Pontoon question.......

[Van]

The costco boat is a good deal for the $300 it costs. It has a fair amount of features and is decently made, for the price, but......the oars are too short and it doesn't track worth a crap. However, it will get you out on the water fishing. I own one and it does the job. However, i am going to buy a North Fork Outdoors or Outcast soon. Just the ability to have a 2 or 3 person pontoon that converts to a single and can handle heavier water. Plus you get a casting bar, etc.

For someone looking for a solo cheap boat for calm or light waters, the costco type boat does the trick.

 

[Keith]

Thanks, Van.

That is all I was saying.. I never claimed it was a Ferrari !

 

[spark]

First off, thanks a bunch guys! I'll go scope out the COSTCO model right now and REALLY check it out.

I just want to get squared away and really pound it. best regards from frozen, snowy Bend! I have already heard a few disaster stories about tube a poppin!!!

Would you give me the link so that I can check? I can't find the pontoon COSTCO website.

Thanks,
Spark.

 

[Keith]

Would you give me the link so that I can check? I can't find the pontoon COSTCO website.

Thanks,
Spark.

https://classicaccessories.com/fishing
Mine is the Colorado XT, but about 5 years ago when I bought mine it came with both bow and stern sewn in bags - in addition to the side bags.

Spark, The have them in inventory at the Castco out by the airport... I do not know if they have them at the Beaverton store or not...

 

[GraphiteZen]

Welcome to the forum!

My input:

The thing about Creek Company (unless they have changed the design) are the facts that

A) the outer material is a fabric so if it get's torn or gashed there is really no feasible way to patch it, as it's very hard to get your typical cement and patch to affix to a fabric type material. Also, the Creek Company material itself isn't very durable. At least from what I have seen and

B) If the internal bladder is popped there is no zipper on the outer shell to allow access to the internal bladder therefore leaving you with an un-reparable pontoon.
The very first thing you have to have are pontoons that have a durable rubber outer shell and and an accessible internal bladder.

From what I have seen, The Wholesale Sports brands are the best bang for the buck. The last I was aware, The Fishcat (subsidiary of OutCast) 9' model and the Wholesale Sports models were the exact same units, built at the same factory but stamped with different logos. The Wholesale sports models run about $400 or so.

I had the earlier era Fishcat stamped model (before I knew better) and that thing was a TANK. It lasted me close to ten years and two sets of pontoons before the frame rusted out and broke up on me during a drop on the Umpqua, which was a hoot let me tell you haha.

BobbiDollPDX had a newer era Wholesale Sports model that I had done a bit of work on and it was a great pontoon. It was sold to another forum member. He may contribute (hopefully not about my fabrication efforts)

CombatChuck owned 9' newer era Fishcat model. I think he paid $420 but you can find them used for MUCH cheaper.

A lot of people buy them, take them down a big river once, scare the crap out of themselves and sell them immediately afterwards, ala Troutski :lol:

I have not looked at the COSCO model, but for a beginner craft at the very least you need

• A durable, preferably steel, frame
• Reparable two part rubberized pontoons with zippered access to the internal bladders
• Durable oarlocks (stay away from the Bucks Bags model and their plastic units)
• Oar Rights [/flamesuitON]

 

[GraphiteZen]

And lets try to keep the contention to a minimum, people. We're only talking pontoons here.

 

[Sinkline]

Well said, and sounds like logical advice to me GZ.

If I had a pontoon I would offer advice, but everyone knows I am a tube fan since I do stillwater only. I can say that Jim and myself have been abusing our Outcast brand tubes for over a decade now and they have held up. If the Outcast toons are built as well as the tubes it would be a good product.


Randy

 

[veilside180sx]

Your describing the lower end CC products. The XR series is a PVC outer over and a heavy vinyl bladder accessible via zipper just like Outcast and others. While still not the best, it is patchable as long as it's not on a seam similar to most of the two part bladders. The XR10 was the replacement for the pretty well loved ODC 1018, which they changed the color and almost doubled the price.

The Wholesale Sports toon is indeed manufactured by Outcast, and for a budget person is a good way to get on the water. They are built better than the Classic Accessories, Rivendell, and most of the CC product lines.

FWIW I've owned a Water Skeeter (Backwater 9), Rivendell (9'), Creek Company (ODC 1018), along with all my custom built stuff. (I own Renegade Watersports which builds cataraft and raft frames) I've spent time with just about everything on the market though...both high end and low end. I have taken my boats down the majority of the water anyone would want to run in this state. (Wilson, Trask, Clackamas, Rogue, McKenzie, John Day, Deschutes, etc...which accounts for just last year is all)

I have a lot of knowledge surrounding pontoons/catarafts since it's my business to do so.

The thing about Creek Company (unless they have changed the design) are the facts that

A) the outer material is a fabric so if it get's torn or gashed there is really no feasible way to patch it, as it's very hard to get your typical cement and patch to affix to a fabric type material. Also, the Creek Company material itself isn't very durable. At least from what I have seen and

B) If the internal bladder is popped there is no zipper on the outer shell to allow access to the internal bladder therefore leaving you with an un-reparable pontoon.
The very first thing you have to have are pontoons that have a durable rubber outer shell and and an accessible internal bladder.

 

[GraphiteZen]

...I own Renegade Watersports which builds cataraft and raft frames...

Very good to know!

 

[Finneus Polebender]

You mean this one? On sale for $1,400. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/th...~p~2458m/?filterString=s~boat/&colorFamily=99

Plus if you sign up for STP's deal email you will quickly see that extra 20-40% off is not uncommon.

I LOVE sierratrading

Yep there ya be thats a good deal, and if ya catch a 50% sale on the creek co site they are delivered any where in the lower 48 for 1155 bones almost jumped last time they had one was just a little to short . GZ have had more issues with the frames on my creek co sports " guess 240 strains them" than with the toons still using original bladders on my 10 yr old one replaced the nylon outers for 40 bones a piece last year and went from bannana yellow to U of O green . Must agree though the Fish cats are the bomb if you can afford one the frames , toons , and oars are all top quality!

 

[GraphiteZen]

Yep there ya be thats a good deal, and if ya catch a 50% sale on the creek co site they are delivered any where in the lower 48 for 1155 bones almost jumped last time they had one was just a little to short . GZ have had more issues with the frames on my creek co sports " guess 240 strains them" than with the toons still using original bladders on my 10 yr old one replaced the nylon outers for 40 bones a piece last year and went from bannana yellow to U of O green . Must agree though the Fish cats are the bomb if you can afford one the frames , toons , and oars are all top quality!

When I broke apart my old Fishcat 9', I went up to an Outcast 10' with a stainless frame. I ordered the frame and toons from the factory and just swapped over all the other stuff from the 9'. Got a $1200 boat set up how I like it for just over $500. Something to consider if anyone on this thread has junker toons laying around.

 

[spark]

As considering a pontoon user, I wonder how you go back to your launching spot after solo pontoon trip? Is there any pickup service on rivers? If so, can I have phone number list? Normally I go to Trask, Wilson, Necanicum, Netsucca and NF Nehalem.

 

[ICamel49]

I have been pontooning for about 15 years. Started out with an Outcast PAC800, which I still have but now primarily use a Northfork Outdoors Outlaw X5. Here is my bucket list:
#1 - Safety
#2 - Aluminum Frame
#3 - Light weight, think about being able to transport it on your shoulders or put it on top your vehicle, all by yourself.
#4 - Breaks down & sets up quick and easy.
#5 - Rocker style pontoons are more important for rivers, but also good when the wind picks up on lakes.
#6 - Good air valves.
#7 - Adjustable & comfortable seat.
#8 - Adjustable foot pegs if seat not adjustable.
#9 - Decent oar blades.
#10 - Sturdy oar locks and frame attachment for same.
#11 - Metal rear deck.
#12? - Anchor system, although not necessarily important for lake fishing.

Some good brands - Outcast, Bucks Bags, Northfork Outdoors/Dave Scadden, Super Cat.

Some average brands - Creek Company, Water Skeeter, Classic Accessories, Fishcat(Outcast economy).

I would recommend that you go with a pontoon for each of you rather than a two seater. If you want to fish together you can. If you want to fish different water you can.

 

[GDBrown]

Toons are OK But!

Toons are OK But!

I know this thread is about toons and I'm very understanding of why so many people like them. I have used them a time or two and I have a float tube as well but my preference is a small drift boat as most of you know. What I like about them is they are as easy or easier to row and they never bust a bladder unless it yours because you can't relieve yourself! Here is my favorite for stillwater or calmer rivers, although I have used it on the Wilson for Fall Chinook and Steelhead with now problems. It holds two without any problems and is less fatiguing to sit in all day. It will go to my son this spring and I'll be stuck with my second choice. Both were under $1000 to purchase used from Craigslist.





What ever you decide just enjoy it!

GD

 

[Van]

Drift boats are great. However, it is a lot easier(im assuming here) to throw my pontoon on my trucks bed and still tow my travel trailer than it is a drift boat.

 

[Sinkline]

Boats (all types), are like cars, camp trailers, tents, fishing rods, etc. etc. in that there isn't one that is right for all situations. If ya can't afford multiples, you have to choose what is best for YOUR OWN needs.

I can afford to buy any craft I would like, yet I fish from a tube on purpose as it's the most efficient fishing craft for MY fishing interest (stillwater trout).

Sorry, kinda hijacking the thread. :naughty:


Randy

 

[GDBrown]

What is the real question?

What is the real question?

Randy, you are so right about using what works for you and the type of fishing you do. One reason you are so successful is because you only do one type of fishing and you do it very well. Many of us try and do too many different things so we never get good at any of them.

So I guess the question for desertbull is what do you expect to do with your pontoon? Lakes only or lakes and rivers? How far will you have to travel and will you be doing one day or multiple day trips?

GD

 

[desertbull]

I plan on spending time on BIG water casting big baits at big fish. Oh, have I spent time on this search...WHEW! there is a lot out there from my early CADDIS donut-tube days! The OUTCAST tubes are very solid, yet the pontoons are really cool. Went to the Central Oregon Sportsmens Show yesterday and saw some neat stuff also. I'll get it figured out and post some pics when we get 'er lined out.

Thanks again to all of you for the great input. Might hit the Albany FLY TYING EXPO tomorrow if the roads stay great. You all take care!

Desertbull

 

[veilside180sx]

FWIW

This is one of my 2 man boats. This particular boat was 2 sections in case the rower wanted to go alone. Personally I like them all one piece, even for a 2 man. they are still easy to row alone as a one piece unit.

 

[desertbull]

What a beauty!! Ahh, the good times could be had here!