plastic boats.... worth considering ?

[Kesh]

I'm looking for a small boat to be used mainly in fresh water. I saw a nice used Coleman boat, with metal tubular reinforment but plastic hull (2 people capacity I guess, with base for a small motor). Also, I saw a new fishing boat, which I like the design and characteristics (lots of features for the size) but also plastic hull. Are plastic boats worth considering or will I lose my money if by chance the hull gets damaged ? I guess they can not be repaired like the fiberglass ones.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Coleman's can last forever. They are almost unbreakable and very light. However, they are not suited for big water.

 

[Kesh]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

well, I'm precisely thinking in small water reservoirs (lagoons, dams). Just to fish with a buddy or two.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

I have a little experience with Coleman canoes and have seen the green jonboat type things they also make.<br /><br />Of course, if it's all you can afford and just want to putt around flat water well within the stated motor and weight capacity of the boat, go for it - but make sure you don't spend a lot. Those things are very cheap when new. They "should" be dirt cheap used, or it wouldn't be worth it to me.<br /><br />Most of the opinion is based on the canoes. The coleman canoes I've used are very poor quality in terms of the way they handle a load and steer. Very tippy and poor handling. Also, the canoes have a metal tube on the inside which reinforces the keel. That tube, almost universally ends up wavy and bent just from normal use which makes the canoe even squirrlier for tracking and steering. The plastic (some sort of ABS type thing) however is tough enough, but not as sturdy and rigid as a high quality boat.<br /><br />You get what you pay for of course, and a Coleman canoe costs about 1/4 to 1/3 of what a decent canoe, for example a Gruman or Old Town would cost. That is the telling fact, in my opinion.<br /><br />From what I've seen of the green Coleman boats, the very same issues apply. If it were me, and it was all I could afford to get on the water, I'd go for it, but be very careful and conservative. And I would spend my time looking for a used little 12 foot aluminum jon boat or skiff from a reputable builder. Not to rain on your parade, but I have serious misgivings about Coleman boats.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

I agree with D on the quality of Coleman canoes vs. Old Town etc... But as long as you're not going to be taking the boat down a river through white water, you shouldn't need to worry about sustaining damage from rocks and whatnot. That is what destroys the Coleman boats. For cruising around small lakes, a plastic boat should hold up just fine. Make sure you don't overpower it and you should have a nice setup for not a whole lot of money. Good luck.

 

[Kesh]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

the waters I refer to are calm lagoons, so I guess the rectangular green coleman boat will be ok.<br /><br />On the other hand, there is a marine store here that has in exhibition a nice bass boat, made also of plastic. It is imported from the US, as I saw yesterday that is has the nameplate, serial number, etc. It is grey color and has two fishing chairs on the deck. It says 3 people capacity, cant remember the lbs. I love the way it is organized and well equiped (nav lights, battery compartment, switches, under deck compartments, cleats, live well, etc). Unfortunately I can not remember the manufacturer, so I have to go again to the store and take note of the nameplate data so you can give me an opinion.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

I've seen those boats around here too. They are nice. They sound perfect for what you will be using it for. Just remember, they get real small all of a sudden when you put them on the water and get in. For one or two people, it should work just fine to get you out there to fish.

 

[gewf631]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Kesh,<br /> I've seen both the Coleman boats (kind of like a 2-man catamaran), and the other, "bass boat" you mention.<br /> The Coleman doesn't seem like much of a boat, but as stated before, if that's in your budget, go for it.<br /> One of my local retailers carries one of these 2-man plastics (with integrated live-well, cooler, and bimini) - if all I wanted to do was to fish small lakes, I'd hop right on one. I'm in the Midwest, and keep thinking of all those small farm ponds, or little lakes and streams in Minnesota and Wisconsin where one of those boats would be perfect.<br /> Do a little more searching. I found a few that seem like much better boats.<br />

<br />This one's less that $600, and has it's own wheels (for moving, not towing).<br />

<br />For those of us with larger boats in mind...<br />

Molded of pliable plastic, Triumph’s 191 Walkthrough opens a new dimension in multipurpose hulls<br />

Here's that article

 

[achris]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Aren't all good boats made of plastic? Some are just reinforced with glass <br /><br />Chris............

 

[Kesh]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Ed F, the grey one in the picture is exactly the same I saw I think !!!! could you please tell me the website? (and other sites of plastic boats to do a little research?

 

[gewf631]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Kesh,<br /> Just right-click the picture(s), and choose Properties - that will show you the site.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

i had a coleman crawdad and really enjoyed it . i used it primarily in a water shed near my house, i did however adventure on to bigger lakes but made sure to stay near the banks.<br />i would like to mention one thing. if weight is a concern, hauling in your truck, i would suggest you try picking up one of the larger plastic boats. my friend found out the hard way that those things are heavy. the coleman crawdad is very light. i ran a 3 hp outboard and a 30lb troller it it was fine<br />good fishing and good luck.

 

[Link]

Re: plastic boats.... worth considering ?

Well someone has to stick up for Coleman so I guess I will step up to the plate.<br />They make good Lanterns! <br /><br />You were asking about plastic hulls and I do have some experience with them. The ones I've used were tough as nails. You will as everyone said have to check them out for yourself.<br /><br />My fishing partner bought one in the mid 70's <br />It was called a pollywog or something like that.<br />Considered a kids toy 8ft long but it met his needs. one person, battery and electic trolling motor.<br /><br />We met in 1980 and used it for the next five years. We did get a hole in it once. A hot butter knife sealed it and by trimming a little off the oar locks gave enough extra plastic to fill in the scrape back to normal. He kept it until 92 and sold it for 60 bucks to a friend of ours complete boat battery and motor. 12 years later the boat still lives in the back of Kirks truck and he fishes out of it weekly.<br /><br />Plastic boats like ED F posted have come a long way since then.<br /><br />Boaters World I think has some also.<br /><br />Luck to ya