Airboats for Yankees?

[WWes]

What can you Southern fellers tell me about those Marlin Perkins adventure vessels?

I always thought they look like fun, since I was 5 watching Mutual of Omaha's TV spot. "Watch Jim feed the alligator bacon slices while I sit back in safety". LOL, good TV.

Not a common boat in central Ohio. I've got a great "nearly wild" river at my disposal, flathead cats up to state record size. 50's and 60's aren't uncommon, record is 72. Access is the issue. No locks or major dams but lots of trash. There's a thriving smallmouth and spotted bass population, wipers/stripers, and sauger/saugeye. It's a do not eat dump, and I'm a catfisherman. It takes a rare dummy to launch a bass boat and to really fish the holes a jet boat would be perfection.

Cost. Saw some guys towing an airboat when I bought the Tojo car,and wheels started spinning...

If a storm kicks up this river can go to true Hell within a few hours. I've done it in 14', 5 hp aluminum V-hull boats and it's a scary ride. I know the few classified ad's I've checked don't cover the full range of airboats. Having never piloted one? Any fiirst-hand experience is welcome.

I don't need a fishing deck, helpful for awkward holes but I'd rather tie off and fish bank spots on the overnight. My only real concern is the handling in stormy waters and engine preferences.

I've got 2 solid buyers on an '86 Yammy V-Max. 12,000 original and 600 of mine. It's fast, it' absolutely cool but it's not something I enjoy. I like Jap bikes, I bought it as a collector piece. It is, I knew it would be. I want to turn it into a boat.

I've got a good truck, a nice car, a suitable utility/landscape trailer. 79 KZ 1326 toy, old Honda Interceptor coming in on trade. Money on the V-Max will be 28-3200, I'm figuring on a boat in that market?

I'll drive my GMC anywhere in the country if need be, it's close to 300k. Life should be a joy (credit to Rob Zombie)

I know there are guys here that know these boats, I hate to purchase out of my zone.

Any and all advice, pour it on and don't hold back! I need to know how these machines perform before it's too late. I've worked too much. I love work but I want to fish what the working people can't. I'll become a writer with an interesting blog. I've landed 45-50lb. cats by myself. It is a celebration of life.

It is insanity, it is obsession. I cannot quit it and I need a boat. Airboat.