive fuel tank capacity of 800 gallons, arms it with a staggering range exceeding 750 nautical miles. These specs aren’t just numbers; they’re your ticket to exploring farther reaches of the ocean with confidence and comfort, making every trip an exploration of the limits of luxury and adventure.

Designed with the Fisher in Mind

For those who take their fishing seriously, the Invincible 40’ transforms the open sea into a playground. Offering unparalleled 360-degree walk-around fishability, it ensures that you have full access to the water from any point on the boat – a feature that significantly enhances the fishing experience by offering versatility and ease. The thoughtful addition of a built-in side dive door is a testament to its versatility, making it effortless to bring onboard larger catches or providing an easy entry into the water for diving and swimming. Further illustrating its commitment to catering to a variety of sea activities, its flat transom and optional features like underwater lights make it the ultimate vessel for anyone looking to go beyond fishing, embracing a lifestyle of adventure and luxury on the water.

It’s All in the Details

It’s often the small details that transform a good experience into an unforgettable one. The Invincible 40’ goes above and beyond in this aspect, ensuring every detail is geared towards enhancing your experience on the water. From the reliability of AGM sealed batteries to the practical elegance of under gunnel lighting for those early morning or late evening adventures, every feature is designed with intentionality. Its advanced design extends to practical features such as built-in anchor lockers and a meticulously finished bilge, ensuring that every aspect of your journey on the water is both effortless and enjoyable. These details aren’t just about functionality; they’re about creating an environment where every moment on the water becomes an occasion to revel in the beauty and thrill of the sea.

The Invincible 40’ Catamaran isn’t just an exceptional boat; it’s a gateway to a whole new level of luxury and adventure on the sea. At Fly Yachts, we understand the allure and the call of the open waters, and we recommend the Invincible 40’ as the ultimate companion for anyone looking to elevate their experience on the sea to unprecedented heights. Whether it’s the thrill of the chase in fishing or the serene pleasure of cruising, the Invincible 40’ is ready to transform every journey into an unforgettable adventure. Ready to embark on a journey like no other? Reach out to a Fly Yachts team member today and let the adventures begin.

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25' AmeraCat

The 25' AmeraCat is the first ever fully functional single engine catamaran fishing boat. The 25' AmeraCat is now available to the public.

Commercial Catamarans

AmeraCat is an exceptional platform for many types of government, law enforcement, and commercial use. AmeraCat is presently in service with St. Lucie county Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Dixie County Sheriff’s office, Sanibel Island Police Department and Ft. Pierce Harbors Pilot’s Association meeting and exceeding their expectations for tactical operation requirements everyday on the water.

27' AmeraCat

AmeraCat took the original 27′ Gen1 power catamaran and changed things up a little. We added higher gunnels, more displacement and added more interior space by increasing the beam to 9′. The 27′ Gen2 is great for any recreational or commercial use and can be fully customized to meet your needs. With great handling from this center console fishing boat, docking the 27′ Gen2 is a breeze.

31' AmeraCat

AmeraCat wanted to design a power catamaran that was in between 27′ and 39′, that is why we created the 31′ AmeraCat center console power catamaran. We feel that for the sport fisherman, this is one of the best offshore fishing power catamarans we offer. Great for Charter Boat Captains as well as the everyday fisherman.

AmeraCat Custom Catamarans

If you are ready to demo one of our Commercial or Recreational Offshore Fishing Catamarans, click the link below or call us directly at (772)359-3641.

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AmeraCat Power Catamarans

AmeraCat offers a variety of Center Console Fishing Catamarans, ranging from our 25' AmeraCat Hybrid to our 39' AmeraCat. All of our models are made with NO WOOD, rather with high density foam and hand laid construction. All of our offshore fishing catamarans are custom built to your specifications and you always deal with an owner of the company, not a salesman. Click below for more information.

Commercial Power Catamarans By AmeraCat

AmeraCat is an exceptional platform for many types of Government, Law Enforcement, Towing vessel and any Commercial use. AmeraCat is presently in service with St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Dixie County Sheriff's office, Sanibel Island Police Department and Ft. Pierce Harbors Pilot's Association meeting and exceeding their expectations for tactical operation requirements everyday on the water.

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Build Your Own Custom Catamaran With AmeraCat

Choose all of your upgrades and choose all of your own unique specifications for your new AmeraCat Fishing Boat. We have many different options to add to your new Power Catamaran. Add features like additional rod holders, outriggers, down riggers, dive platforms, bolster cushions, or any of our custom upgrades. We want you to build your offshore fishing catamaran just the way you want it. Click the link to create your custom catamaran.

Options/Accessories

Options To Fit every Need

When it comes to creating your custom offshore Fishing Catamaran, it is important to have all of the accessories you need. Whether creating an offshore fishing machine, dive boat or just your regular offshore cruising boat we have all of the custom options you could need. We design everything unique to your own specifications. We want you to be able to have your boat just the way you want it. We have below a few options for you to view. Be sure to add any custom options in the Build-A-Boat form when you are ready to design your AmeraCat.

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"Descent" features a crew of climber-anglers facing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to “middle Earth” to fish for an isolated population of native rainbow trout.

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Floating in Style: Top Drift Boats of 2024

Drift boats help you search through miles of river quickly and effectively. here are the top models on the market today..

Drift boats help you search through miles of river quickly and effectively, and they allow you to fish alongside shoreline structure with clear, unobstructed casting lanes. A boat is also likely to be the most expensive piece of fishing tackle you own, so finding a boat that matches your fishing style—and your home water—is critical. Photo John Fedorka

This story was originally titled, "Chose Wisely: Finding the drift boat that's best for you." It was posted to flyfisherman.com as "Top Drift Boats of 2019" and has now been updated as the "Top Drift Boats of 2024," with current models and features. 

Author's Note: With advances in technology and manufacturing things change. And in a world that seems to be going faster, here’s an updated review of drift boat manufacturers. You’ll want to keep up to speed for that critical decision of a lifelong investment for when you want to slow life down on the water.

With two swift oar strokes, the whole world slows down, cueing your fishing companions to hit that subtle seam, pocket, drop-off, or take the time to look for that discreet lie. Your partner executes the perfect cast, and it all comes together. With rod held high, the world is right.

Trout test the skills of both the rower and the angler as you slide left to right through a maze of boulders, rocking through the rapids, and into the calm of the next pool where you see a sleek speckled package of wildness slide to your net. Releasing it back to the cool depths, you crack an ice-cold can of SweetWater 420. Cheers to your mates: the trout that lured you to this remote and otherwise unreachable stretch, and to the ultimate fishing craft that afforded it all to you, the drift boat.

When tracing the roots of the modern-day drift boat, it’s generally agreed among historians and trout bums that it is distinctly from Oregon. However, there is some debate about its older influences, which some believe to be the eastern Grand Banks dory.

Like most rowboats, dories were intended for escapades in the bay, calm seas, lakes, and casual flowing rivers. Although they were stable for these pursuits, they had shortcomings when it came to safely and comfortably floating and fishing whitewater rivers like the McKenzie and Rogue.

Scotland native Donald McKenzie of the Pacific Fur Company was one of the first documented white men to explore and float his namesake river around April of 1812. Following the fur traders, settlers began migrating into the McKenzie River area in the mid-1800s. The first cattle drive along the McKenzie River Trail took place in 1859, the first wagon road opened in 1862, and the first resort hosted guests in 1886.

It didn’t take long for the river and its wild trout to capture the attention of anglers. Carey Thompson Sr. in 1909 is thought to be the first person to take a fisherman for hire down the McKenzie.

Carey used flat-bottom wide-planked rowboats 18 to 22 feet in length, and about 3 feet wide on the bottom. The interior was modified to accommodate one and sometimes two anglers. These boats served their purpose, but the excessive weight and limited rocker required constant work on the oars, often leading oarsmen to refer to them as “old scows.”

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In 1920, 19-year-old John Shirley West began guiding on the McKenzie using a similar flat-bottom planked boat. West desired a boat that was easier to manage, one that two anglers could carry, and was more stable and less prone to swamping. This led John and his brother Roy to build the first boat with a bottom length less than 16 feet.

The West design remained the guide preference in the region from the 1920s through the 1950s and was often referred to as a “bathtub with oarlocks.”

In the decades that followed, Veltie Pruitt and Tom Kaarhus modified and improved the West design. Pruitt shortened the boat, adding thinner, lighter planks running the entire length of the vessel.

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Kaarhus used plywood to improve maneuverability and durability, and began selling kits in addition to his finely crafted finished boats, making the boats more accessible than ever.

With Woodie Hindman’s final design of the “double ender,” (both a pointed bow and stern) the McKenzie River drift boat as we know it today was finally birthed. It’s not clear exactly when we started calling them drift boats, but these stable boats with wide, flat bottoms, flared sides, a narrow, pointed bow, and a pointed stern have long been the favored craft of fly fishers.

The shape and constant rocker from stern to bow allows rowers to slowly navigate rapids (or pause for rising trout), you can spin the boat with ease, and carve effortlessly through the biggest of waves. Most important, these boats provide a stable platform for casting, and for fishing while standing.

And though it is hard to beat the romanticism associated with wooden boats, it is impossible to ignore the practicality of modern polymer, fiberglass, or aluminum construction. With these modern materials and technology we have lighter, more durable, and better-handling boats than our predecessors, with variations that can accommodate any situation.

I like to compare drift boats to motor vehicles. For example, a traditional high-side drift boat might be comparable to an extended-cab pickup truck—a jack of all trades, but master of none. They have plenty of space for cargo, and are maneuverable enough to handle every situation adequately.

A low-profile design is comparable to a 4-door luxury sedan, less wind resistance, comfortable/spacious amenities, quick and maneuverable with some get-up-and-go, but less able bodied for the off-road conditions that are Class IV rapids.

A skiff style is comparable to a two-seater convertible, impervious to wind, highly maneuverable, but without the space of the pickup or sedan. You wouldn’t want to take these on overnight camping/fishing excursions.

And recently manufacturers have created hybrids that I’d compare to an SUV, blending the best attributes of the high side and low side for a craft that is more stable, with slightly better handling characteristics, and plenty of interior space for gear, dogs, and friends.

Most manufacturers offer these styles of drift boats with their own variations on dimensions, hull design, and interior appointments. And like fly rods, angler preference for boat models and styles is a highly personal thing.

I was in the market to buy a new drift boat, and as I researched and rowed just about every model from each manufacturer, I can honestly say I’ve never rowed a boat I didn’t find at least one reason to love. Like my father always says, there’s a right tool for the job whether it’s carpentry, golf, cars, or catching trout.

Before you can decide on the best drift boat for you, you’ll need to forecast where you’ll use the boat most frequently. Is the wind challenging? How daunting are the rapids? What cargo will you be carrying? Is your fishing buddy 250 pounds or heavier?

Before you take the plunge, carefully assess how and where you’ll be using your new boat, and carefully review the strengths and weaknesses of what I consider the top drift boat models on the market today, detailed below. 

RO Drift Boats: Low Side Guide

MSRP: Contact RO Ready to fish weight: 395 lbs. Centerline: 15’8” Beam: 80” Bottom: 5’6” Gunwales: 18” Oarlock Height: 25”

RO is known as an industry-standard in its southwest Montana home and rivers across the world. Pulling into McAtee Bridge access during the peak of the salmonfly hatch, it’s hard not to notice the number of RO boats dunking into the Upper Madison.

The Low Side Guide (LSG) has become very popular with the same hull footprint of the RO Pro-Guide model, low-profile sides similar to its Deville, and upgrades to the interior. What sets this boat interior apart is the add-on of the upgraded built-in Big Sky Rod Box which can be added to one or both sides. The latter provides exceptionally secure storage for expensive rods and reels along with extra room for fly boxes, tippet spools, and other gear. Additional storage is under the rower’s seat, stern seat, and bow.

The Nomad design leaves space and a clean path for anglers to move around the boat without stepping on or over anything and accentuates RO’s already clean interior. The front seat is an easily removable pedestal for multi-day floats or a waterproof dog bed. The LSG provides the spacious design and the stability of a high side and also lets you run big wave trains without that hint of anxiety you feel in some other low-profile or skiff designs.

The LSG has found that sweet spot of maneuverability and stability. Rowing it feels natural and intuitive, stalling out in moderate to heavy current is almost effortless. One of my favorite features from RO is the double roller on the trailer, making the already light boat seem feathery even at the unofficial boat accesses you find on every good stretch of river.

Visit rodriftboats.com .

Boulder Boat Works: Pro Guide Low Profile

MSRP: $14,995 Ready to fish weight: 375-400 lbs. Centerline: 15’5” Beam: 74” Bottom: 54” Gunwales: 17” Oarlock Height: 20”

With their modern VHMW-PE (very high molecular weight-polyethylene) hull design, Boulder Boat Works drift boats are designed to be indestructible. But with classic ash wood trim, you also feel classy when sitting in the rope seats of a Pro Guide Low Profile. It has all of the aesthetics of a classic wood boat, and functionality to spare for hardworking fly-fishing guides.

With the lightweight hull, these boats are designed to provide the comfort and amenities of a hard-side drift boat, but skim through shallow riffles like a raft. This is quickly evident when you row this boat, and it also translates to responsiveness and maneuverability in deeper water. In moderate to heavy current, the boat tracks effortlessly while ferrying from bank to bank.

Aside from its inherent durability, my favorite result of the hull material is its silent nature when bumping against boulders and sleeper rocks. Floating with my friend and Colorado guide Brandon Sousie on the Roaring Fork, he insisted that I ram a few rocks for demonstration purposes. The boat refused to stick or get high-centered, even with three big guys and a Lab on board.

Pro Guide boats are available in either a low-side or a high-side design and come equipped with a YETI cooler for the rear angler seat base, dry storage under the rower’s bench and bow bench, and quick-access storage for four rods. The standard galvanized trailer comes with a secure seat for the anchor, and when guiding 100 days a year, saving that extra 20 feet from vehicle to carabiner is a nice touch.

Visit boulderboatworks.com .

Hyde: XL Low Profile

MSRP: $13,500 (Fully loaded as seen: $19,100) Ready to fish weight: 395 lbs. Centerline: 16’ Beam: 76” Bottom: 56’5” Gunwales: 17’6’ Oarlock Height: 25”

The first things you notice about Hyde’s XL Low Profile are the conspicuous dips in the gunwales of this “extra-long, easy entry & exit” Hyde drift boat. These low points midway up the bow and midway down the stern create attractive lines and make it easier to get in and out of the boat.

Once you are inside the XL Hi/Low you’ll notice that it’s similar to the other Hyde’s you’ve rowed or fished from, though it’s fair to say that with all the customizable options, you rarely see two Hyde’s that are exactly the same (which accounts for the variance in price).

Because of Hyde’s aluminum rail system, you can organize and adjust your boat for any adventure. The rear leg brace is easy to remove, leaving just a flush baseplate and providing more storage space. And by popping out the pedestal seat, you can fill the boat with enough gear to outfit a multi-night trip. The raised floor in the center of the boat gives you a dry area to operate and collects water where it’s easy to bail out.

The hull’s bottom design and rigidity make it easy to row this boat back upstream even in moderate current. Blitzbound Guide Service’s owner Jason Dapra also pointed out to me how the rigid design is noticeably quieter than flexible bottom designs in that you do not hear that distinctive water slap on the bottom of the boat. This became more evident to me when creeping up on snobby late season trout.

A jack of all trades, the boat is tougher to handle in slow water with windy conditions, but the storage and stability in heavy water make it a good choice to push through those Class IV rapids.

See more at hydeoutdoors.com .

Cajune Boats: Recurve

MSRP: Custom builds start at $35,000 including trailer, cover, and oars Ready to fish weight: 350 lbs Centerline: 16’8” Beam: 73” Bottom: 58” Gunwales: 18’1” Oarlock Height: 21”

In one word after stepping foot in a Cajune drift boat: Craftmanship.

Cajune boats (formerly Montana Boat Builders) are fully custom-designed-to-specification hybrid wood/modern material drift boats. The company was founded in 1988 in Livingston, Montana by guide Jason Cajune whose first client was Lady Bird Johnson.

The Recurve is his most popular model. Its flowing lines are pure elegance, while its low sides make for easy entrance and exit. Jason makes a handful of these fully custom builds annually. They take between 300 and 500 hours to build and the price reflects that. No attention to detail is spared including the in-shop hand pouring and molding of pure bronze oarlocks and anchor pully arm.

The hull is a Kevlar composite and is reinforced by carbon fiber which is both stable and durable. It is available in any color. The floors are made of shiny ash or mahogany wood and easily removable for maintenance.

If you’ve bought or shopped around for a boat, you know the modern narrative is that glass or high-density polyethylene or other materials are superior, and wood is obsolete being heavier and requiring maintenance. And while these materials certainly have their place, Jason has been able to develop a boat with the same handling capabilities of modern boats in comparable size-for-weight models in fully custom boats with the functionality of modern materials and beauty and aesthetics of wood.

Angling brings us to some of the most pristine and beautiful places in the world and Jason’s craftmanship complements this nicely. The one downside of floating in this boat is when you’re looking for solitude you’ll notice, fellow anglers cannot help but converse and compliment your boat when they pass by.

Check out cajuneboats.com for more information. 

Clackacraft: Eddy

MSRP: $14,295 Ready to fish weight: 385 lbs. Centerline: 15’11” Beam: 78” Bottom: 56” Gunwales: 17’6” Oarlock Height: 23”

The Eddy evolved from the wildly popular LP model, with key differences being a wider transom and shorter beam. This translates into more stability and better weight-carrying capacity in the rear of the boat.

The rower’s seat has a cubby for dry storage as do both other seats, and there is a cubby under the bow. The thigh braces in the front and back are minimalist but sturdy, leaving a clean interior to further complement the free and open 360-degree design. There is storage for three rods on each side.

Stalling out in heavy flows with a full boat is surprisingly easy. Ferrying from bank to bank was quick and faultless, and I was impressed at the boat’s ability to slither down gravel bars with its flexible bottom.

Noted Upper Delaware Outfitter and Busy Beaver Lodge owner Steve Taggart spent over 25 years guiding out of his previous Clackacraft so I asked him why he chose the Eddy when upgrading to a new boat.

“Great handling and versatile,” was his response. When someone has spent that much time on the water you pay attention. This has become Clackcraft’s most popular model across the country and for good reason.

Click here to go to clacka.com .

Adipose: Flow

MSRP: $17,400 Ready to fish weight: 390 lbs. Centerline: 15’4” Beam: 74” Bottom: 58” Gunwales: 17’11” Oarlock Height: 22”

Originally utilized in the flats skiff industry and new to the drift boat industry, Adipose has upped the ante on the manufacturing end by being the first major drift boat company to implement “Resin Infusion” technology into their hull production.

This process is cleaner for the builder but also provides a critical consistency in resin application by utilizing a heavy-duty bag around the hull and vacuum that provides constant pressure during application. This is significant in that it effectively shaves 50 pounds off of the hull making boats lighter, stiffer, and more durable. Fifty pounds may not sound significant but when you’re a full-time guide putting 150-plus days a year on the water, you’ll notice the difference.

From the rower’s seat, there didn’t seem to be any downside in the boat’s handling ability in just about any kind of normal fishing terrain. If you are a skilled oarsman, you should have no trouble with the Adipose Flow in Class III rapids and easier. The Springfield Power Pedestal seats are easy to move up and down, and because the seats move way up to almost standing height, this is truly the only boat you’d ever want to fish out of while sitting down–in most drift boats the bow and gunwales are just too high in the front to fish while sitting.

There is plenty of walk-around space, two-way 10-foot rod trays on either side to fit more than enough rods for three anglers fishing assorted rigs, and the line keeper for the front angler is the best on any boat I tried. One of the downsides is the lack of built-in dry storage, but on my last trip in the Adipose Flow we comfortably fit three anglers, a dog, YETI 45 cooler, Patagonia boat bag, and a large dry bag without issues. It didn’t seem like storage space was an issue.

I think they’ve hit a sweet spot here in a comfortable, balanced fishing craft for day-tripping on many great trout rivers like the Missouri, Bighorn, and the Delaware.

Visit adiposeboatworks.com .

Blue Ridge Boat Works: King Fisher Skiff

MSRP: $18,000 Ready to fish weight: 460 lbs. Centerline: 14’6” Beam: 70” Bottom: 58” Gunwales: 15’11” Oarlock Height: 21”

The King Fisher Skiff, designed by 25-year veteran guide Brownie Liles, was built for guides and hardcore fishermen which is evident in every facet of its design. The hull is made of welded VHMW (very high molecular weight polyethylene) which can handle a lifetime of serious abuse. Like the Boulder Boat Works hull, rock strikes are near silent compared to your fiberglass-hulled boats.

One thing that sets this skiff apart is that you can take some decent-sized rapids without taking on water. With its wide footprint this boat is exceedingly stable in heavy water or even when you’re standing on the gunwales trying to get that extra few feet cast to distant rising trout.

The cut-away handles in the bow are a nice touch if you’re guiding on a river that is prone to low flows and gives you the leverage needed to pull the skiff through un-floatable sections. Weighing about the same as a regular drift boat, skiffs float higher because they have flatter chines, greater surface area, and therefore a larger displacement. That said, this model draws just 3.5 inches of water with no anglers and roughly 5.5 to 6 inches with three anglers.

This interior is very minimalist and likely the cleanest design I’ve ever been in which is nice for preventing dreaded line snags and irritated clients if you’re a guide. The front has a cargo net to secure dry bags and various accessories. Rod storage is open and minimalist–secured by a bungee–but ample enough to handle rough roads and a bouncing trailer. The seats are manufactured by Millennium Marine and are comfortable and maintenance free being composed of aluminum and nylon. The rower’s seat is atop an Orion Cooler which is removeable for cleaning and convenience.

Looking for a no-frills, maintenance-free, bomb-proof guide boat for low water? This boat is for you.

All parts, options, and accessories are made and manufactured in the USA.

Go to Blue Ridge Boatworks for more. 

John Fedorka lived for nine years in Montana where he attended Montana State University and worked at the Bozeman Angler. He currently lives in Shohola, Pennsylvania, near the Upper Delaware River.

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" > " > FLYCRAFT USA

The stealth 2.0, which flycraft is best for you, flycraft inflatable fishing boats.

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Tour the Stehekin Valley

Take a day trip to the headwaters of Lake Chelan.  You may be familiar with the lower reaches of the lake, but the upper 30 miles can only be accessed by boat.  There are no roads into the wilderness of upper Lake Chelan.  Let us show you a side of the lake few get to see, in the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range.

Reserve your date today

Stehekin Tours

Cruise beautiful Lake Chelan in the Lake Chelan Boat Company’s “Lady Liberty” catamaran 55 miles into the heart of the North Cascades to the remote community of Stehekin and join one of tours during your layover.  Explore Stehekin by bus at a leisurely pace with a local guide.    Add a bike rental option for a more active experience.  If you are staying in Stehekin already, you are very welcome to join any of our tours!

Fly Fishing Tour for 2

Come fish the Stehekin River with the experienced guides at Stehekin Fishing Adventures. Your guide will meet you at the dock when the “Lady Liberty” arrives in Stehekin, get you outfitted with gear, and you’ll be on the river by 10 for 5 hours of fly fishing on the secluded Stehekin River. Your trip includes fly fishing gear, and lunch from the Stehekin Pastry Company.  Beginners and experienced anglers are welcome.  Includes your round trip Lady Liberty tickets.   $769.00 + tax

Stehekin Fishing Adventures

Stehekin Cedar Cabin

Phone:  509-859-6070 Email:   [email protected]

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Sea Cat 260 Hybrid: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide

• Updated: December 11, 2020

Sea Cat merged the best of a bay boat and an offshore catamaran, creating the Sea Cat 260 Hybrid.

There is more than 100 years’ combined experience in building high-performance offshore-racing boats under their roof, and they use a lamination schedule formulated by one of the industry’s top naval-engineering firms.

Sea Cat 260 Hybrid

Catamaran hulls come in pairs, but so do other features in the Sea Cat 260 hybrid: two fuel tanks of 60 gallons each, two livewells at 25 gallons per, as well as a pair of Suzuki outboards—up to 600 hp combined—each served by its own fuel tank and battery.

We drove one, and the ride is exemplary. Draft is a shallow 14 inches, ideal for bay fishing while using a bow-mount trolling motor. It planes easily on one of its dual outboards and is happiest in a brisk chop, ably sliding through it, giving the passengers a terrific ride. Then while fishing, it’s as steady as a Falcon 9 landing barge.

It has at least two distinctive skill sets too: fishing inshore or heading offshore. Of survey respondents, 77 percent fished inshore species in the previous year, 54 percent offshore. That’s a substantial overlap.

An aft foldaway seat meets the needs of 44 percent of offshore CC anglers. It’s flanked by a pair of lighted 25-gallon pressurized livewells, enough to please 96 percent of those surveyed. Six gunwale-mounted rod holders match or exceed what 68 percent need.

The massive bow fishing platform tops cavernous storage compartments. In-deck fish boxes in wide passages between helm and gunwale are 7 feet long. One can become a rod locker with an added rack; the other can be divided for more-efficient ice use.

Fishing-friendly options include a fiberglass T-top, custom helm seating housing a custom tackle station, a (third) forward livewell, rod-locker seating with backrest, additional rod holders and T-top rocket launchers, and Llebroc bow cushions and bolsters, for the 40 percent who call it important in a CC fishing boat. Other options include MinnKota factory-installed trolling motor, Wet Sounds speakers, and Garmin or Simrad electronics.

With the twin Suzuki 300 hp motors that Sea Cat recommends, the 260 Hybrid tops out in the mid-60s mph.

Survey Says: On Target

• Massive and flexible storage for fish and gear
• Top-quality hardware, hinges, latches and cleats
• Good fuel efficiency for long range with dual Suzuki outboards
• There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place
• A dream come true for everyone involved
• A unique hybrid

Reader Response

• “Smooth riding in rough waters, roomy for fishing”

Fuel Capacity: 120 gal.

Dry Weight: 4,900 lb. plus power

Max HP: 600

seacatboats.com , (228) 206-4042

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Next stage is trolling inshore along the reef line. There you will have a chance to catch predators like barracuda or snapper.

You are always welcome onboard with your equipment. You can use any tackle you bring with you. Wobblers, poppers, pilkers – we have them all. If you have a desire to bring your own – please bring your favorite. If you like fly fishing – you have experience and you have your own tackle – please, you are welcome to do it as well.

Advantages:

• Inshore fishing trip plan can be changed according to your desires. Offshore trip for this vessel is not possible. We have special fishing boats for offshore trips.
• Fishing and catching. There’s 90% chance you’ll return with the catch.
• You will not be seasick.
• You will see picturesque places where you can take great pictures.
• Everyone gets a personal rod.
• There is a WC onboard and this is important (we are in the DR and not all of the inshore boats have it).

• Transfer both ways is included in cost.
• English speaking Captain onboard.
• Fuel is included. We have a Fishing license.
• This excursion not be recommended for pregnant women and small children.
• No hidden fees

Capt. Yustas Fortuna

*We are inviting Travel Operators, Agencies, Agents and simply active persons for mutualy beneficial cooperation.

FISHING in PUNTA CANA

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Welcome To Noisy River Outdoors

Home of the Patented Portable Flip-Kat®. A true Sportsman’s Kayak! We not only made the Flip-Kat® portable , but loaded with “First Of Their Kind” features that traditional kayaks don’t have. The first & only portable kayak that brings you the size, stability & features for the rigors of a true sportsman’s kayak. From the flat bottom catamaran hull design perfect for shallow running and unbelievable stability at 4’ wide x 11’3” long to an integrated whisper quiet pedal drive with zero-clearance auto kick-up prop shaft that pops up over obstacles. An ingenious Chair/Leaning post combo with 6 adjustable heights from 1” to 15” & 9 adjustable chair back angles from 90 to 45 degrees. Best of all no monthly storage cost, no trailer to buy or tag to renew. This big boy packs up small at 23” W x 53” L x 27”T to store most anywhere. Check out all the features of the Flip-Kat®!

Home of the Patented Portable Flip-Kat! A true Sportsman’s Kayak! We not only made the Flip-Kat portable , but loaded with “First Of Their Kind” features that traditional kayaks don’t have. The first & only portable kayak that brings you the size, stability & features for the rigors of a true sportsman’s kayak

A Portable Kayak Solution for Hunters, Fishermen, Photographers

FLIP-KAT® FEATURES

Folded up, the Flip-Kat® measures

53” long, 23” wide, and 27” tall and that’s

with the built-in pedal system and combo

chair/leaning post. Perfect for storing in the

corner of the garage or the hall closet.

• Ready for Water in 2 Minutes!
• Fits in an Elevator
• Unique Pedal Drive
• (OPTIONAL) TELESCOPIC FLIP-UP CANOPY
• 54 Standing and Sitting Positions
• 4 Feet of Deck Space

 Flip-Kat ® in the Media

The Flip-Kat ® kayak has been featured in a variety of media outlets & podcasts, and we are thrilled to share our latest appearance with you. Check out our podcast appearance on Paddle N' Fin Network, where we discuss the inspiration behind the Flip-Kat ®, its unique features, and how it stands out from other kayaks in the market. At Noisy River Outdoors, we believe in providing the best possible kayaking experience for our customers. We are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our Flip-Kat kayaks. Check back here and stay up-to-date with our latest media appearances and learn more about our company's mission and values. Thank you for choosing Noisy River Outdoors - we can't wait for you to experience the joy of kayaking with the Flip-Kat ® kayak!

Who is the Flip-Kat® Made For?

The Flip-Kat® is the ultimate kayak for hunters who want a versatile and portable boat that can handle the demands of the great outdoors. Its flat bottom catamaran hull design allows it to navigate shallow waters with ease, making it perfect for stalking game in the marsh or the river. The kayak's integrated pedal drive provides a whisper-quiet propulsion system that won't spook game, and its adjustable chair/leaning post combination allows the user to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and ease of use during long hunting excursions. With its ability to navigate shallow waters, the Flip-Kat® allows hunters to easily pedal or paddle the kayak right to the edge of the land, swiftly hop out, and shoot game. Additionally, the kayak can be easily converted into a mobile hunting blind, making it perfect for duck hunting. Whether you're hunting in the marsh, the river, or the lake, the Flip-Kat® is the perfect kayak for hunters who want to take their adventure to the next level. Read our blog on Choosing a Hunting Kayak to learn more!

The Flip-Kat® is the perfect kayak for fishermen who want a versatile and portable boat with an integrated pedal drive, leaving their hands free to fish. Its unique kick-up propeller and flat bottom catamaran hull design allow it to encounter underwater obstacles without the user even realizing, meaning no depth of water is off limits. The kayak's pedal drive provides a whisper-quiet propulsion system that won't disturb fish, and its adjustable chair/leaning post combination allows the user to stand, sit, or lean in over 57 different positions. The Flip-Kat® offers a multitude of T-tracks and storage space for fishing gear and a telescoping canopy that protects the user from the sun while still enabling obstacle-free casting. Additionally, the Flip-Kat's folding design allows it to be easily transported and stored, making it the perfect choice for fishermen who want a kayak that is convenient, fast-launching, and simple to use. The Flip-Kat® was designed with fishermen in mind so no detail went overlooked. Read our blog on Choosing a Fishing Kayak to learn more!

The Flip-Kat® is the perfect kayak for photographers who want to get up close and personal with wildlife while enjoying the beauty of nature. Leave your zoom lens at home; its flat bottom catamaran hulls, which measure at over 11 feet long, provide stability and enable the kayak to navigate shallow waters and easily approach wildlife. The kayak's adjustable chair/leaning post combination allows the photographer to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and support for those hard-to-get photo angles. Additionally, the Flip-Kat's stability empowers the user to easily stand up and capture photos, resulting in completely unique shots. Photography gear is already heavy to carry and cumbersome to store so kayak photographers need a compact kayak like the Flip-Kat® which never requires you to lift even half of its weight during transportation. Whether you're shooting in the marshy wetlands or open ocean, the Flip-Kat® is the ultimate kayak for photographers who want to capture stunning shots of the great outdoors. Read our blog on Choosing a Photography Kayak to learn more!

The Flip-Kat® is the perfect kayak for seniors who want a versatile and portable boat that is easy to use and store. Its flat bottom catamaran hull design provides unmatched stability, allowing seniors to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about tipping over. The kayak's folding design allows it to be easily stored in small homes, and its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to transport. With its advanced hitch rack system, seniors will never have to lift even half the weight of the kayak, making it easy to load and unload. The kayak's adjustable chair/leaning post combination allows seniors to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, and its durable construction ensures that it will hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors. The Flip-Kat® also enables seniors to kayak for longer thanks to the ability to quickly switch from paddling to pedaling. Flip-Kat® is the ultimate kayak for seniors who want to enjoy the beauty of nature alone or keep up with their family. Read our blog on Choosing a Kayak for Seniors to learn more!

The Flip-Kat® is the ultimate kayak for leisure kayakers who want to invest in a versatile, durable portable kayak that will remain their go-to vessel as their passion for kayaking develops. Its flat bottom catamaran hull design allows it to navigate shallow waters with ease, making it perfect for exploring the shallow marsh, rocky river, or weedy lake. The kayak's integrated pedal drive provides a whisper-quiet propulsion system that allows you to enjoy the peacefulness of nature, and its adjustable chair/leaning post combination allows the user to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and ease of use. With its ample storage space, the Flip-Kat® is the perfect kayak for leisure kayakers who want to bring along plenty of snacks, books, and miscellaneous gear on their adventure. Additionally, the kayak's folding design allows it to be easily transported and stored, making it the perfect choice for leisure kayakers who want a kayak that is convenient and easy to use. Whether you're kayaking for fun, exercise, or relaxation, the Flip-Kat® is the ultimate kayak for leisure kayakers who want to enjoy the beauty of nature. Read our blog on Choosing a Portable Kayak to learn more!

Portability/ Storability

Folded up, the Flip-Kat® measures 53” long, 23” wide, and 27” tall and that’s with the built-in pedal system and combo chair/leaning post. Perfect for storing in the corner of the garage or the hall closet. Even If you live in an apartment or condo you won’t need to have a storage unit for this kayak. Simply pull it out of the closet and roll it to the elevator and go. Then slide it into your SUV, truck, RV, or UTV. You can even carry it on the Flip-Kat® hitch rack system that fits up to 2 kayaks on the back of your vehicle. Flip-Kat’s® don’t need an expensive trailer to tag, maintain, and store and you won’t spend half of your day on preparation, just grab it and go have fun!

Integrated Whisper Quiet Pedal Drive

The Flip-Kat’s® pedal drive is unlike any other on the market. It’s fully integrated into the Flip-Kat® and is ready to go when you flip it up. Its unique belt driven design allows for a powerful yet quiet experience without any of the headaches of gear driven systems. With multiple adjustable positions in the pedal drive alone there is a spot for everyone. Shallow water, logs, stumps and rocks are no problem for the auto kick-up prop

Ingenious Chair/leaning post

Spend hours out on the water in the Flip-Kat’s® ergonomically designed, fully integrated, and adjustable chair system that goes from a comfortable multi position seat to a full stand-up leaning post. The chair/leaning post combination has 6 adjustable height and 9 tilt positions. That’s 54 standing and sitting positions ranging from straight up at 90 degrees to laying back at a comfortable 45 degrees. This range of movement allows the Flip-Kat® to fit many different uses and people.

Ultimate Fishing & Hunting Platform

The Flip-Kat’s® catamaran hull design offers an unbelievably stable platform with a 4 foot wide deck. The stability allows you the freedom you need to work a fish or take that odd shot at a duck. With the chair in the leaning post position, you are secure and comfortable for stand-up sight casting, fly fishing, Bow fishing and for the duck hunters the chair goes back to a 45 degree layout position or has multiple elevated positions for easy stand up/sit-down shooting, duck blind style.

Adventure, Recreation, & Photography

The Flip-Kat® is perfect for a day out in the sun with your family and friends. Our incredibly stable kayak is also perfect for on the water photography. With one of the highest concerns being it’s stability for young and old, Flip-Kat® makes for a comfortable and secure feeling on the water. The multi-position chair and pedal drive offers a combination of over 250 positions to fit almost everyone.

For Rescue & Wildlife Enforcement

The Flip-Kat® makes a perfect everyday add on for rescue and wildlife enforcement agencies. Its ability to be stored inside or on the back of a vehicle full time yet be rapidly deployed when the need arises. The Flip-Kat® is a very capable and steady platform at 4 feet wide and over 11 feet long. This makes it significantly more secure than the traditional kayak; especially when dealing with panicked people or wildlife. With four sealed pontoons, staying afloat is significantly more reliable in rough situations.

Stable + Playful

The large 4-foot-wide deck gives you plenty of stand up, stable, moving around room so you’re not stuck in that one aching position all day. In hot weather, you can take a dip in the water and use the pull-down step system to get back on deck easily!

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Putin taunts the West with 'first ever' visit to remote ice-covered 'frontier region' just 55 miles from the US - as Zelensky tries to drum up war support in Lithuania

• Chukotka is Russia's easternmost region, sharing a maritime border with Alaska

President Vladimir Putin  has arrived for his first-ever presidential visit to Chukotka in Russia 's Far East - just 55 miles from the US state of Alaska . 

Putin arrived in Anadyr, the local capital of the Chukotka region this morning after flying from Moscow some nine time zones away. 

Chukotka is the easternmost region of Russia, with a maritime border on the Bering Strait with Alaska.

The Russian president was met in Anadyr by a motorcade and was whisked away in a limousine amid frigid temperatures of -28C. 

It's the closest he has come to US soil since he met with President  Barack Obama in New York City in 2015.

Chukotka is so close to Alaska that Roman Abramovich - the ex-Chelsea FC owner - was reported to fly to Anchorage in Alaska for lunch when he was the governor of the region from 2001 - 2008.

Putin's visit comes at a time when US-Russian relations are at their lowest ebb in decades amid the war in Ukraine and a growing East-West divide. 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today landed in Lithuania as part of an unannounced trip to the Baltic states to drum up more support for the conflict. 

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The three Baltic states - all former Soviet republics which are now EU and NATO members - are among Ukraine's staunchest allies.

'Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,' Zelensky said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

'Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,' he said.

The Baltic tour marks Zelensky's first official trip abroad this year.

In Lithuania, a key donor to Ukraine, Zelensky said he will hold talks with the president, prime minister and the speaker of parliament, and meet with the Ukrainian community.

The visit comes as other Kyiv allies waver on fresh aid, nearly two years into Russia's invasion.

Ukraine has come under intense Russian shelling in recent weeks, retaliating with strikes on Russia's border city of Belgorod.

Zelensky has urged allies to keep military support flowing and held in-person talks with officials from the United States, Germany and Norway last month.

But an EU aid package worth 50 billion euros ($55 billion) has been stuck in Brussels following a veto by Hungary, while the US Congress remains divided on sending additional aid to Ukraine.

Following his trip to Chukotka, Putin is expected to visit several regions in the Russian Far East to boost his re-election campaign amid the war with Ukraine, which has seen more than 300,000 Russians killed or maimed.

He is due to stand in March, seeking another six years in the Kremlin.

The only Kremlin leader ever to travel to Chukotka previously was Dmitry Medvedev in 2008.

Putin's trip sees him escape a wave of ugly protests in western Russia over hundreds of thousands of people scraping by in freezing conditions due to breakdowns in communal heating supplies.

In Elektrostal, Moscow region, desperate residents say they have had no communal heating - which Russians routinely expect the state to supply usually through piped hot water - for the entire winter so far.

'We have been without heating since [9 October],' one resident said in a video circulating on Telegram.

'It is impossible to be in our homes… We are freezing! We are freezing! We are freezing!' they said.