Hi any one own or had any experience with above lake boats ?

Hi,

I've one. It's the older model. If I were in the market for a boat I would go for his new 18ft GT model. It's FAST. Also its a direct copy of a wooden boat which is still on the Corrib. He puts plenty of material into the hull. The only drawback with the GT is that, its a tad on the expensive side compared to other models out there at the moment. His other model the standard 19ft is also nice. It's a Burke type hull but cleverly modified.

Here is his website:

Lough Arrow Boats :: Ballindoon, Riverstown, County Sligo, Ireland

Hope this helps
buzzr

Hi,
I bought a second hand boat from David last year - a 19ft. It was one he had built some years ago and it was agreed that he should renew most of the woodwork. He did a great job. I got it at what I regard as a very good price and spent the winter rubbing down and re-painting the hull. Massey Ferguson tractor paint has rendered a nice rich grey colour and the transom has been enhanced by repeated coats of satin varnish. Though I say so myself the boat looks a treat and cost less than half the price of a new one. I managed (a bitterly cold) couple of hours on O'Flynn two weeks ago - mostly to try out the new Yamaha 4 stroke, 6 hp (its the new low weight version at 28k) and everything went well - except the fish were so cold they couldn't and didn't move! The boat is stable and comfortable and compares well to any other make.

I think the original mould is taken from a Philbin boat - the new wooden ones are beautiful but would require the kind of tlc that I cannot promise on a regular basis living as I do, for most of the year, in England.

As you can see I recommend the boat. In passing, I think Arrow is one of the most beatiful loughs in Ireland - even in those years when the fishing was a little 'off' it was always a great day when spent drifting along its shores and bays.

My only worry now is that ash clouds and Icelandic gods might make regular flights to Knock a thing of the past - but as an angler I remain an optimist.

JD

Great engine Dryfly. I got one during the winter and apart from sometimes needing a few pulls to get it started I'm delightd with it. Very quiet, uses fumes rather than petrol and light enough to lift on and off the boat every trip so the b**tards who steal engines from around the Corrib can't nick it.