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Pathfinder boats—Any if you own one?
Posted on 6/17/18 at 8:16 am
Posted on 6/17/18 at 8:16 am
Any of you guys own a Pathfinder? I’ve been looking for a Hewes Redfisher but they don’t pop up often in SLA. And I’m not driving to Tampa. Noticed a few Pathfinders pop up and been eyeing them. Looks nice for a family of 5, but may be a hassle to launch solo.
How y’all like the Pathfinder?
How y’all like the Pathfinder?
9
Posted on 6/17/18 at 8:20 am to tke_swamprat
I have a 02 24’ pathfinder. Absolutely love it. Handles like a dream. Rides well and dry. Newer ones seem to have even better layout but same Hull so should get same performance.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 8:22 am to MallardMaster
Yea I’ve been looking at the 2000 & 2200. Everything I’ve read says get the 2200 for the extra space.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 8:29 am to tke_swamprat
Definitely agree on that, especially if putting a t top on it (which I highly recommend).
Posted on 6/17/18 at 9:29 am to tke_swamprat
Dad has a 22. It’s a nice boat for the price. Rides better than the ranger and Nautic star in that size.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 9:45 am to tke_swamprat
I've fished out of one of two 24ft pathfinders more times than I can count. I am not exactly sure the model year, but I would guess both are early 2000's.
They are some of the roughest riding bay boats I've ever experienced. Layout and finish are great. I don't know if it was a problem with older models or what.
They are some of the roughest riding bay boats I've ever experienced. Layout and finish are great. I don't know if it was a problem with older models or what.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 10:29 am to GEAUXT
That’s one thing I love about the Redfisher is the ride! I’ll probably just wait bc I don’t want to settle.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 10:51 am to GEAUXT
I was all over the Pathfinders in 2013 when I was getting into a new bay boat. Loved the layout and fit/finish, and felt like no production boat compared. Then I test drove one with the dealer in Chalmette on a windy April day. That boat slammed about as hard as a bay boat can slam. We got wet as shite, and I bought a Blackjack the next weekend.
Hate to be Mr Negative, but unless you’re staying in the marsh I would t spend the money
Hate to be Mr Negative, but unless you’re staying in the marsh I would t spend the money
Posted on 6/17/18 at 11:20 am to tke_swamprat
quote:
And I’m not driving to Tampa.
Seems petty for such an important purchase
Posted on 6/17/18 at 11:33 am to tke_swamprat
Isn’t Hewes a flats boat?
Pathfinder is a bay boat.
Not really comparable. Surprised that No one else pointed that out.
So do you want a flats boat or a bay boat?
Pathfinder is a bay boat.
Not really comparable. Surprised that No one else pointed that out.
So do you want a flats boat or a bay boat?
Posted on 6/17/18 at 12:56 pm to brightside878
quote:
Then I test drove one with the dealer in Chalmette on a windy April day. That boat slammed about as hard as a bay boat can slam. We got wet as shite
Yep. Even on relatively calm days you can feel every single tiny ripple in the water. It's almost like driving down a gravel road at high speed.
Again, I can't say if this is all pathfinders or all years, because those are the only 2 I've fished.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 1:31 pm to tke_swamprat
One of my good friends bought a 17’ pathfinder with a tunnel hull from the early 2000’s at 16 and he still runs it to this day. The boat somehow rides good even when WAY overloaded and the fit and finish on everything is excellent. He uses his boat more often than anyone I know and he beats the hell out of it too, he’s had to throw some money in the engine but all he’s ever done to the hull is replace the keel guard now and then. I’m not sure about the newer ones but that one is built like a tank, if I was in the market for a bay or flats boat I wouldn’t hesitate to pickup a Pathfinder.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 2:29 pm to Who Me
I want a boat to fish bass, marsh fish reds and go out to the island for specks. I could do it in either a Hewes or Pathfinder.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 2:39 pm to tke_swamprat
quote:
I want a boat to fish bass, marsh fish reds and go out to the island for specks.
What island? You mean fish around Grand Isle? Last Isle?
A flats boat has a entirely specific purpose compared to a bay boat. You can fish for bass or reds in either. But each can do things the other can’t.
The flats boat is a skinny water machine. You can pole it and sight fish in shallow water that a standard bay boat could never get into. A bay boat can handle rough water that you never want to take a flats boat into.
Each has its pros and cons. I would recommend you decide which type of boat you want first then compare similar brands. Right now you are comparing a convertible coup to a pickup truck.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 2:52 pm to Who Me
I rode across Lake Decade in a Lake and Bay and it was pretty choppy. Flats boat can handle well. I was impressed. I’m pretty much set on a flats boat but just wanted some input on a Pathfinder.
Posted on 6/17/18 at 4:01 pm to tke_swamprat
Put trim tabs on it and it will handle chop much better than without. The pathfinder gets up out of the water moreso than other boats so it can be tougher riding in chop. But just a lil tab will keep the nose down and it will ride like a much heavier Boat. Best of both worlds
Posted on 6/17/18 at 4:56 pm to MallardMaster
I bought an 04 pathfinder 22. It came with big arse trim tabs lol. I used their arse in 25kt winds coming across the bay yesterday. I love the boat. Its underpowered with a 150 yamaha 4stroke. Top speed 43. I cruise at 35 at 4200
Where u fish out of swamprat? I can bring mine for you to test drive if you put me on some trout!
Where u fish out of swamprat? I can bring mine for you to test drive if you put me on some trout!
This post was edited on 6/17/18 at 5:01 pm
Posted on 6/17/18 at 5:18 pm to bushwacker
I live in Houma. Fish mainly freshwater and marshes for reds. But I want to start going chase the specks.
Posted on 6/18/18 at 5:58 am to brightside878
quote:
That boat slammed about as hard as a bay boat can slam. We got wet as shite, and I bought a Blackjack the n
My 22’ Pathfinder is smooth and dry. Probably has more to do with who’s driving the boat and how. If a Pathfinder is wet and rough someone is doing something wrong. Like running at top speed in rough water. And you’re gonna bounce and get wet regardless of what your driving at that point.
I got the crap beat out of me going across Terrebonne Bay by a guide driving a Blackjack. Dude only had one speed- full throttle. I wasn’t impressed by him or the boat. Is that the boats fault?
However, numerous trips in all types of weather across Lake Decade, Mechant, Pelto have all been fine in my Pathfinder.
Posted on 6/18/18 at 6:16 am to tke_swamprat
quote:
want a boat to fish bass, marsh fish reds and go out to the island for specks. I could do it in either a Hewes or Pathfinder
you could do it in an 18 foot aluminum boat too
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