Question: NRS inflatable drift boat
- This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated Nov 25, 2014 at 12:47 am by
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Has anyone seen and/or used the NRS Clearwater or Freestone drifter? I have a Clacka skiff, but access in my area is poor. The inflatable drift boat would open up a lot of water for me to float. My biggest concern is the life expectancy of an inflatable. I would have to sell the Clacka to get the IDB. I would hate to do that and have the IDB fall apart in five years… or less.
I’ve seen it. It’s pretty rigid, looks bombproof, but my twin concerns would be UV damage and whether it would maintain rigidity in the water (versus swarming around all over everything). I imagine it would stick to rocks.
Zach
Zach
I have read some very good reviews about these boats online. They seem to perform as advertised. They row and respond like a drift boat, they bounce off of rocks like a raft. I’m sure they will stick to rocks a little, but it shouldn’t be anymore than a standard raft. They are very quiet, which could be a great asset on slow moving technical trout waters where the fish can be spooked easily.
They are light enough to drop in off of a bank or carry up a bank to take out. This is one of the key features I need in a boat. Access to floatable water is limited in my area. I have a lot of good water, but little access for a drift boat. I went to float last weekend only to find the take-out I wanted to use is now posted and the next take-out for a drift boat is 18 miles down river.
I have an inflatable SUP that uses the same drop-stitch technology as the NRS drifters. The SUP is very stiff when inflated to the the proper pressure. I have not doubt that the NRS boats will stay rigid in the water. What do you mean by “swarming around all over everything”? I know you have experience with rafts like the Outcast 1300, so I appreciate your comments.
Do you have an idea what the typical lifespan of a PVC raft is?
Jeff
Randy, Thanks for the frame info. I read that the boat is lighter than a raft, but the frame is heavier than a comparable raft frame because of the cross bars. In the end they even out and the drifter weighs about the same as a raft with a fishing frame.
Can one guy drop-in and take-out an Outcast 1300 or similar raft from an “unimproved” launch. If I needed to haul it up over a bank or get it out of a tough take-out, could I do it alone? No, I’m not built like Schwarzenegger.
I don’t have any experience with an Outcast 1300. I do know I would have trouble getting a 13′ NRS or even an Aire in and out of a difficult access spot by myself.
I am starting to get pretty soft though.
I have a boat on order and it should be arriving soon. For me and the waters around me, it is the best option. I currently row a drift boat and am limited to the water I can run at low flows. A raft would have meant I got a entire new trailer and such, and I just can’t give up the maneuverability and room of my boat. I spoke in depth with two current owners, I rowed one, and am very impressed. As far as sticking to rocks, or the durability, I don’t think that will be an issue. I will let you know how it goes this time next year.
This is second-hand, but one of the guides I was with up in Russia told me he had done all last season in one of these boats and loved it. Oddly enough, he’s not even in the thing due to access issues, but says he liked the way it rowed in comparison to his rigid hull boat.
I’ll be really interested to hear what you think in the event that you make the switch. Might be an option for us down in Argentina too since we don’t pull trailers.
Justin Witt
Patagonia Unlimited
Skype ID = justin.c.witt
USA Office 1-404-783-2114
Argentina Office 011-549-2945686798 (dialed from the United States)
(02945) 15 686798 (dialed from within Argentina)
http://www.patagoniaunlimited.net
http://www.justanotherdayinpatagonia.comMark Landerman just got one of these–have you had a chance to take it out yet, Mark?
Zach
It appears that “Lando” has christened the new drifter.
http://www.drakemag.com/message-boards/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26852&start=30
I have been too busy chasing elk to get the boat out much these days, but I do love the shit out of it. The boat seems to be easier than my drifter to row, it bounces off of rocks just fine, and is quite as all get out. It does well in the wind, but gets funky when it really blows hard. Also, the drain system needs some work. I would get weeds and river smutz in the screens and the water couldn’t drain all that well. One time the caps flipped back over to close the drain…………when I REALLY needed to bail water. I did drop it off a river bank once, and had to drag out of a “take-out.” It isn’t fun, but it can be done.
Some photos:
I doubled up the front lean bar.
Spare oar holder
Rear drain……..see one flap open, one is closed.
Storage box
Beer holder
Anchor system
Dropped it down this…………
I’ll try to add more as the winter allows.
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