Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

[usmcveteran]

I found someone selling a 2013 one for pretty cheap and I am considering buying it but I do not have the money to buy an outboard motor for it.

Would I be able to get away with a trolling motor? If so what size should I be looking for?

I plan on using this in ponds, small lakes, and possibly slow moving rivers. My main goal is to use this to get to islands for camping here in New York State.

I think the combined weight for gear and passengers would be 600 lbs.

Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

You no the boat comes with oars right?
Oars will get the job done.
For fresh water get the largest trolling motor you can find.
If you plan on fishing saltwater also you will need at least a 2 1/2 hp gas/propane engine.
Anything else is just too dangerous

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Oars on an inflatable will frustrate you, so either an electric or gas powered motor would be your best bet. The transom of that hull is rated for 8 HP, so any small motor will give good service. We have one ourselves.

 

[usmcveteran]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Thanks for replies, would 30 lbs thrust trolling motor be sufficient to get where i want to go in conditions listed?

Should i jump all over the kodiac 285 fr activ v for 1000 used? its 2013 model with no holes or patches

not sure what they typically go for used

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Thanks for replies, would 30 lbs thrust trolling motor be sufficient to get where i want to go in conditions listed?

Should i jump all over the kodiac 285 fr activ v for 1000 used? its 2013 model with no holes or patches

not sure what they typically go for used

I have a Zodiac Fr325 that I love
I got it from the dealer with a 3yr warranty because it was an older model that had not been sold.

If theWarranty on the boat will not transfer than go to Defender Marine and look around.
You can actually get a zodiac zoom 350s with a wood floor and 2 yr warranty for $300 less.
That $300 could go towards your engine

btw
list price on the Fr 285 is $1900

 

[Guest]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Thanks for replies, would 30 lbs thrust trolling motor be sufficient to get where i want to go in conditions listed?

Should i jump all over the kodiac 285 fr activ v for 1000 used? its 2013 model with no holes or patches

not sure what they typically go for used

Welcome to the forum, You can buy a nice older 2-4hp outboard for around 200 bucks. Your going to just as much for a trolling motor with a battery if not more. I own the 350s used it half of last season and plan on using it for the next 5+ years. Hopefully it will last. If your interested i bought a 15hp a month ago and will probably part ways with my mercury 1996 6hp (love my 6 2stroke).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gmZr9FFfSA

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Sibs have too much hull drag to overcome efficiently with oars. You can only row a inflatable decently if it's light loaded on flat calm no windy waters on short distances unless you count with galley rowers and you happen to be the boss...

Happy Boating

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

I would not chose an electric motor as primary propulsion, but if you only plan short trips, it would do the job. It takes very little power to scoot an inflatable right along.

A small outboard and a small gasoline can would put you in business. With the electric, you have the battery to contend with when handling it and there are no charging stations out on the water.

 

[usmcveteran]

Re: Question about Kodiak cadet fastroller 285

Thanks guys for all your help! The guy sold boat so now im looking else where.

i do have 60 powerfilm solar panel and a charge controller already so i can charge battery while camping,

i think once i get a house i would consider small OB