I recently had a chance to put the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 on the Suwannee River down in Florida. I'm excited to share my personal experience testing it out. Flycraft isn't sponsoring this review, I bought the boat at full retail. I wanted to give an unbiased Flycraft Stealth 2.0 review. So, let's dive into my thoughts on this inflatable fishing raft! Also be sure to check out the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 comparison to the NRS Approach 120.
Key Specifications and Setup:
The Flycraft Stealth 2.0 comes in at 11 ft 8 in long, 51 in wide, weighs in at a manageable 103 lbs. It is designed for two people. We decided to test it with the Torqeedo Travel 903 electric motor which made it awesome going upriver into the current.
I went for the Fish Package, which includes ores, swivel seats, a storage rack, and “no-tool” hardware. Setting it up took around 1.5 to 2 hours, and it was a relatively straightforward process.
Frame and Accessories:
The boat's frame is lightweight and easy to install using the included straps. While it lacks a built-in track system, you can still customize it with various accessories. Accessories are available from Flycraft and other accessories could be mounted utilizing some clamps. This also, limits adjustability when it comes to position of the rower etc. but contributes to the overall simplicity and keeps the frame light.
Stability and Maneuverability:
One thing that really impressed me was the boat's stability. Even with two hefty guys weighing in at 230 lbs each, we felt rock solid. Swapping places or fishing from different spots on the boat throughout the day was a breeze. The 15 1/2 in outer tubes and 8 PSI floor contribute significantly to that stable feel making the boat very rigid. The floor doesn’t feel squishy at all.
Motorized Advantage:
Now, here's the game-changer – the ability to mount a motor on the back. We went with the Torqeedo Travel 903, and it performed exceptionally well. This feature opens a world of possibilities, allowing you to navigate swift currents and even go upriver. It's a serious advantage that adds a whole new dimension to this inflatable craft. This does, however, require an accessory from Flycraft that bolts onto the frame in the rear. This adds to the overall price as well.
Storage and Durability:
Storage on the these open rafts is sometimes hard to come by, the package we opted for included the rear gear rack. It provided extra storage space. However, it's worth noting that it might interfere with a tiller handle of the motor if you pack gear to high. When it comes to durability, the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 is constructed with a 9mm nylon interwoven PVC, addressing concerns about potential punctures.
With multiple chambers and a handy repair kit included, this boat is designed to handle various conditions and could easily be patched in the unlikely event of a puncture. Like most rafts it also has reinforcement in key wear areas on the bottom of the tubes and on the sides.
Value and Fishability:
Considering the features and performance, the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 is competitively priced. The value lies in its comfort, stability, and the ability to handle up to class 2 white water. Sure, adding accessories might bump up the cost a bit, but the overall package is a worthwhile investment.
As tested with the Fishing Package and motor mount, the raft came in at 4,695 dollars. Now let’s talk fishability. I felt the swivel seats, rigid construction, and ability to add a motor really makes it a very fishable craft.
The only negatives I could really find, and these could also be remedied on my part, were the slope of the bow and lack of included rod storage. The raft has quit a bit of rocker causeing the bow to turn up pretty sharply and I found, while this was decently comfortable, it would tend to allow my fly line to slide under my feet often.
Some of this could be on me due to the fact that I am not a super experienced fly angler, but I felt it was worth noting. For the lack of rod storage, I was able to lay rod directly on the frame, but it wasn’t ideal. Flycraft offers some accessories to address this, but I felt it is really a necessity and therefore should come in the fishing package at the very least.
Versatility and Conclusion:
The Flycraft Stealth 2.0 is a versatile craft, perfect for two people, lightweight, and easily portable. While it may be affected by wind in open water, the option for motorization solves that issue. The absence of built-in tracks might require additional mounts, but the boat's overall performance and features make it an excellent choice for anglers seeking flexibility and functionality.
In addition to this review, I have also reviewed the NRS Approach 120, which is a very similar raft both in size and functionality. I will be doing a side-by-side comparison as well so be sure to check that out!
