Poke Boat

Eric Patterson

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Staff member
My search ended today when a Poke Boat showed up in the Birmingham Craigslist last night. I left right after work as the owner said he had several calls and would sell to the first who put the money in his hand. When I arrived I noticed it wasn't the same shape as a Poke Boat, it was wider. The owner took it down from the rafters and I saw the decal Maxi Poke Boat (confirming my suspicion it wasn't a Poke Boat) and it definitely has seen very little use. Only a few scratches on the bottom plus it came with foot braces and a trolling motor mount. I agreed to buy it and went to an ATM to withdraw $225. I've been looking for about 2 years and this was by far the best deal I've come across.

Maybe someone here can answer a few questions. How deos the Maxi Poke paddle compared to the Poke Boat? It is is 5" wider and 2" shorter and I am wondering if it doesn't track as well or takes much more work to move along. I think the extra width will be nice for hauling gear but wonder if it takes a noticable hit in paddling performance. Also, the boat is tan an you can clearly see the weave. How can I tell if it is the fiberglass, kevlar, or carbon fiber model? I'm guessing fiberglass by looks but figure a trained eye can tell which material it actually is.

Eric
 
Eric,
Nice find! If you wait long enough, a good deal on one pops up every now and then. I picked up a used Maxi poke boat last year and I think I paid $25 more than you. Can't really help you on the figuring out the material. Mine is fiberglass and it feels like it is lighter than physically possible for a boat its size. If you have a way to accurately weigh it, that might be your best bet.
As far as paddling, its great. I have owned or hunted out of almost all of the major brands of marsh boats and it paddles the best. As with most small boats, strength in one attribute means compromise in others. In this case it is stability. Now someones probably going to tell me I'm wrong and I don't know what I am talking about and the Poke boat is plenty stable. me personally, I don't trust myself in water deeper than I can wade in and only with a dog that it is very steady. It won't replace my fatboy, but it sure will compliment it. I love the mobility the weight gives me. I have drug mine over muddy fields to get water that I couldn't have gotten any other boat. If I ever see another good deal on a used one, I would snatch it up in a second.
I have a feeling that it will open up lots of new hunting opportunities for you this season. Have fun with it!

Paul J
 
You'll be very happy Eric with the Maxi. I've hunted mine for a few years now. If you bought that for $225 congratulations because the seller certainly had no idea what it was worth. Anyway, they paddle and track great. Mine is dark green in color so hiding is a breeze. But even with any color, a couple camo burlap sheets and you'll be golden. Again...great find!

Here are a couple pics. The first is on my carrier to get to small out of the way areas.

SANY0171.jpg


Next, on top of my Lund.
seaduckblind2.jpg

 
If it only cost 250 you got a great deal. I would be hard pressed to buy the materials for a KARA for that.
I can see a camo paint job in your future.
I would think weight would be a determination in build materials.
 
Eric,

Glad to hear that you finally found one. My buddy has two and they are great to hunt out of.

Just a thought, you can add a kayak rudder or skeg to the boat, they are very easy to install. My buddy has a rudder on the one that he uses and it makes the boat much more enjoyable. The skeg is much easier to install and will help with tracking, which comes in handy when it is windy.

Chris D.
 
You stole that boat you cannot touch them around here for less than 1G. I have not had any problem with mine when it comes to paddling. I did take the seat out of mine and paddle from my knees or while sitting on the bottom. Not a lot of room to haul stuff in it but these are not big haul boats. Used some PVC to make a blind that snaps on and off and the doors swing open. Have fun.
 
That's a steal! A guy down here sold his a couple of months ago for $650....

Take care,

Ed L.
 
Wow, you lucky dog......you should feel bad for stealing that boat, lol. I absolutely love mine, there is so much you can do with them......to include paddling out to a stump, getting your gear out, then sinking them out of sight beside you!! Great find, congrats!
 
Thanks for the comments.

I did some digging and found out the boat I bought is kevlar which means the hull weighs 27 pounds. I'll put it in a nearby pond this weekend to see how well she paddles. I suspect she's a bit draggy given the width but that should come in handy when shooting from. I've used an Old Town Otter (9' x 29") and never felt tippy as long as I kept my shots between 10:00 and 12:00 or thereabouts. The Maxi should be a lot more stable than the Otter. The Otter does have a really comfortable seat and from what I hear the Poke Boat does not. I'll probably need to rig something up to improve that.

The Poke Boat website says to paint the boats with acrylic paint to prevent the cracking that happens with enamels when the substrate flexes. I may disregard that advice since I'm not sure what acrylic is out there, much less in flat duck boat colors, and stick with Parkers/Interlux and a simple camo job or solid. Anyone paint theirs and have some advice?

Eric
 
I suspect she's a bit draggy given the width but that should come in handy when shooting from.


Eric,

You didn't say just what the actual width is, but you are spot on with your statement. Five inches of extra width will be quite noticeable if you get the chance to paddle both boats. Best you just not paddle the narrower boat. :>)

That said, the extra stability might be a greater benefit in the long run. Post some pics of those out of the way hunts you are prepared for now.
 
The Poke Boat website says to paint the boats with acrylic paint to prevent the cracking that happens with enamels when the substrate flexes. I may disregard that advice since I'm not sure what acrylic is out there, much less in flat duck boat colors, and stick with Parkers/Interlux and a simple camo job or solid. Anyone paint theirs and have some advice?

Eric


Congrats Eric on the pokeboat find. I painted both of my pokeboats with Parker paints and never had a problem. I lightly sanded the boats then brushed on the paint. Only paint Ive lost is on the bottom here the boat drags.
 
Parkers cracks when the boat flexes it did on mine. The most damage is caused by getting out and putting weight on the sides causing a flex in the back. Ira's boat seats fit perfectly in them once you remove the seat. They are easy to hide and not bad to sit up out of to shoot.
 
I HAVE 1 OF EACH. THE MAXI IS THE BETTER HUNTING BOAT. MORE GEAR AND SPACE FOR THE DOG. PROBABLY THE BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT WHEN IT COMES TO WATERFOWL GEAR. 250.00 IS A STEAL
 
Congrats Eric, I know you have been looking for awhile. Sounds like a great price on that boat.

Post up some pics so we can take a loot at the new addition to the fleet.

Mark W
 
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