boat review Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/boat-review/ Opening the doors to the great outdoors and adventure travel Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:12:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://in4adventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/in4-fav.png boat review Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/boat-review/ 32 32 Duckworth 21 Discovery Boat Review | The Ultimate Fishing Boat https://Hazeadventure.com/duckworth-21-discovery-boat-review-the-ultimate-fishing-boat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=duckworth-21-discovery-boat-review-the-ultimate-fishing-boat https://Hazeadventure.com/duckworth-21-discovery-boat-review-the-ultimate-fishing-boat/#respond Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:04:30 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=16386 We put the 2025 Duckworth 21 Discovery to the ultimate test with our latest fishing expedition in the Puget Sound.

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We put the 2025 Duckworth 21 Discovery to the ultimate test with our latest fishing expedition in the Puget Sound. Duckworth, has over 50 years of experience, building robust, heavy-gauge aluminum boats. This updated Duckworth 21 Discovery promises enhanced interior space, safety, and stability for families and anglers, engineered as a “sanctuary of safety and versatility”.

21-Foot Boat Specifications and Hull Features

The Duckworth 21 Discovery is 23'4″ long (with offshore bracket), 98″ wide, and weighs 2,288 lbs dry. It comes with a 65-gallon fuel tank (88-gallon option available) and can be powered by up to 250 HP (our test had a 200 HP Yamaha). Its unique extruded chine and full reverse chine bottom improve lift, planing, fuel efficiency, and speed.

Standard features include a welded walkthrough windshield, self-bailing bow, bow storage, rigging access panels, and side rod racks. Additionally, trim tabs are included, crucial for levelling the ride in varied conditions.

Discovery 21 Duckworth, bow of boat

Discovery 21 Comfort & Cabin Amenities

The Duckworth 21 Discovery excels in comfort. It features upgraded suspension captain seats and two 37-inch rear bench seats that convert into a bed, offering versatile lounging. The composite floor effectively prevents rot. Beyond this, our model's partial hard top with sliding windows and a Wallas diesel heater work together to extend the boating season. Inside, the cabin thoughtfully includes ample storage, lighting, and grab bars. Another plus, one bench is specifically designed to accommodate a portable potty.

Duckworth discovery, Cabin seat storage

Helm & Electronics Hub

The Duckworth 21 Discovery's helm is a well-designed command center, offering easy bow access through an arch doorway. The dash features a large 16-inch Garmin GPS Map 8416 for navigation, sonar, and motor data. Another useful option is the Garmin autopilot for the kicker, which allows hands-free trolling. Essential electronics like a Rockford Fosgate stereo and Garmin VHF radio are included, alongside a tilting helm, trim tab controls, and USB charging ports.

Duckworth 21 Discovery Cockpit & Fishing Features

The aft cockpit is the fishing hub, with extruded gunnels for robust mounting. Another handy option was the lockable rod locker and a wash down pump.

21 Discovery Jameson in cabin, shot

A standout feature is the “fisherman's transom,” a workstation with a large fish box/bait tank and cutting board. This, plus the offshore bracket, keeps the main cockpit open and spacious. The wide bottom allows an optional transom door for easy boarding. Important access points for the bilge and batteries are conveniently located beneath the transom.

Performance

With a 200 HP Yamaha and five people, the Duckworth 21 Discovery reached about 43 mph, with a comfortable cruising speed of 32-34 mph at 4500 RPMs. Its aluminum hull ensures efficiency and quick planing.

Jameson Redding driving Duckworth Discovery 21 fishing boat

Maneuverability

At 23 feet, it handles like a smaller boat. The extruded chine and advanced Garmin Kraken (bow) and autopilot (kicker) systems allow precise control from anywhere on the boat, whether fishing or cruising.

Stability of the 21 Discovery

Because the 21 Discovery has an 8-foot beam and reverse chine, it has exceptional stability, even with multiple people. Trim tabs further enhance this stability underway.

Duckworth heavy gauge aluminum boats

Durability of the Discovery 21

Built from heavy-gauge, welded aluminum, Duckworth boats are designed to last a lifetime and backed by a lifetime hull warranty. The composite floor eliminates rot concerns, common in wood-based construction.

Comfort of Duckworth Boats

The 21 Discovery offers roomy comfort, enhanced by options like a semi-hard top and diesel heater for extended seasons. The upgraded suspension seats absorb chop, and the deep-V hull provides a smooth ride.

Duckworth 21 Discovery fold down seats make a comfortable bed

Fishability of Duckworth Boats

This boat is highly fishable with an open layout, versatile transom workstation, and offshore bracket. Integrated Garmin systems and a remote kicker boost trolling efficiency. Ample storage and wide gunnels make it an angler's dream.

Jameson Fishing off Discovery 21 fishing boat in Puget Sound

Rigging the 21 Discovery

The factory rigging is top-notch, with excellent fit and finish. The boat offers extensive customization, from a bare-bones setup to a fully decked-out vessel like our test model, accommodating diverse fishing styles or family cruising.

Value of the Duckworth 21 Discovery Fishing Boat

The Discovery 21 is priced around $120,000-$140,000. However, the 21 Discovery is a premium investment that is worth the price tag if you can afford this price range for a premium fishing boat you can leave to your children. Duckworth's 50 years of experience, lifetime hull warranty, and reputation for durability and ride quality justify the cost.

Ultimately, the Duckworth 21 Discovery is for those seeking a versatile, durable, high-quality 23-foot boat for fishing or family outings, especially in cooler climates where the cabin is an asset.

To maximize my time on the water in the Duckworth 21 Discovery, I used a few key fishing apps that make my fishing trips incredibly smooth and efficient. Check out the fishing apps that truly make a difference!

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Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP Review https://Hazeadventure.com/sea-eagle-fs1210-fishsup-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sea-eagle-fs1210-fishsup-review https://Hazeadventure.com/sea-eagle-fs1210-fishsup-review/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:57:25 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=16224 If you’re an angler who’s tired of compromising between portability, stability, and fishability, Sea Eagle’s FS1210 FishSUP might be your dream catch.

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If you’re an angler who’s tired of compromising between portability, stability, and fishability, the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP might be your dream catch. Built for serious anglers, this inflatable paddle board blends the best of kayak, canoe, and SUP fishing. Tested on lakes, rivers, and marshes—here’s how it performs and rigs for the value-minded adventurer.

Inflatable, But Built for Battle

Don’t let the word “inflatable” fool you— the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP is rugged. Built from 1100 Decitex reinforced drop-stitch material, this board inflates to 15 PSI for an incredibly rigid feel underfoot.

It carries up to 450lbs, it can easily handle your weight plus a full fishing load out—tackle boxes, battery, electric motor, and even a furry fishing companion.

Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP

Setup & Portability: Trunk to Water in Under 15 Minutes

One of the standout features of the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP is just how easy it is to transport and rig. It rolls up into a large duffle bag that fits easily in the trunk of your car. I had mine inflated and water-ready in under 10 minutes using the included hand pump (an electric pump makes this even faster).

Optional accessories like the swivel seat and electric motor mount bolt on quickly using pre-installed D-rings.

Fishing Features That Actually Matter

  • 360° swivel seat with high-back support: Sit and fish all day without back pain.
  • Built-in fish ruler on the deck: Quickly measure your catch without digging through your gear.
  • Integrated Accessory Bases: Mount rod holders, sonar, or action cameras without drilling or mods.
  • Removable motor mount: Add an electric motor (up to 55 lbs thrust) to turn it into a stealthy, hands-free fishing machine.
fishing features on FS1210

The deck is covered in EVA foam, which is both non-slip and easy on the feet. Plus, the shape of the board—wider in the back and tapered toward the front—offers both stability and glide. I was able to stand and sight-fish in chop without ever feeling tippy.

Performance on the Water

Paddling performance is surprisingly good for such a stable platform. Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP tracks well and glides efficiently whether you're standing with a SUP paddle or sitting and paddling kayak-style. The triple fin setup helps with tracking, and I found the board easy to maneuver even in tighter coves and weedy shallows.

Sea Eagle’s FS1210 FishSUP, Jameson standing fishing

With the Torqeedo Travel motor mounted, I hit speeds over 5mph in open water. This is plenty fast for moving between structure or drifting along a shoreline. Even loaded down with gear, the FS1210 felt nimble and responsive.

Is the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP Worth It?

The FS1210 FishSUP might seem pricey at first, but it replaces a boat, kayak, and SUP. There is no trailer, storage fees, or fuel needed. The base price for the FS1210 starts at $999, with costs varying based on the package you choose.

It packs small, sets up fast, and reaches spots even tiny jon boats can’t. For solo anglers or those short on space, it’s a true game-changer in versatility and fishability.

Is This The Right Boat for You?

Whether you're casting topwater frogs into lily pads or drifting live bait along a shoreline, the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP gives you stealth, stability, and freedom. It's a premium fishing platform that folds up and fits in your trunk—but performs like a purpose-built fishing craft on the water.

For anglers who want to go farther, fish harder, and skip the boat ramp line, the FS1210 is a great choice. Check out the review of the Sea Eagle 437PS Paddleski.

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Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft Review https://Hazeadventure.com/flycraft-guide-3-person-fishing-raft-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flycraft-guide-3-person-fishing-raft-review https://Hazeadventure.com/flycraft-guide-3-person-fishing-raft-review/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 19:44:50 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=15960 If you're an angler who loves floating rivers with friends or family, the Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft might just be the raft you've been looking for. In this in-depth review, based on my full-day trip down the New River in the Appalachian Mountains with my dad and brother-in-law, I’ll break down everything you […]

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If you're an angler who loves floating rivers with friends or family, the Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft might just be the raft you've been looking for. In this in-depth review, based on my full-day trip down the New River in the Appalachian Mountains with my dad and brother-in-law, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Flycraft Guide—from performance and comfort to rigging options and value.

Read my review of a similar 3 person raft, the NRS Approach 138.

What Is the Flycraft Guide?

Flycraft Guide 3, Jameson standing in front of inflatable boat

The Flycraft Guide is a 14-foot, 3-person inflatable raft designed for anglers looking for a compact, maneuverable, and durable alternative to traditional drift boats. Weighing in at 145 pounds and measuring 56 inches wide, it's rated for Class III rapids and can support up to a 3.5 HP motor and 1,200 lbs of total capacity.

Performance on the Water

The Flycraft Guide performed impressively on the water. Designed for river fishing, it’s perfect for controlled drifting rather than speed. Thanks to the included oars and anchor system, we could back-row and hold positions effortlessly, making it easier to fish efficiently.

I tested the Flycraft Guide with a Torqeedo 903 electric outboard (3 HP equivalent), and even with three people and full gear, it handled upstream currents with no issue. The torque from the motor allowed us to reach our fishing spots quickly and smoothly.

drone shot of three men in flycraft guide 3 person inflatable boat

Maneuverability & Stability

Compared to other rafts like the NRS Approach 120 and Flycraft Stealth 2.0, the Flycraft Guide offers a balance of compact size and added room for a third angler. At 14 feet long, it’s slightly larger but still nimble enough to navigate between boulders and rock shelves commonly found in Appalachian rivers.

Despite its length, it was easy to control and turn, thanks to its responsive frame and high-floating design. Even in mild whitewater (Class II), the raft stayed stable and secure.

Flycraft guide inflatable boat, Jameson rowing oars

Comfort and Fishability

The padded, swiveling seats are a surprisingly valuable feature, allowing you to cast comfortably in any direction. Combined with thigh locks and leaning bars, the Flycraft Guide 3 provides a stable, versatile platform for both seated and standing casts.

We had three full-grown men—each over 6 feet tall and 200+ lbs—switching positions and fishing comfortably throughout the day. There was zero concern about stability, even when we had two anglers standing and casting.

Flycraft Guide 3 fish package, three men sitting in inflatable boat

Rigging & Gear Storage

Rigging the Flycraft Guide is refreshingly simple—perfect for fly fishing, where fewer snags mean more time casting. While the setup is clean and clutter-free, it’s also easy to customize. You can add motor mounts at the bow or stern, clamp-on cup or rod holders, D-rings and gear plates for securing equipment, and even mounting points for cameras or tackle boxes.

We brought along food, tackle, camera gear, and personal bags with room to spare—storage definitely isn’t a problem.

flycraft guide,  seat and storage on inflatable boat

Durability & Build Quality

The Flycraft Guide is built tough. With reinforced sections at high-contact points (floor, corners, frame contact zones), the raft can take a beating. Inflatable doesn’t mean fragile—punctures are rare, and if they happen (typically from sharp panfish fins), repairs are quick with the included patch kit.

The aluminum frame is powder-coated for long-term durability, and after dragging the boat to and from the water, I’m confident it’ll hold up well over time.

flycraft boat, front of boat showing powder coated frame

Value of the Flycraft Guide

The Flycraft Guide Fish Package comes in at $6,700. The base model starts in the mid-$5,000s

While this isn’t a “budget” option, the value is clear when you compare it to traditional drift boats. It offers:

  • Greater portability and storage options
  • Room for three anglers
  • Compatibility with both motors and oars
  • Versatility across shallow streams and light rapids
flycraft guide 3 person fishing raft use by Jameson Redding and his family

Should You Buy the Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft?

If you're a serious river angler looking for a premium inflatable fishing raft that can handle three people, offer great maneuverability, and remain comfortable all day, the Flycraft Guide is a top-tier choice. Whether you're fishing solo or with a couple of buddies, this boat offers the performance and flexibility to match any river conditions.

Read my review of a similar 3 person raft, the NRS Approach 138.

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Salt Marsh Heron 18 Skiff Review https://Hazeadventure.com/salt-marsh-heron-18-skiff-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=salt-marsh-heron-18-skiff-review https://Hazeadventure.com/salt-marsh-heron-18-skiff-review/#respond Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:37:58 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=10932 Jameson Redding has a long-time love affair with skiffs. In this blog, he does a Salt Marsh Heron 18 review from bow to stern.

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After nearly two years of exploration, it's time to do a Salt Marsh Heron 18 skiff review. Its why I believe it is a standout in the world of shallow water skiffs.

About Salt Marsh

Located in Fort Pierce Florida, Salt Marsh is a family-owned business that takes pride in creating high value technical polling skiffs. Meaning every boat starts with a purpose or place really. Ankona Boats, Tavernier Skiffs, and Salt Marsh make up the entirety of the brands. All their models will excel in the type of water or for the type of fishing they were designed for. This makes it important to know where and for what you intend to use the boat for when choosing the right model. So, what lead me to the Heron 18? Continue you reading to find out!

Official web site: www.saltmarshskiffs.com

Salt Marsh Heron 18 Review: Size and Dimensions:

– Length: 18 ft 6 in

– Beam: 77 in at the widest point

– Draft: 8 to 10 in (depending on rigging)

Customization:

Each skiff that is built by Salt Marsh is built to order. They all come with a list of standard features but the sky is the limit from there really. You choose everything right down to the color, so you can really personalize the skiff to fit your personal needs.

Salt Marsh Heron 18 Review
Salt Marsh Heron 18 Review

Performance and Handling:

I wanted to talk a bit about what the Heron 18 is designed to do. It is super key to choose a boat that fits what you plan to do with it. You would not by a big offshore boat to bass fish with. So you would not want to buy the Heron 18 for it either. To chase Tuna 50 miles offshore. The Heron is a polling skiff and is designed to fish the salt flats. It is still able to cross open water when needed.

V-shaped hull of the Heron 18 cuts through the water very nicely!
V-shaped hull of the Heron 18 cuts through the water very nicely!

Open water means that it is more subject to the weather and can get a bit rough, but a boat designed for rough water often doesn’t have the hull shape to get you in less than a foot of water, which is where redfish, tout, snook, etc. like to hang out. So, the Heron has a bit more deadrise, meaning it has more “V” to the hull, than some of the other skiffs in there line up. This translates to a smoother ride in chop, but you lose a couple of inches in draft. Still only drafting between 8 and 10 inches, it is a boat that is ideal for a lot of flats fishing conditions. Now let’s jump into to a few categories.

The Heron really cruises getting you to your spots fast.
The Heron really cruises getting you to your spots fast.

Speed:

The Heron is rated for up to 90HP and some models have even been built to order with a 115HP motor. The recommended range is between 60HP and 90HP and both offer some benefits. I choose to go with the 90HP to have the extra power knowing that I would have my boat pretty rigged out and plan to take the whole family, two kids and my wife, along with me. The extra HP offered more speed with and power to handle the extra weight. The tradeoff is that you lose some draft over the 60HP options due to the extra weight of the motor.

All in all, I am seeing speeds in the low to mid 40s, which I feel to be plenty fast for this size boat. That is with two angler and a full tank of fuel. For comparison, my friend runs a 60HP on the same boat and he is seeing 33-35mph with a similar load. He drafts about a bit less, but we are talking at most a couple of inches. When choosing a motor, weight does come into play and while this is not a review of the Suzuki outboard, I am running, I will say it was the lightest motor in the 90hp range that I was able to find and I have been super happy with its performance.

Two of us stood all day and caught a LOT of fish.
Two of us stood all day and caught a LOT of fish.

Stability:

I find the skiff to be super stable. With two-three anglers moving around, I have no issues walking the gunnels to fight and land fish. I have, however, always thought that stability is relative to what you are comparing it to. For example, it is way more stable than a kayak, but not as stable as a wide flat bottom boat. So, keeping it in comparison to other skiffs in the same class, I feel it is right where it should be. The added “V” to the hull allows for it to handle chop when running but is not enough to cause the draft and stability to suffer.

Lots of room for a few people and gear.
Lots of room for a few people and gear.

Fishability:

This is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a fishing boat of any kind. Keeping in mind where it is designed to excel, shallow water flats and larger water crossings, I love fishing from the Heron. The large front and rear deck allow for 3 adult anglers to fish very comfortably and I even find with my family of 4 we have plenty of room.

Tucked away rods make walking about this boat safe from rod damage or tripping!
Tucked away rods make walking about this boat safe from rod damage or tripping!

In addition to that I have space for a casting platform on the bow and plenty of storage. Two other standouts are the rod storage and ability to stay silent on the flats. The rod storage is located under the gunnels and there is room for four 9’ fly rods on each side, but this is not what sets it apart from a lot of other skiffs. The rod tips go into the tubes on the stern and the rod butts are located at bow. This makes it super easy to swap rods from the bow of the boat, which is where you are typically fishing from.

And for its stealth, the hull shape allows the boat to pole super quiet with no hull slap. This is so key when chasing fish in shallow, clear water.

Beautiful deck layout on a very fast and maneuverable watercraft.
Beautiful deck layout on a very fast and maneuverable watercraft.

Maneuverability:

This can be looked at both while driving the boat and while fishing from it. To start with, I have been very impressed with how it handles while underway. I find myself pushing back into tight creeks and then needing to pick up and move and they can be a bit narrow and have sharp turns throughout. It jumps up quick and holds to the water even in tight turns. This is supper important when navigating backwater. In addition to the the hull features a unique radios transom. This allows water to escape easily off the stern of the boat specifically when polling.

Squared off transoms tend to trap water whereas the eased transom seems to allow it to escape making the boat a bit easier to keep moving and turn like a smaller skiff. It is still an 18.5’ skiff though so it is not a nimble as a 16-footer, but when compared to other skiffs in the same class, I believe it turns with a bit less effort. Overall, I have been impressed and have zero complaints with the maneuverability.

Storage and gear management alone is of great value in this boat.
Storage and gear management alone is of great value in this boat.

Value:

One of the biggest things that I believe sets Salt Marsh apart is their value. In fact, this is what led me to them. The focus is on performance and keeping the price as reasonable as possible however, the Heron 18 is at the top when it comes to options and price.  As I have my skiff rigged it would likely come in at a price point ranging from $51,000 to $52,000. Comparable skiffs in the market often surpass the $70,000 to $100,000 range, so while it is the highest priced boat in their lineup, it still carries a ton of value and can keep a bit of green in your pocket for road trips to new fishing destinations!

Final Thoughts:

In summary, the Salt Marsh Heron 18 skiff has been a great boat for me so far and I am continually impressed with its performance. Its stability, speed, and capacity to handle choppy waters make it a standout choice for anglers seeking a skiff to cover open water with but still get skinny.

For more information, please check out the Salt Marsh Heron 18 skiff.

Full Review Video

For a more detailed look at my rigged Heron 18, be sure to explore the full walk-through the Road Trip Angler video below.

Here's my Salt Marsh Heron 18 review video as well:

A shoutout to our Global Partners for their unwavering support in our mission to get people outside and on the water.

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