To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

[Winchester magnum]

I am trying to find the perfect boat to take on a remote Alaskan moose hunt.

I only want a quality boat with Hypalon and welded seems. I'd prefer something around 11' to 12' with a payload of 1600 pounds. I see a few inflatables on ebay and craigslist, but seemingly many of the sellers don't truely know what they have and the descriptions typicaly omit relevant info, like what's really under the hood, so to speak.

I'm thinking of a Zodiac, or possibly an Avon or Achillies - whatever is top quality. I'm thinking Zodiac is the leader, but am open to info and ideas. Perhaps you gents could list off a few models with Hypalon and welded seems.

Thanks
WM

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

Most Zodiacs are going to be Strongan PVC unless the boat is really old or a milspec boat like the F470. Hypalon can be welded right after it is coated, but I don't know of any manufacturer that welds hypalon. As far as I know the hypalon boats are all glued. My Futura is welded PVC except for the floor to tube seams and the transom. I don't think that even the milspec Hypalon Zodiacs are welded, but I'm not sure about that. Check out this website if you would like to learn about Hypalon, PVC and neoprene materials.
http://www.jpwinc.com/index.php?page=faq&faq_category=Welding+vs.+Gluing

Even old boats should have the maximum payload listed on the Manufacturers Plate found on the transom. A lot of owners don't know anything about their boat, if you have questions about a specific model you can usually get answers by posting here and on ribnet.

 

[Alangaq]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

if you have never been to AK and are planning a big hunt, I strongly suggest you become a member of http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/index.php
and start posting a few questions there. its the Alaska Outdoor Directory Forum web site.

then get ahold of the guys over at Alaska Raft and Kayak if you are planning a float / fly-out trip. they know everything there is to know, and have gear of every kind for rent.

General rule of thumb for AK (unless you are crazy rich) is to rent in ANC or FAI instead of bringing your own in regards to inflatables. shipping motors and boats is generaly cost prohibitive. Of course if you are driving up, that is a whole new ball game... but still from the midwest, you are looking at $1000 minimum in fuel costs, pluss a minimum 4 day drive each way, hotels, food... yeah, flying comercial is sounding better and better isnt it......

 

[Winchester magnum]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

Alangaq

I've been on ODD since the old corkboard colored message board days. Some good info there, and perhaps I'll post this in one of the boat forums. Good tip on Alaska Raft and Kayak. I talked to Tracey Harmon a few years ago about a problem with an older Zodiac I had. Heck of a nice guy who knows his game well. And since you mentioned it, I should call him again (memo to self) - Also, I have hunted moose in Ak before. We used old Zodiacs, but it's time to upgrade, hence the thread.

nobrainsd

Thanks for the link. Apparently I seem to be looking for something that doesnt exist. I am familiar with Zodiacs but only older Zodiacs. I'm not privy to the new stuff and what to look for and what to avoid. So, to rephrase the question -

What models of Zodiac/Avon/Achillies should I be looking at that are made with Hypalon and have quality seams etc? There's so many new Zodiac models anymore I dont know which are good and which are POS.

Again thanks!
WM

 

[Alangaq]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

Since you have done the AK hunting deal before, you are already up to speed on what you need. I hear that the newer Zodiac fabrics are equivelant or better than the old Hypolon, but dont have any personal experience with them.

If you are looking for the toughest boats around, and cost is not an issue, look at the Gary King Alaska Series boats. They are a PVC material, but he makes a great case for PVC over Hypolon on his web site... good reading, but his boats are reinforced and have extra material added on the keel and tube bottoms. very tough, but are a bit heavier than a comprable Avon, Achillies or Zod. http://www.alaskaseries.com/ Jim King is also a very nice guy and always happy to chat and answer questions.

 

[Dmitry]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

I have achilles LSI-365. 18" tubes, 12 ft length. Load capacity 1700 lb. With a 25HP Yamaha it planes with four people. Great boat in smooth water, but speed drops way down when the water gets rough.

 

[dlindeblad]

Re: To spec an Alaskan moose hunt boat

When I was a kid my father owned a 15' achilles w/ a 25hp evenrude. We used it to fish in Homer, Seward, Deep creek, and even hunt with.