Northwest Fishing Magazine July 2025 Volume 4 Issue 9 - Flipbook - Page 19
The seed had been planted,
and it took full root when
my wife JoAnn casually
mentioned there was some
spare cash in a savings
account, which I knew
nothing of. Husbands know
that spare cash and a wife’s
“OK” are the final straw. My
research kicked into high
gear!
I looked at the variety of
drift boats and rafts out
there and narrowed my
choice down to a raft. I
prefer the flexibility and
lighter weight of a raft.
After looking at several
companies and designs, I
found myself on the Dave
Scadden website. I was
instantly impressed by the
selection of framed rafts,
with sizes and features
aimed at whatever budget
and needs a boater was
looking for.
I had determined that
in addition to a stable
platform, I also wanted a
big enough raft to handle
three anglers, and space to
store overnight camping
gear for those Huck Finn
adventures. Each year,
Montana opens the Smith
River to a lottery, allowing a
limited number of anglers
to float this secluded and
scenic 57-mile canyon-lined
river. I’ve decided this fourday float is going to be on
my Bucket List.
After a call to Dave to
discuss my goals, I selected
his new 14-foot Dragonfly.
With a 6-foot beam,
three seats, a casting
brace, an inline anchor
system, and the rigid dry
floor insert feature, the
raft was just what I was
looking for. Throw in an
excellent warranty and my
positive experience with
my pontoon boat, and I
feel confident I’d found a
winner.
Pairing my new raft with
a flat bed 5x8 trailer (to
which I added a couple
of rollers made with PVC
piping), my sons Matt and
James, and I headed to
the Missouri River for a
