[mikelum]

Thanks Zach…no problem. Let me know if you’re in the market for a good used Headhunter…I might know of one that’ll be available soon!

Best,

Mike

[mikelum]

Hey all…new to the site and board. This thread got my attention. Super curious what folks think.

I’ve been running boats on the Madison for a while now. Started with a giant pig Lavro and worked my way through a low side standard Clackacraft and now row a Headhunter skiff. Don’t know that I’d ever go back to a standard McKenzie style…at least for what I do here. I love the skiff design for several reasons.

Of course the low sides (and I would say a lower bow and stern) are MUCH better in the wind. Skiffs are very maneuverable and the visibility for both angler and rower is better than a boat with a high, pointed bow. Some folks like at least the option to sit and fish and I feel like that’s better accomplished in a skiff with the low bow. We’re not quite as worried about spooking fish here on the Madison because of the character of the water although I will have folks sit later in the year if we get less output from the dam…or if they refuse to stay in the knee locks!

All low-side boats regardless of design feel less stable than high-sides. I’m not sure I’d agree that the skiff design is inherently tippier than the standard McKenzie (in a low-side version). Nor would I agree unless the boat is narrower at the waterline than a comparative high-side that they actually ARE less stable. It’s a matter of center of gravity. I do have my clients sit at times when I’m running bigger water sections…particularly on rivers like the Yellowstone when it’s high…those big hydraulics are spooky even in a high-side boat. The only skiff that I’ve been in that I would say is actually maybe “too light” and “tippier” than most is the smaller, original Ro Skiff.

There was a comment specifically asking about the front yoke on some of the skiffs…It’s priceless. Of course on winder days you’ll still be fighting that line but once you get used to stripping into it (kind of a learning curve like a stripping basket) it’s much easier to keep your line contained (and out from underneath the boat)

All that said the things I personally don’t like about the Headhunter in particular are the GulfStream bottom (don’t get me started)…although that may not be an issue if your waters average deeper than the Madison. And the lack of walk-around interior. I’m looking at the new Ro Camino as a possible next boat. It’s got a bit wider beam, it feels bigger in general and the walk-around interior and the optional Nomad interior storage package look like just what the Dr. ordered…for me that is.

Best,

Mike

[Author]

Posts