I assume your husband trolls for salmon, and he is looking for a way to slow his boat down. A lot of people drag a 5 gallon bucket behind the boat to slow them down. There are things made for slowing down the boat, they are made of canvas and they fold for storage.
I see you are from Salem, Contact Allen Marine Center at 4935 SE Commercial in Salem.....399-1161. They should get you set up.