Boats

[Terrasage]

I'm looking for a boat--for water training with William (of course!) but also for fishing. What would you all recommend as far as a boat goes that is relatively inexpensive, durable and good for water training? This is one boat we were looking at:
Boat

Thanks!

 

[ornella]

We use rubber boats with a hard wood floor (don't if this is the right word, I mean the bottom of the boat) for training. I also know the same boats are used for fishing. The rubber is very strong, and newfyes can't scratch it with their paws, the hard bottom makes it stable also to stand in it. You can inflate and deflate it, and also roll it up when deflated so it is easy for transportation.
In this pic you see an example

 

[Terrasage]

Thanks Ornella, do you know of a place online where I could buy it?

 

[Sailorgirl]

Here's photos of the kind of boat I've always seen people use (from the NCNC water test last year)

http://www.northcentralnewf.org/images/05watertest/NCNCWaterTestSeptember2005/DSCN2069.html
http://www.northcentralnewf.org/images/05watertest/NCNCWaterTestSeptember2005/DSCN2076.html
http://www.northcentralnewf.org/images/04watertest/album/pages/cissy14_jpg.htm
http://www.northcentralnewf.org/images/05watertest/NCNCWaterTestSeptember2005/DSCN2087.html

(I call that last one .. Keep pulling Hudson ... PLEASE!)

Notice the low freeboard? That's good for when the dog is pulling the boat because you want the person in the boat to have their hand holding the line as close to the water (or better yet, under the water) as possible to avoid strain on the dog's neck. Also see the platform in the back? It's pretty big and takes up a fair amount of room.

Just so you have some ideas .. hope that helps.

[ 03-21-2006, 08:35 AM: Message edited by: Sailorgirl ]

 

[tsunami]

AVON Boats

I have a "340" with a 40hp outboard but there are plenty of different models to choose from.

 

[Terrasage]

What are people's opinions of the one I've linked to?

Thanks!

 

[ardeagold]

The Zodiac is VERY nice. Fun, and forgiving. That's the boat that Ornella pictured.

The ones shown in the link by Erin are generally (around here) called "John Boats". They're basic, and usually aluminum. They're used for fishing, waterfowling, etc.

They had them on sale here last year at WalMart for around $600.

I'm not sure about the boat you linked to. But, if you'd like to stay in that price range, perhaps the aluminum John boats would work for you.

 

[ornella]

There's one thing I'm afraid of about the boat you linked to: does it get slippery when it gets wet? That could be very hard for william to stand into it and jump out. You should also see whether William will be able to turn himself between the chairs, it seems to me there's not enugh space.
Unfortunately I don't have any links where they sell boats like ours online, I bought mine second hand for 75 $.

 

[Terrasage]

Excellent points, I had considered the part about room for him and figured if we took the chairs out that there would be. The slippery issue is a valid one though, I think you're right.

You're such a smartie!

 

[Sailorgirl]

Most people use astroturf type stuff on the platform, which, for water training at least, is the only place the dog goes.

 

[pawsx12]

Have a boat like the one you are looking at. My brother donated to me for the dogs. One problem, it is a very tight fit. We will be getting a small john boat for further water training, and building the platform covered with astroturf. The small bass pontoon is great to get started, with just the towing aspect, but it does not give you the necessary platform needed for the Sr. test with the jumping component, and my pups did not like the tightness, maybe just them.

 

[Sailorgirl]

Cissy's gettin' a boat? Oh Cissyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... how far are you again? LOL

 

[pawsx12]

AWWW my friend, you are welcome at anytime. I just missed a john boat this past weekend by 2 hours!!! I have my feelers out, and I am hoping to get one before the warm weather hits. The pond is plenty big and deep.We did not get any scum on it at all even in that dreadful hot weather and draught. It's because of the depth.

 

[Garden_girl]

Nellie has been successful using a john boat, Murphy on the other hand, will need some coaxing.
Off topic for a second: Erin, hope you don't mind, I looked at your other photos. That's you in #28, that's such a cute pic! Christine in #29 & #30? Looks like everyone was having a great time.

 

[Sailorgirl]

Yeah ... that's me, but my partner in the picture is much better looking than I! LOL

Cissy is the crack photographer behind those pictures. Somewhere in there there should be the picture of Hudson running STRAIGHT for Cissy who was taking his picture. He LOVES Cissy ... wanted to go give her a big kiss!

That Christine B. (not on this forum I don't think but maybe you met her at regionals or know her from other shows?) in 29 and 30.