Stillwater Vessels

[RickB]

Hey gang, I’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading my Stillwater hotrod and after talking with @professori this morning and discovering he just did the same, made me want to enquire further.

So I did a little bit of research last year and the two boats that I found most enticing when it comes to aluminum were the Marlon and Journey. (Pics posted below)

Now I know there are lots of other options out there and that’s where this post comes in as I would love to see and hear of others views and experiences on what else is available in the market.

One boat that intrigues me is the wooden prams. I have seen a few around and there is a guy in Penticton that makes them (https://woodenflyfishingboats.com/) looking forward to everyone’s 2 cents, cheers.

 

[RickB]

Here is that wooden pram I was talking about,

 

[HarkatScott]

I donated my pram to my parents on the Sunshine coast for selfish reasons.
Currently have a 1236 alumacraft and a 7' water skeeter pontoon.

Moving in a month then the real decisions begin.

My hope is for a 14' deep v on trailer for family and big water body trips.
A 1040 aluminum or 8' fly fishing pram and personal trips.

I'm most excited about having a boat on a trailer and not hand bombing my 1236 on and off the roof racks.

 

[RickB]

I donated my pram to my parents on the Sunshine coast for selfish reasons.
Currently have a 1236 alumacraft and a 7' water skeeter pontoon.

Moving in a month then the real decisions begin.

My hope is for a 14' deep v on trailer for family and big water body trips.
A 1040 aluminum or 8' fly fishing pram and personal trips.

I'm most excited about having a boat on a trailer and not hand bombing my 1236 on and off the roof racks.

yes, much nice unloading that way, are you moving to lake country?

 

[HarkatScott]

yes, much nice unloading that way, are you moving to lake country?

I wish!
Just up the road a bit, in Langley now, heading up to Chilliwack... VERY close to the river

 

[RickB]

I wish!
Just up the road a bit, in Langley now, heading up to Chilliwack... VERY close to the river

Nice, lived there for 10+ years, I like the area but you couldnt pay me to move back down there.

 

[professori]

I'll throw in some thoughts here on the two boats you mention. I looked around quite a bit before I decided to go with the Journey. The Marlon has the widest jon boat on the market and is super stable...and so ends the positives IMO. It has horizontal ribs and numerous vertical channels that are a tripping hazard unless you install some kind of flooring. The hull thickness is 0.045". About the same thickness as a soup can. Bumping anything will dent the bottom. Those numerous channels in the floor are apparently an attempt to provide some rigidity to the floor. the center and rear seats come down to the hull, the forward seat has open space under it but that space is on the curved bow, not flat. The boat is very light, but why wouldn't it be, being built with the lightest possible material you can get away with. A 12' sells for $2035 pre tax.

The Journey compares favourably to a Sprately. It comes in an 11'6" model (Sprately 12') all welded with a completely flat floor, no ribs or channels. The rear seat is pushed back further than the Sprately, with completely open storage space under it, as well as a completely open space under the middle seat allowing storage for fly boxes, lunch coolers, oars, etc., etc. The moved back rear seat opens more floor space between the 2 seats. It has an option of a factory installed sliding seat system (again welded not riveted). the hull is 45" wide and beam 55" (5" narrower than Sprately). Total weight 160 lb (40 lbs lighter than the Sprately). $2495 before tax - $2794.40 (all taxes in), $200 cheaper than Sprately.

Hope this gives you some more information.

 

[professori]

Here she is ready to head to her new home.
[GALLERY=media, 247][/GALLERY]

 

[RickB]

Nice @professori can you takes some pictures when you get it home? I would love to see some more of the interior

 

[HarkatScott]

Shiny! Looks great.

 

[RickB]

Shiny! Looks great.

After a season it will like like a real boat.

 

[HarkatScott]

New to me:

 

[RickB]

Nice, @HarkatScott I sure like those wooden prams, I would love to get one. Did you make that one your self Harkatscott?

@professori you get yours home yet?

 

[HarkatScott]

No, an old craftsman was clearing out his workshop, better than I could build, well at least better than I have time for. He had one of those old school wood shops, very cool - from outside, wish I could have hung out.

 

[RickB]

No, an old craftsman was clearing out his workshop, better than I could build, well at least better than I have time for. He had one of those old school wood shops, very cool - from outside, wish I could have hung out.

No doubt, I bet he had some awesome stories. Nice find, let me know if you ever come across another.

 

[HarkatScott]

I'll do that. I love watching the buy and sells anyhoo. Lots of fibreglass options though.

 

[fmk]

I own a 9'8" Marlon and really enjoy it's stability and light weight. I agree with Professori's analysis of the Marlon's deficits (thin skin, large ribs) but I have added a removable 3/8" plywood floor with carpet which provides a nice flat surface to stand on and reduces the noise from the aluminum hull. The thin skin I am aware of so am careful when launching and landing. After 5 years of use, no holes yet! The light weight was the seller for me - about half the weight of some other prams of this size. It handles my outboard (older 6 hp Evinrude) or electric motor or rowing with good response. I would include pics but still have a foot of snow in the back yard.

 

[RickB]

I own a 9'8" Marlon and really enjoy it's stability and light weight. I agree with Professori's analysis of the Marlon's deficits (thin skin, large ribs) but I have added a removable 3/8" plywood floor with carpet which provides a nice flat surface to stand on and reduces the noise from the aluminum hull. The thin skin I am aware of so am careful when launching and landing. After 5 years of use, no holes yet! The light weight was the seller for me - about half the weight of some other prams of this size. It handles my outboard (older 6 hp Evinrude) or electric motor or rowing with good response. I would include pics but still have a foot of snow in the back yard.

First off, welcome to the Guild Community @fmk ! My brother has the same boat 9' 8" Marlon, its so light and works great in the 4x4 lakes with no boat launches. I currently have the 11 foot fly fisher, which is pretty beat up now from dragging it through the bush, so I hope to get another this year. I think I will go with the Marlon because of its light weight, unless I can find a good deal on a wooden pram. Thanks for your input fmk, cheers.