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Author Topic: Polycraft Tuff Tender  (Read 12802 times)

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Polycraft Tuff Tender
« on: October 28, 2013, 09:25:24 AM »
Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has used or been in one of these little boats. Tossing up between a canoe and small boat for getting around the brisbane river & some of the dams flicking lures.

I have seen a couple of these at twins bridges at times but never close enough to see what they are like for space etc.

Understand the limitations of a tender for getting into really tight spots, but thinking of being able to put the kids (6 & 7) in with me, either the river or the dam to introduce them to fishing.

They look like they would be ok with a electric as I would like to start looking at doing a few electric bass comps.

Any pros & cons compared to a canoe would be appreciated.

Cheers in advance.

Craig



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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2013, 09:35:56 AM »
They are heavy, very very heavy.  They need at least a 15hp motor to plane them with two adults.  They are reasonably stable.  There is no storage in them.  They can take a beating.  For a Bass Electric boat they are probably OK, although you will need to make some sort of live well arrangement.  They are not a substitute for a canoe.  You'll need to carry it on a trailer, as you won't get it on a roof rack on your own.

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2013, 09:49:18 AM »
Thanks Aussiebasser,

Decision made. Single canoe it is. Can wait and use the in laws tinny to get the kids around.

Cheers

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2013, 10:18:37 AM »
A mate of mine used a Tuff Tender and he loves it. Just carts it around on the box trailer and slides it down the bank. He reckons it's miles more stable than a canoe. It doesn't matter if you can't get it to plane, particularly if you want it for Bass electric events. There is another option you may want to check out though, Go online and type in Bass Imports or Bass Catcher. There's a bloke bringing these things in from the US. Canoes don't always work for kids either.
JD

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2013, 10:43:28 AM »
Seen Black Swans nesting on a member of this forums that was left on the edge of a private dam  :popcorn)

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2013, 02:08:18 PM »
Thanks JD,

The canoe option was to buy a vapor 10 just for me to fish out of, but then I saw the tuff tender and wondered if it would have been an option for me to use and double as a boat to get the kids out on the water. I was thinking of getting a set of racks attached to me box trailer so it just slides up onto. I have access to a 4HP outboard to get the tender around and a 46Lb thrust electric to move it around in the snags.

Cheers
Craig

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2013, 02:48:08 PM »
Mate I reckon the TT would be great for some of the narrow waters, especially over on river like the Dumaresq if Cod fishing lights your fire. I'm currently working on a few other options of which the TT is on the short list. The electric you speak of would be ideal for just quietly poking along some of the little creeks and rivers. We have a 3.4m tinny at the moment with a a 44lb on it and can get 3 days fishing out of it. The tinny is heavier than the TT.
JD

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2013, 02:54:36 PM »
Tuff Tender weighs 75kg, 3.2mt Clitrex Explorer weighs 63kg.

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2013, 03:59:34 PM »
Like Basser said, they are very heavy for what they are. It will depend on what you want to use it for, how many people in it and method of transporting it. On the plus side very stable, and a large electric will push it well. I've seen a few with 80lb 24volt leccys and they fly! The layout in the Tuff Tender is a bit strange but then again it is meant to be a tender. I've owned a similar boat called a Bushmans Stubby which had a normal thwart seat layout, again very very stable but bloody heavy, 3.7mtrs and 120kg for bare boat.  I'd really check out the canoe with Electric option if small rivers and large creeks are your target areas, dams maybe a bit harder in a canoe, live well and kids.

SB8

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2013, 04:54:09 PM »
I used to have a bass catcher extreme from rosco canoes. It had heaps of optional extras but bare weight was 40kg which I could carry on the roof racks. I had twin outriggers which made it super stable and a 55lbs electric is more than enough to push it around. it was 18' long and with twin outriggers 3m wide. The 2 down sides were that the wind would catch you and make it hard to steer straight and that you still needed somewhere to put the outriggers and electric etc etc when in transit, lucky I had a commercial van at the time which made it a bit easier.

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2013, 10:34:39 PM »
My 2 cents worth..

Poly Craft Tuff Tenders are almost unsinkable, bloody tough but bloody heavy for their size. IMO would be an awesome rig for lakes and rivers with decent water / decent launching (you would almost have to have it on a trailer wouldn't you?), but in rivers without boat ramps and any rapids I would never consider it. Also not a great deal of inside space for the size. It is all to do with having a double skin.

Maybe take a look at a canoe (eg OT Guide or OT Saranac) with clamp on motor bracket, or a square back canoe like a Predator (poly link3 laminate) , Rockport (single layer plastic) or Bass Catcher (fibreglass)? Probably as much or more space in a canoe, lighter, can get on roof rack, longer = less drag = more efficient to paddle or power,  but not as wide as a Tuff Tender so not as stable.


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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2013, 06:01:50 AM »
Thanks guys for all points and opinions which was exactly what I was after. Will have to visit Charltons to look at the canoe option before deciding.

Cheers
Craig

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2013, 06:32:03 AM »
Sadly, there really is no viable alternative to owning a couple of boats, a Canoe and a couple of kayaks, and a big shed.

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2013, 07:00:36 AM »
Now you're talking! He who dies with the most toys wins.

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Re: Polycraft Tuff Tender
« Reply #14 on: October 29, 2013, 07:44:09 AM »
That's what the father in law and his shed is for!

 

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