Belly boats

[mr_shrub]

Anyone been crazy enough to put to sea in one?

I can see it being a possibility on a nice calm sunny day?

[Bill Portland]

I have one which I've used for piking on big rivers and ship canals. Great fun. not sure I'd want to use one in the sea except maybe for sheltered harbours with little or no flow. Not easy to launch except from gently sloping banks/beaches.

[mr_shrub]

I have one which I've used for piking on big rivers and ship canals. Great fun. not sure I'd want to use one in the sea except maybe for sheltered harbours with little or no flow. Not easy to launch except from gently sloping banks/beaches.

I suppose it could work, but I think you'd need to be prepared to bail out and swim for it if need be

[manta]

Please don't take a belly boat into the sea, you'll die!

Simples!

[mr_shrub]

Please don't take a belly boat into the sea, you'll die!

Simples!

Ok, maybe slightly extreme, but noted!

[Flyguy]

I don't think anyone has been stupid enough to take on the open sea. But I know someone who has used one in a sheltered lock with some success. But a kayak would be much better and safer.

[mr_shrub]

Somebody, somewhere must have done it..

[scott88]

I read an article about fly fishing for cod in norway and the author favoured a belly boat to hit the deeper weather. Only time I would consider it would be at the head of a sea loch on the flood so that I couldn't be swept out to sea, even then the currents can be unpredictable. Choose the smallest neaps if you do

[Flyguy]

Somebody, somewhere must have done it..

Maybe they have but didn't live to tell anyone about it

[bellyboat]

I wouldnt do it trust me!! I have been using them for the past 7-8years in different waters,and no way would I take one out to sea,rivers are bad enough,not saying it cannot be done,and if anybody is stupid enough to have a go it would be me,but no,in my mind I know its not right,even though I have seen some cracking venues down rock faces where the float tube would be ideal,its not worth dieing for,my solution has been to buy a small sit on top,like a yak,or RTM loko,there light,and you can carry them for miles,and get them over rocks,I was lucky an got one for £50!,you get a bit wet,BUT when it goes wrong a paddle is going to fight a rip faster than you can kick matey,and there good to hold on to should you go over too.