Pontoon fishing raft

[trouterfan1]

I'm in the market for a fishing raft package and looking for some feedback on two models I have my eye on. The first is the NRS OTTER 142 package and the second one is the OUTCAST PAC 1400. Both boats are tugging at me to buy them and seem to be equally high quality with slightly different set ups and features. I have experience with Outcast and am fond of their service and reputation, however the NRS otter 142 package looks very appealing as well. Anybody out there care to chime in with knowledge of either setup I would be very grateful of advice.

thanks in advance!

[JAWallace]

No experience with either, but if you plan on any stillwater use the Outcast appears to have more rocker which will give you more speed. Have you considered buying the raft tube and having a frame built to your specs? You would probably spend less money and have exactly what you want. Also, Scadden has a 14' Outfitter pontoon for $2800 that might be worth a look unless you're set on a raft config.

If I was going to spend that money on a raft, I'd look closely at the Streamtech as well. Those are about as good as it gets. A close second would be Sotar for the same money as the Outcast/NRS.

[JasonB]

I don't have first hand experience with either of those boats, but have tons of time in rafts of all sizes and styles. From what I've read on both they do seem like good options... depending on what you expect from them.

From what I can see, you've chosen two self bailing floored raft options (not pontoon style). Which for the most part is probably a more utilitarian design, particularly if you want to take a couple of friends (or a dog) along with you. However full floored rafts would not be much fun on still water (VERY slow), and with any wind you would be miserable at best. So I'm assuming you're looking at these boat primarily with rivers in mind?

Based on the specs, there are very few things that stick out to me:
-The outcast is spec'd at 236lbs!!! (vs 118 on the Otter), but it would appear that weight is including the frame which would likely make this comparison moot.
-The Outcast has a 10 year warranty vs a 5 year warranty for the Otter (hopefully this is not something that would ever be an issue)
-Slight price difference, slight variations in size and frame set up... etc, etc.

If you have more specific questions, or want a lot more detail I'd be more than happy to make your decision even more complicated :)
Feel free to pm,
JB

[shawn kempkes]

I have experience with both of those boats. My friend has the Nrs and I use to own the Aire Super duper Puma which is the same boat as the outcast. Either of those boats are great. The outcast is more manuverable but is also narrower so there is alot less space. which is a serious problem if you decide to start doing overnighters, dry boxes are a custom build and you cant get as big of a cooler in it. If you opt for the outcast get it with the nrs frame. It allows you to do alot more.

I personally own an Aire jaguarundi cataraft and find it a better handling boat than either of those boats.

Another boat you should consider is the sotar strike. Right now Sotar is having their spring sale.e

Ps the outcast has a ten year no fault warranty all you pay is shipping. So if you blow up your bladder cover they will repair it for free.

[flyfishingdad]

I am looking for a boat as well and have been looking at rafts and pontoons. I like to fish the American and the Yuba. I want a boat as a means to get me to runs where i can get out and swing, not looking to dead drift out of boat. What would be my best options? i fish with my son mostly so the raft or pontoon should be big enough for two and I don't plan on doing overnighters. Thanks for your help.

[shawn kempkes]

I am looking for a boat as well and have been looking at rafts and pontoons. I like to fish the American and the Yuba. I want a boat as a means to get me to runs where i can get out and swing, not looking to dead drift out of boat. What would be my best options? i fish with my son mostly so the raft or pontoon should be big enough for two and I don't plan on doing overnighters. Thanks for your help.


This boat is the best bang for you buck out there if all you want to do is use it for transportation. alot of the guides are using these rafts with more elaborate frame systems.

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=35