My base requirements: A canoe or kayak that I can handle by myself (age 60s) without a trailer. I need something that works in 4-6 inches of water. Up until recently, that was a Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT, which at 46 pounds I can cart from truck to river and back. It has been an odd year with lots of deep water and fast currents. New Requirement: Motorized...
My solution: Indian River Otter Squareback, Tunnel hull with a Yamaha 2.5hp 4-stroke outboard.
I am pleased with this choice but always interested in hearing improvements. I am really pleased. It has plenty of room for 2 people and gear. I have carried canoe and motor (separately) past barriers to a canoe/kayak launch, traveled upstream 6-7 miles into wilderness and sometimes trimmed to maneuver past 3 inches of water over sand. It takes me inland 3-4 times faster than I can paddle, which translates to 3-4 times longer distance trips. The Yamaha has more than enough power for 2, and when by myself it would go faster than I would want given the possibility of hidden logs.
The Otter fits stern in to the bed of my Tacoma Access Cab. Easy to lift in/out, easy to transport. I picked up some cushioned canoe seats (that wood is HARD), and a tiller extender, both relatively cheap.
One big Issue. There is Aluminum stripping over the rails EXCEPT over the transom????? The fiberglass is 1/8 inch thick which is thin enough to get beat up by the 40 pound motor. I preventively reinforced with wood & Alum stripping. This seems idiotic by the manufacturer.
All in all, a good boat for purpose with some minor issues.
