FAQ

Not yet. There are rumors of a 9-foot version in the works, though. If you'd like us to let you know when anything bigger becomes available, just drop us a comment (using the form below) or email us and have us add you to the list.

U.S. Coast Guard Ratings:

410 lbs (186kg) Persons, Motor and Gear. Maximum 2 HP (1.5 kW) Motor. Please note, most electric trolling motors are okay, too.

Canada Coast Guard Ratings:

2 Occupants or 330 lbs (150 kg). Maximum 1 HP or 1 kW Motor (Ratings in fair weather)

Of course! If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, you can view or print our brochure for the White boat or for the Sportsman Edition boat.

Backwater Boats are durable, lightweight, economical and virtually maintenance free. More specifically…

• Compared to an inflatable, our plastic boats don't easily puncture or tear on impact. It requires no inflating time, yet it is small and lightweight enough to transport easily. This plastic boat is more stable than an inflatable boat, and offers much more interior space for yourself, passengers and gear.
• Compared to an aluminum boat, our plastic boats are much less expensive. They also won't leak, as they have no seams like aluminum boats. A plastic boat is also much quieter when you drop something against the hull -- no loud bangs to scare fish or ducks away. A plastic boat won't dent or puncture as easily as aluminum. Also, aluminum boats are usually heavier than plastic, making them harder to transport and requiring more horsepower to maneuver across the water.
• Compared to a wooden boat, our plastic boats have no paint to chip and no slivers to puncture your skin. A plastic boat is also much lighter than a wooden boat, which makes it easier to transport and easier to row across the water.
• Compared to a fiberglass boat, our plastic boats are much more tolerant of damage than fiberglass, and also easier to repair. With a fiberglass boat, if a blemish is deep enough to expose the fiberglass mat below the surface then it requires immediate attention to prevent water from entering the core and delaminating the structure. Our plastic hulls are a made of a simple, homogenous material which can be easily repaired by any plastics shop, and which won't fall apart in the mean-time. Also note that when fiberglass wears out, it can damage your skin, unlike a plastic boat. Improperly done fiberglass can eventually develop "voids," problems where the materials are not chemically bonded properly, even though it looks fine at first. Our boats avoid all these problems.
• Compared to other plastic boats, Backwater Boats from CSL Plastics are more economical and durable. This weather and UV resistant material provides long-lasting durability, it's so light that it floats so the boat glides across the water, and it's one of the most impact resistant plastics available - in fact it's even used in car bumpers! But that's just the material… these boats are also competitively priced, they've been called "a joy to row" yet they're ready for up to a 2 HP motor (see your country's ratings), and they are quite spacious for their convenient size.

Virtually Nothing.Unlike wood, there is no need to paint it or apply any type of protective coating. Very little will adhere to the hull -- including algae. However, you may want to give your boat an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. You can use a power washer if you wish. However, do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or mineral spirits.

And as with all things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To keep your boat in top condition, store properly and avoid dragging your boat over rock or pavement. Note: some insect repellents can be harmful to the finish.

Because backwater Boats are small and lightweight, many people prefer to store their boat in their garage, above their car with a set of ceiling slings. However, you can also store your boat outdoors -- just store it upside down and covered.

Note that in extremely hot temperatures, plastic can soften. However, the Backwater Boat has a good "memory" and will revert to its original shape once cooled. And although the Backwater Boats have UV inhibitors, keeping the boat out of the sun will prolong the boat's life.

In extremely cold temperatures, the plastic (like all plastics) can become brittle. Although the Backwater Boats have withstood impact testing in sub-zero temperatures, we recommend that you keep the boat covered and avoid storage areas that would subject your boat to possible impact.

Yes! All Backwater Boats come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. For details, please call or use the request form below.