Bushbear,

Weight is a major reason, along with durability, for so many Lunds in the bush. The boats aren't usually flown in, but fuel is expensive, and it's really expensive when you have to fly it in, or make separate boat trips to stock fuel caches. Lighter boats with fuel efficient engines are an important attribute.

I was surprised to see 90% of the gillnet fleet on the Kanektok is 16 and 18' Lunds with 40 and 60 hp outboards. Fuel is barged in and expensive.

If weight and $$ aren't a factor, then by all means, upsize. My office mate and I fish out of boats about the same number of days per year. He drives a $55,000 ocean worthy Sea Hawk. I can't rationalize that to myself, so I drive my Lund.

Sg