Big Guy Boats For Arkansas Tail-Waters and Lakes

[TheRustyHook]

Alright folks I have a question. I am looking for a boat that I can take my Dad out on consistently and have him feel safe and comfortable. Now here is the situation, I can do jumping jacks on a 14 foot flat bottom of any width and I'm okay, in fact the less stable the vessel the more of the challenge to fish and stay dry the better ;). That's a bit sarcastic I suppose. Alas, my father is a bigger dude than me at  6'10" around 400 pounds, and is 63 this year so accessibility is becoming a huge issue for us. Add to that my 250 pounds and a couple of grand-kids and we topple most recommended weight limits. We rent a long fiberglass shawnee on the White, from time to time and he does ok, but he can't stand up or move around  on these boats anymore, which ends up being rather taxing on his bones.

SO ...Whats a good boat that can handle the added weight and still efficiently and comfortably fish our water systems. I would like something that can fish both the tail waters and the lakes but I know that vessel likely doesn't exist. Anyone out there had any modifications done to vessel or know any models that can accommodate this? 

[rowill]

Take a look at the Supreme L60.

[grizwilson]

Terrierman has a Shawnee 20-48 that he put a false floor in with textured paint, very stable, and easy to move around in with the flat floor.  He has had knee work and does great in it.

g

[Mike Worley]

Xterme Boats, made in Bull Shoals Akansas is what we call "The Big Boy Boat". I'm 300+# & 65yrs old and use one for my river trips. These boats have 2' tall sides and 48" wide deck rated for 30Hp. Jeff Moore 870-405-4983 builds them. Might be what your looking for. 

[hoglaw]

Yep, there's no replacement for displacement.  6'10" and 400 is a really big guy.  I'd stick with a 20' boat and at least a 56" width if you're wanting a river boat.  That L60 would be even better.  My river boat has a 90 horse hanging on the back of it, so it would most certainly accomodate someone his size.

[Pepe]

An equally important issue is getting in and out of the boat for your Dad.  A trailer step system with a handhold may work for you.