So, looking for something I can throw on the roof rack on the FJ80 to get out on the lake. Myself, the wife, and two vizslas (~55 lbs). Just want to do a little fishing. Looked at inflatable boats, canoes, etc. Don't have much storage space at home, so the smallest form factor that'll stand up to 8 paws and can be loaded and unloaded solo is what I'm after. Appreciate your recommendations.
Recommendations please - dog proof watercraft (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Boo22
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Thats a tuff order, anything small enough to fit up there is IMO not stable with that load. A small alum boat would be cheap and durable, fit up top, I would maybe consider building some outriggers you could fix to boat that way the dogs could move around and it would be more enjoyable
A canoe is probably the best considering your wants. I’d recommend a larger one with more of a touring set up.
I have a mad River journey 167, it’s a great boat! Use it for overnight touring, trout fishing, water fowl, in lakes and light streams. Use it with paddles, trolling motor, outrigger,… I can load/unload it myself but is much easier with a helper. Store it on a block and tackle in my garage.
If you really want one easy to load and transport with one person We-no-nah boats are amazing, half the weight of mine but 3-4x the price.
I have a mad River journey 167, it’s a great boat! Use it for overnight touring, trout fishing, water fowl, in lakes and light streams. Use it with paddles, trolling motor, outrigger,… I can load/unload it myself but is much easier with a helper. Store it on a block and tackle in my garage.
If you really want one easy to load and transport with one person We-no-nah boats are amazing, half the weight of mine but 3-4x the price.
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I‘ve had my malamute in my white water canoe. But my wife won’t get in the boat with him. So take that for what it’s worth. Pretty tall order on a boat, fit on roof, hold tow people two dogs, and stable enough to fish.
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I think I may have found a solution.
Mariner™ 4 Inflatable Boat Set - 4 Person - https://intexcorp.com/products/sporting-goods/professional-series-boats/mariner-4-boat-set/
There's a hard bottom insert for the floor which should protect from claws. I guess the truck is getting them in and out of the boat without puncturing the sidewalls. Actually found a video on YT of a lady laying a towel or a mat over the side of the boat for the dogs to step on getting in.
Packs up small enough to throw in the back, and looks like you can attach a little trolling motor as well. Not the most robust solution, but the Internet seems to like it.
Mariner™ 4 Inflatable Boat Set - 4 Person - https://intexcorp.com/products/sporting-goods/professional-series-boats/mariner-4-boat-set/
There's a hard bottom insert for the floor which should protect from claws. I guess the truck is getting them in and out of the boat without puncturing the sidewalls. Actually found a video on YT of a lady laying a towel or a mat over the side of the boat for the dogs to step on getting in.
Packs up small enough to throw in the back, and looks like you can attach a little trolling motor as well. Not the most robust solution, but the Internet seems to like it.
There is always the porta bote. It’s a little different experience than some boats, but they fold easily and fit on your roof rack without much trouble. After having used both, I would much prefer the porta bote over a canoe or inflatable. Lots more space than a canoe or average size raft as well. You can pick them up used pretty cheaply, just make sure the transom is in good shape.
rkymtnflyfisher
Trout Bum
Alpacka packrafts.
