What boats are truly lightweight?

leslie riggan

Well-known member
I have looked at several boats and like their design but the total weight of the boat turns me around. Does anyone have a boat that comes in at 100 lbs or lighter? If so could you give the name and maybe post pictures? I have a 2hp mate I would like to use being it only weighs 25 lbs. Having a lame back I need to cut all the weight I can while having a stable boat. I have a couple of dams and so forth I will use tackle and block to get the boat across when needed.

I may even put a harness on the dog and shout "mush" lol just kidding.
 
If you are hunting backwater and small lakes the fatboy with a 2 hp would serve you well.Don't laugh about the dog. I have a poke boat,28 lbs, on a set of Cabela's canoe carrier wheels. My Drahthaar has pulled it 1/2 mile down a logging road for me. All I had to do was keep the bow up and make sure it didn't hit him in his A** when he stopped.I love the poke boat but you have to beach it, I'd be afraid to shoot out of it while it's floating.
 
I agree about the poke boat. It's basically a large kayak. I don't think I'd trust it with a motor though.
A fatboy would be better for that, or even one of those cheap Carsten's boats.

Actually our "first" boat we ever made about 3 years ago is maybe 75 pounds. I know one guy can drag/carry it with no problems. We actually made it for our own use, but we've had a lot of interest at it at the boat launches, so we're probably going to end up marketing it.

It's basically a cross between a sneakbox and a poke boat. It's 10' and has a similar hull to a sneakbox. I'll get some pictures and post them soon.

Kirk Sherbine
 
Leslie,

I"m building a Gatorboats Bullfrog (substantially done now) that is going to come in a little under 75lbs. It's built from cedar strips/ply and rated for a 2hp. I have a DHBP post on it that is a few months old, or you can check it out on their forum. Will post an update in a couple weeks.

Take care!

-Bill
 
I'm going to check in on the fatboy, I didn't realize they were that light.

My co-worker has a poke boat, I am looking for something a little different than that.

Kirk I would be very interseted in a peak at your boat. Does it have a enclosed deck?

Bill, I watched the thread and I am sure I commented at how much I like a cedar boat. I saw an old (80's) fella build a rowboat made of cedar strips about 10 years ago. It took him about a year to finish it. His shop was the most equipped I have ever been in. long story short, it burned and he died as a result of trying to save his boat.
 
I own the Hoefgen Duck Boat and love it. You would need to rig a transom )like I have) to put a motor on it and then would need to use an extension on the tiller. This works great in water that can support the motor. On shallow streams, you need something more than the regular short shaft 2hp motor you have.

Here is the link.

http://www.hoefgencanoes.com/duckboat.html

They aren't making many of them anymore but they are great boats. I do agree with the others that the FAtboy may be the way to go. If I didn't have the Hoefgen, I'd seriously consider the FAtboy, not the Fatboy DP.

Mark W
 
Leslie-

Yes, it's enclosed. Right now it has a higher, rounded deck like a layout boat, but we may drop it down some similar to the barnegat bay sneakbox or kayak.

I'll try and get some pictures this weekend and post them.

Thanks,
Kirk
 
Leslie,

I have a Fatboy and it's easy to handle, goes in the back of my pickup with no effort. I'm located in Holmdel, NJ if you find yourself up this way I would be glad let you put it in the river for a test fit.

Charlie
 
I have a bluebill from fiberdome. It is just over at 125lbs. It is very stable and I run a 5 hp 4 cycle on it. It will not plane but moves along well. It has pleanty of room and I have hunted two out of it but between my buddy and I we only weigh 350lbs. Good luck with your search!
 
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