Outcast Clearwater Review - First Impressions and Comparisons

I had put myself "in line" to be notified of when the long time out-of-stock Outcast Clearwater boat was available for purchase. I was given the expectation they'd be available early 2023... But I got an email in the fall of 2022. I was not financially prepared for such a move, because that's how these random timings work... but that's what credit cards are for, right? So I made sure to get mine on the way and delivered... where it sat, in the box it came in, until late January 2023 when I finally had a chance to get it out and on a real fishing trip.

I got it out of the box and all laid out in my shed the day before heading out. Figured I should probably spend some time getting familiar with it before I was depending on it to keep me out of the winter-temp waters of the Oregon Coast.

20230118_173020.jpg


For me, having had two Outcast Commanders for a few years, my impressions will mostly be comparisons to that boat. I think this would also give many other readers a point of reference since the Commander is so popular.

Out of the box and putting it together, a few thoughts:
  • Different oar system. The Commander uses a pin-lock oar, while the Clearwater uses open oar locks
  • Oars on the Clearwater are 2' longer than the Commander, and feel much sturdier/heavy duty
  • There are two chambers to inflate for the main tube, and one for the seat on the Clearwater, vs only one on the main tube, and one for the seat on the Commander
  • Very different foot brace - I'll write more on this below
  • Substantially higher sitting seat on the Clearwater :D
  • Rear area has much more room for cargo on the Clearwater
Note: For anyone getting their own Clearwater - I highly recommend spending time getting your oars dialed in prior to getting to the river. The oar locks use a split ring to hold in place, which can be a bit frustrating to install, and would be much worse streamside. And the oars come fully disassembled, so you will need to dial in the oar length yourself. It's not hard to do, but you'd be better served doing this at home.

The only other real assembly that needs to be done is to install the seat - which isn't particularly difficult, but I felt like I didn't have a whole lot of direction on how to do it. It uses three straps on each side that hold the seat upright when you're in it, and let it fold down when you're not in it. Like the oars, you really need to spend some time with it to make very sure your placement and strap tension is spot on before you go anywhere.

I used my electric pump to get it inflated at home. I then installed my Scotty anchor system and Outcast saddle bag - all very simple to do with their mount system on the boat. The boat slid perfectly in to the bed of my F250. I had to leave the tailgate down, but using straps to tie it in was super simple.

When I got to the river, I pulled out my K-Pump and ran in to what might be my only gripes about the design of the boat: The valve placement for the seat is in a spot that makes it very difficult to use a longer K-Pump. I was able to get it to work, but the foot brace definitely gets in the way and you have to work at a very awkward angle. Thankfully, I didn't have to pump too much since I got it most of the way there with the electric pump the night before.

20230120_072248.jpg


Time to hit the river!
index.jpg



While not at all related to the boat, I was also excited to make use of another present I got for myself: My very first Yeti-branded product. This little lunchbox is awesome, and is perfect for carrying food items known for bringing good luck!

20230120_085303(1).jpg
20230120_085323.jpg


But to bring this back to the point: The rear of the Clearwater provides a massive amount of space for coolers, lunch boxes, gear bags, etc. While I have yet to do a measurement comparison, the cargo area on this boat is noticeably larger than the Commander.

20230120_101923.jpg


So how's it do on the water? Unsurprising, but excellent. This stretch of river has just enough on it to test out the maneuverability of the boat. While I do feel like the Commander is a bit quicker to pivot and move around, the Clearwater handles the waves and bigger water much better in my opinion. Sitting up as high as you do in this boat also makes it easier to scout your line, then has the bonus of keeping you drier and out of the splash zone (most of the time).
index2.jpg


The other major difference between the Clearwater and the Commander is the foot brace system. On the Commander, this was one of my least favorite parts about the boat. You have two foot rests - one on each side. They are attached and adjusted by a push-pin system. They work well enough while on the water, but they need to be broken down after use in order to fold the boat up. The problem I ran in to was that the push-button part would get sand/debris in it and get stuck. I have spent far more time than I'd like over the years fighting with these stuck foot rests on that boat.

What the Clearwater uses is a bar that goes all the way across, and has a cam strap holding it in place. I wasn't so sure about it at first, but it quickly grew on me. It's both plenty sturdy during heavy rowing, and easy to take apart. I think this was an excellent move. It also makes for a handy little spot to stick your rod while in transit (though many users may prefer something a bit more secure... but I've never had a problem doing this or something similar on any of my boats like this one).

20230120_101942.jpg


Other first impressions:

This boat is very well set up to fish out of - while most who are fly fishing would do this on lakes/stillwater, I found it excellent for casting a spinning rod even on moderately moving water. The high-up seat position just makes this so nice to do. I have a few slow-moving-river programs I'm very much looking forward to testing this on.

The open oar locks took some getting used to after so much time with pin oar locks. I used to row a drift boat and raft with open oar locks, so it eventually came back to me, but I could see it being quite an adjustment for anyone coming from a similar style boat.

Overall, I find this boat to be an improvement in just about every area over the Commander. The one place the Commander would come out on top is maneuverability, but only slightly winning that one. The one thing I have yet to test is the use of kick fins, which I hope to do this spring when the bass start moving. It will be interesting to see how the higher-up seat affects ones ability to kick around. The Commander is easy to kick around, but is a bit too narrow in the front to lift your feat up to row with the oars.
About author
Evan B
Evan is one of the original co-founding members of PNW Fly Fishing. He was working full time in the fly fishing industry since 2010, moving on in 2023 to other things, helping build and grow some of the most recognized brands on the fly fishing world.

Comments

Solid review! Thanks for being so thorough. If I had the cheddar, I would consider a purchase like this. I have been contemplating for years.....
 
Thanks Evan
i have a commander and am looking for another floatie to share with friends
this sound like a good addition to the fleet
cant wait for bass
cheers
 
Great article. Nice Winston too bud. I like your taste.
 
How was the flex on the oar stands? I'm a big fan of sitting up like that but worry about the torque that oar stands that tall would create.
 
How was the flex on the oar stands? I'm a big fan of sitting up like that but worry about the torque that oar stands that tall would create.
Surprisingly has not been an issue. The oar stands are damn sturdy. I actually did expect it to be a factor, but in the three floats its taken, it's just not something I'm concerned about anymore.
 
Great review Evan. Your last sentence about the Commander-
"a bit too narrow in the front to lift your feat up to row with the oars."
How big are your feet man? Haha!
I have about a 33" inseam with size 12 wading boots and Outcast boot fins and can put both feet on the pegs to row. If I'm on a lake I have the apron on and have to lift it up when I lift my legs up, but then it will go back down over my legs. Granted, it's very close to hitting my knuckles when rowing. Maybe this is the little dance you're speaking of.

On the river I don't like having the apron since I'm mostly on the oars or I'm standing up, wading inside, to fish. And usually no fins on.

Did you try wading a run while standing inside the boat?
I do this a fair amount in my Commander and have wondered if the Clearwater puts more pressure on an angler because of the increase weight or drag. The Commander likes to swap end-around to have the butt-end downstream when you stand in the current so it can sometimes whack you pretty good. And then walking while the inside front is pulling on you puts those foot pegs around your knees and can get a little tricky. I think this is where the WaterMasters or the Clearwater might be easier, despite the added weight/drag.

Thanks,
Stacy
 
Great review Evan. Your last sentence about the Commander-
"a bit too narrow in the front to lift your feat up to row with the oars."
How big are your feet man? Haha!
I have about a 33" inseam with size 12 wading boots and Outcast boot fins and can put both feet on the pegs to row. If I'm on a lake I have the apron on and have to lift it up when I lift my legs up, but then it will go back down over my legs. Granted, it's very close to hitting my knuckles when rowing. Maybe this is the little dance you're speaking of.

On the river I don't like having the apron since I'm mostly on the oars or I'm standing up, wading inside, to fish. And usually no fins on.

Did you try wading a run while standing inside the boat?
I do this a fair amount in my Commander and have wondered if the Clearwater puts more pressure on an angler because of the increase weight or drag. The Commander likes to swap end-around to have the butt-end downstream when you stand in the current so it can sometimes whack you pretty good. And then walking while the inside front is pulling on you puts those foot pegs around your knees and can get a little tricky. I think this is where the WaterMasters or the Clearwater might be easier, despite the added weight/drag.

Thanks,
Stacy
Sorry, I meant too narrow to lift your feet while you have fins on.

I do stand in the boat while fishing/wading quite a bit. Both this and the commander work great for that. I find the flipping around thing to definitely be annoying on both boats, but the Clearwater is better suited for that. Less awkwardness than those foot pegs that the Commander has.
 
Sorry, I meant too narrow to lift your feet while you have fins on.

I do stand in the boat while fishing/wading quite a bit. Both this and the commander work great for that. I find the flipping around thing to definitely be annoying on both boats, but the Clearwater is better suited for that. Less awkwardness than those foot pegs that the Commander has.
Thanks for the feedback on that! I love my Commander, but I may have to look into the Clearwater for my solo river needs. Or a WM. I'll be interested to see how you like kicking in it. (y)
 

Article information

Author
Evan Burck
Article read time
7 min read
Comments
8
Last update

More in Gear Reviews

More from Evan Burck

Top