New Wildernes Systems Commander 140

[boykinsbuddy]

Looking through their web site last night and saw this boat...

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product/index/products/recreational/Commander/commander_140/

I knew it would be coming at some point but didn't know it was already out. For larger guys with lots of gear, it should be a nice welcome. I paddle an Ultimate 140...what this boat was designed to compete with...and know that the Ultimate sits pretty low with a large load. Looking at the fishing videos of the Commander though...it looks like it sits pretty low too.
Maybe I can talk someone into letting me do a paddle comparison this next season.

[ncbobd]

Keith, perhaps you could explain the advantages of this type of boat since it's similar to what you use. I'd expecta traditional sit-in boat to have advantages, especially in rough waters or cold conditions.

[boykinsbuddy]

These boats have a catamaran type hull shape...especially the Ultimate. This puts a lot of extra buoyancy on the sides, making the boat a lot more stable. The down side is that it cuts your hull speed and some maneuverability...and load carrying capacity. One thing I have noticed with the boat that I was surprised with is that it easily glides over weeds and even cattails...way better than a traditional hull. I don't know why...but it does.
I honestly think that one of the best sit in hulls was the Old Town Predator 140. That boat is no longer made, but the hull is still available as a 2 man boat I think in their Otter series. As far as that goes...any long open cockpit 2 man boat will have the same general photography benefits...the long and wide cockpit combined with the wider hull...I like something wider than 30 inches for a bit of safety in the form of stability. Also some sort of deck covering part of the bow or stern is nice...sticks and bugs fall in totally open boats...the Ultimates will need part of a skirt.
I guess one thing that isn't considered often is getting into and out of these boats. When you have several thousands of dollars of camera gear in the boat...you have to have a boat that is both stable and easy to get in. The Ultimate you can place in the water parallel to the bank with one of the pods resting on the bottom. You place one foot into that pod...and all of your weight can be place on it...on the hard bottom. Step the other foot in keeping the weight on the grounded foot and sit down. The same thing getting out...I tie a rope to the forward thwart with a T handle tied to it. I pull in parallel to the bank leaning out to the water...lifting the bank side pod. This lets me get closer to the shore when the boat does run aground. I grab the rope and handle...get my fat butt up out of the seat...and pull myself up placing most of my weight on the shore-side leg...and simply step out onto the ground.

[russgavitt]

Hello Keith and Bob. Thanks for posting the notice Keith on the Commander 140 and also your review of the many advantages with the Ultimate catamaran or hollow tunnel keel.
Yeah there will be copy cats with any successful product that is out there and as you know Hurricane came out with the similar Open Fisherman model as well.
Get Outdoors and Great Provision are due to let me know when there spring demo days are and I will post the dates for those that want to try out Commander 140.
That 68 lb weight of the Commander 140 might be fine if you can just drag it in off the back yard, but for me I am real content with both the performance and the weight of the 37 lb Ultimate Tegris.
I guess I am just showing my age.
Hope to see you both at the Annual Meeting
Russ Gavitt