Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor U222/HF360 12' Fish Hunter:

My family is based in SW Florida and has recently begun to fish quite a bit. In our city, Cape Coral, there are hundreds of miles of freshwater canals, many loaded with bass and bluegil. We purchased the Fish Hunter as our first, inexpensive foray into boating...and we LOVE this thing. My wife and I are both good sized, plus we have two boys...5 and 6. We were looking for something to safely handle the weight of all 4 of us plus basic fishing gear and a trolling motor, but light enough to carry to the different canals. This boat fit the bill. It is surprisingly rugged, very stable, and sets up with a 12v air pump (not included) in about 5 minutes. When we don't bring the motor, we use the two motor bracket mounts as fishing pole holders. My wife is shorter (5') and struggles a little with paddling. I (6') find it easy to paddle. While it does have oar-locks, I tend to just paddle, switching sides, rather than using the oar-locks. There are rubber mounting holes for the attached rope line that interfere somewhat with rowing. There are a few things to keep in mind with this boat:
1.) This IS an inflatable, so you want to be mindful with sharp objects (fish-hooks, knives, and sharp roots, treets, etc. in the water.) However, there are 5 separate air chambers, so you won't sink if you get a puncture.
2.) Because this boat rides more above the water than a Jon boat or flats boat, even a light breeze will move you quite a bit. When we fish, we use two 10 lb mushroom anchors...one for the front and one for the back.
3.) I've heard mixed reviews on the "boot" sold separately for this boat...some say the boot is great at protecting the boat from punctures, while others say it adds a good bit of drag when rowing (water ends up getting between the boat and the boot.)
4.) There are two seat cushions that come with the boat. The floor does get a little wet. I typically sit on the cushions when rowing, and throw them overboard when fishing. Without the cushions, the boat fells like a nice recliner (though you'll typically end up with a slightly wet butt.)
5.) Size. Everywhere this boat is advertised it is rated for 6 people. That is the coast guard rating based on weight. It very comfortably fits 2 adults and normal tackle, or 3 adults and no kids or 2 adults and two young kids (<8 years old). We've been discussing getting a small raft to tow behind for more gear. (Cooler, extra tackle, etc.) Let's face it, we're fishing with two young boys...I go through quite a few bobbers and hooks per trip.
Overall, if you're looking to fish with a buddy or young family and you're looking for maximum portability, this is a great boat. If you're fishing by yourself, I'd just go with the 9' version. This boat won't take the place of a Jon boat or larger if that's what your looking for, but if you're just starting out, or on a tight budget, or don't have a decent size vehicle for towing (our situation...we have a small cross-over), definitely look into this boat.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor U222/HF360 12' Fish Hunter:

I've only used the boat once but planning another trip real soon.

Seems very stable and plan on getting the trolling motor.

I have the battery power pump so it take a while to air it up

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor U222/HF360 12' Fish Hunter:

I took it out on a lake and a lagoon so far. No problems. I forgot the trolling motor when I took it to the lake and it was suprisingly easy to paddle.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor U222/HF360 12' Fish Hunter:

This is a 6 person raft, but its more comfortable with less people. 2 can stretch out in the raft. It rows easily with 4+ people, but is hard with less. No problem-- the U118 motor mount is built in. Its long body hinders manueverability a bit, but its not a problem. It is very durable- high quality. I've used it in rivers and lakes. Highly recommended.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor U222/HF360 12' Fish Hunter:

I paid actually 400$ for this boat at a place called wholesale sports here in canada
I have had this boat for three years and it has been a resonably good boat for a inflatable , it does seem to get a little soft in direct sunlight and loose pressure , possibly due to fabric getting hot and strecthing, i have had no big problems with this boat except that it will flex a little more in high heat and sun drenched areas... and you always have too add a little air here and there, and watch out for those fish hooks.
i have too tiny pin/fish hook holes that were easily patched and no longer leaking , but watch out for hooks and pocket knifes.
The boat does have 5 chambers in total so you won`t sink ,but try to refrain from using pocket knife`s and watch your fish hooks ......there just tiny hole`s but they still require a patch
Overall i would rate this boat a 6.5 outta 10 ........for the price i would rate it a 9.5 outta 10.... `it will get you too those choice spots .... just not as fast or comfortable ..... but what does comfort and speed matter when you catch the big one .....
Satisfied customer....Edmonton Canada