Fishin' Possible
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Comfort/Ease of Use: The cockpit is extremely comfortable, wide, and roomy, with plenty of legroom. The boat had the most deck space of the lot, too. Sufficient rise in the seat back provides enough support to go without the back rest. The shotgun seat at the bow accommodates a second person surprisingly well, with little impact to handling, although the boat will take water over the bow in rough conditions as a consequence. The high seat could be fitted with a back rest for greater comfort, but we found it adequate as is. The foot wells are too narrow for size 9 wading boots. It rides dry without the need for plugs, even when paddled double!
Handling: It's not as slow as it looks. Major initial stability puts tip concerns out of mind. A surfboard could have been its daddy, and no doubt it would do justice to the genes. The boat tracks very well with nearly a full-length keel and has some rocker to enhance turning. It's very wide at 36 inches, which calls for a longer paddle. The Fish 'N Dive reminds me of the Civil-War-era Monitor, with its skirted flanks. Bottom line-this boat has a positive feel.
Fishing: For day trips or weekends, coastal or inland, short to medium distance, the Fish 'N Dive is a solid fishing platform so stable that balance hardly enters the equation. Well-placed, good-sized hatches allow easy access to everything a fisherman might want (bait, tackle, game bag, etc.). A large scuppered well behind the seat will handle a good-sized cooler, bait, or tackle box. Deck space is excellent and long enough to hold your paddle or rod when it's not in use. A clever jump seat in the bow will handle another full-sized adult or a little one wanting to join the fun. There is even provision for a motor mount and room for a battery for an electric motor.
Details: The boat is not big on details, which is its strength. Six eyelets are provided with bungees bow and stern. There's a drain plug in the stern. The hatch and drain-hole placements are excellent. Made from superlinear PVC.
Heft:Not happening. There are no side-carry handles and it doesn't drag level, as there is a raised keel running the length of the boat.
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