Flats Boat Rental Question

[Phil Lilley]

I have the opportunity to buy a flats boat for rental purposes.

If you don't know what a flats boat is- here's one:

Has a poling platform on the back. Made for shallow water. I'd put a 60 hp prop on it.

I love to go up and fish the shallow side flats below Lookout for midging rainbows. I use my Landau right now with the trolling motor but there are 2 drawbacks- noise and the lack of ability to go real shallow with the trolling motor.

In a rental situation, one person would pole and one fish, switching off duties. The pole is designed tobe sunk into the sand and lashed to the platform for anchoring but I don't think our gravel bottom will allow that. The person on the poling platform could fish too if I rigged a small anchor system somewhere on the back.

A quick release trolling motor could be mounted on the front during generation periods.

My question is- would anyone rent it? Is this interesting and different enough to lure you waders to try something different?

Please be honest- I will not be offended if you say this idea really sucks. I need alot of input.

Thanks

[Sherwood Flycaster]

Would it be feasible to utilize a power pole on such a vessel?

Power Pole Site

[Phil Lilley]

Interesting... sure it would work. Then both could fish - actually one person take the boat and could fish from the platform with this feature.

[Sherwood Flycaster]

Yeah...saw it first time myself on Rowland Martins show a week or two ago- looked like a really cool shallow water technology.

Figgered from what you were implying that it could be a solution to the push pole as "anchor" issue.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Interesting. I've fished out of many and one day hopped up on the platform to see what the view was. Incredible what you can see from that vantage point.

SIO3

[davekeim]

Phil, I'd rent it looks like fun and something different. Could go fast, could get in the shallows. Excellent!

Signed,

Cardiac

[Rolan Duffield]

I can just see someone taking it up to the Big Hole or farther up. That would ruffle some feathers.

Rolan

[JobyKSU]

I love the idea - I can think of some fantastic carp water (elsewhere) that would be good for. Are there any flats holding carp in Taney? If so, you might be able to get some Euro-traffic through...

[Danoinark]

I love flats boats...I think they draw like 4 to 6 inches. I would rent it. I have always wanted one and posed that very question on another White River board and they pretty much said it wouldn't work...I disagree. I like the center console aspect of them also and the fact there is plenty of room up front for the casting deck.

Dano

[Phil Lilley]

That would be cool to take it other places and try it. The White would be cool... just have to avoid the natives' glares