It replaces the pontoon. Momma said she was tired of getting wet and cold and good old Hurricane Bob needed to get something to make her more comfy. With her approval, that turned into a 2010 Raider 22/72 Sea Raider.
I uploaded pictures on my profile photo albums. The folks at Raider were kind enough to send me pics of the boat while being built, and the folks at the local Washington shop shared some pics as it was preped for delivery. I looked at Customwelds, Alumawelds, Weldcrafts, Trophies, Parkers, and Hewescrafts. The Raider provided everything we were looking for at a far better price, and a boat built solid, yet light, to make it easier to trailer, and to withstand the punishment I inflict on boats when I want to bottom fish from the bank and beach the boat, bust the Ohio and wade thru the drift, or hit Cumberland in Spring and fight thru the driftwood. Built in Washington state, the boat was delivered by the dealer to my driveway in KY as part of the deal. And if you think I was unafraid of bad weather before, nothing shy of a tornado is going to keep me on the dock now.
Raider also builds rugged 17,18,19,and 20 foot with the same style 3 piece walk-thru windshields but optional fold down canvas tops and side curtains. Hardtops come in sizes 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 footers.
Best thing, the Honda 135 pushing a 22 foot boat, is gettting 3 times better gas mileage than the pontoon did with just a 75 HP Merc on it. Whole rig towing weight is about 1000 pounds more than the pontoon was, but the brakes on the trailer and long trailer wheel base makes this thing track very well and stop shorter than the pontoon rig did.
Be glad to share info if this type boat interests you. Shout if ya see me out or at a dock and I'll show you around.



Reply With Quote
