03-28-2014, 10:08 PM
I had a couple of standard framed ones for 15 years or so. I liked them a lot. Then, I bought a Renegade a few years back and really, really liked it. When I saw the Assault, I had to try one. That was a couple seasons ago now, and I LOVE it! Its so light, rows like a sports car, anchors easily*, fits in the back of the pickup with little/no deflation, and still has plenty of room and stability for an all day float on any river I want. I have not had any problems with the oars and oar locks. In fact, the oar-locks are the most convenient I've ever had. I've never had to "really lean into" the oars because the boat is so responsive. Half of the time, I just use my wrists! Leaning on 'em is actually using my arms and shoulders! I'm using the standard (small) oars on the Assault. I used longer oars on the Renegade.
The Assault also easy to just stand up in over shallow water. It stays put, and straight. The bags that come with it are most convenient, roomy, and serve as rod holders for me. (I carry one or two rods, that's it.)
I've rowed all three sections of the Green, as well as the bigger rivers of WY and MT with it, and had no problems, even on the Green at 4,000 cfs. The MO at 6500. The Clark Fork and South Fork at way over 12,000. Box Canyon. . . .
If I had nothing today, and were going out to buy a toon, I'd buy another Assault with no hesitation.
*The only advantage I miss from the framed model is a stronger anchor bracket that was frame-mounted. I'm using the strap-on Scotty anchor bracket with the Assault, and used it with the Renegade, and I've broken the brackets that hold the strap a couple times. I also have to regularly re-adjust the anchor bracket for it to be int he optimal position on the rivers. I don't fish still water at all, just the rivers and larger streams. I just carry a spare in the truck. No big deal, really.
If you can, try one of the frameless boats. And, to be fair, I've heard great things about the Water Master out of Montana. They even offered me a free test-float when I came to Missoula that year. But, I compared the two side by side, in person at a show, before I bought my Renegade. No regrets. Ask Scadden for a test ride. All he can do is say "no," or "sure!"
Just to add, I don't use a trolling motor, carry a battery, or any extraneous stuff. Fishing gear (Fly), rain gear, small cooler, camera. Stepping in and out of the closed boat requires you to step over the pontoons, but I'm old and bent, and its still not difficult at all.
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The Assault also easy to just stand up in over shallow water. It stays put, and straight. The bags that come with it are most convenient, roomy, and serve as rod holders for me. (I carry one or two rods, that's it.)
I've rowed all three sections of the Green, as well as the bigger rivers of WY and MT with it, and had no problems, even on the Green at 4,000 cfs. The MO at 6500. The Clark Fork and South Fork at way over 12,000. Box Canyon. . . .
If I had nothing today, and were going out to buy a toon, I'd buy another Assault with no hesitation.
*The only advantage I miss from the framed model is a stronger anchor bracket that was frame-mounted. I'm using the strap-on Scotty anchor bracket with the Assault, and used it with the Renegade, and I've broken the brackets that hold the strap a couple times. I also have to regularly re-adjust the anchor bracket for it to be int he optimal position on the rivers. I don't fish still water at all, just the rivers and larger streams. I just carry a spare in the truck. No big deal, really.
If you can, try one of the frameless boats. And, to be fair, I've heard great things about the Water Master out of Montana. They even offered me a free test-float when I came to Missoula that year. But, I compared the two side by side, in person at a show, before I bought my Renegade. No regrets. Ask Scadden for a test ride. All he can do is say "no," or "sure!"
Just to add, I don't use a trolling motor, carry a battery, or any extraneous stuff. Fishing gear (Fly), rain gear, small cooler, camera. Stepping in and out of the closed boat requires you to step over the pontoons, but I'm old and bent, and its still not difficult at all.
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