Suggestions on pontoon boats needed

[Fly rod]

"

I have been thinking about getting a pontoon boat for one person. I would like to get some input on others experience and thoughts before making my final discision. I do plan to get into moving water like the Yakima, Grande ronde, and Klickatat.
Thank you in advance
Al the Fly Rod from N.J.

:THUMBSUP

[Pontooner]

I purchased a Bucks Bronco 3 years ago from Creekside flyshop. I really like it. It comes with an anchor system that is really handy and the arm rests are really nice, actually comfortable to rest arms on while you strip. It is built on a stainless frame which makes it a little heavier than most but I plan on using it for years so I liked the durability. I am a pretty big guy, 6'4 270ish and it works great for my big body on the Yak. I also fish Lenice quite a bit and it isnt too bad hauling in. Nothing bad to say about it, a little pricy I guess but so far I am very happy customer.

[Chris Scoones]

Hi Al,

Size: I use an Outcast 800 which has 8' pontoons rated as 350lbs. I'm pushing 240lbs (plus gear) and it's 8' pontoons I feel aren't enough in some situations. If your a 'bigger' guy consider a 9'.

Manufacturer: Quality wise, Outcast has been good. No issues with anything that matters. They are steep on the price though but from what I read at the time the quality of their pontoons welded seems were a step above. A lot of companies now build these craft and I'm sure that some are getting it right as well. I'll give my nod to Outcast but take it only from someone that hasn't had experience with other manufactures craft.

Fins: When steelheading, you'll likely use the boat as transportation to the next hole. In that case, your oars are all you need. For the Yak though you'll be fishing while moving and will want your hands free. That's where the fins come in. I've found though that I'm in and out of those fins all day long. My point here is don't just shop for the fins that best propel, as do the Force Fins, but consider the ease of getting them on and off. When in a hurry to get back to a rising fish by foot, and freezing your ass off so that your hands dexterity is challenged, fins that allow you to get in and out easy will be appreciated. I've used them both and although they don't hold up as well, I opted for the Stillwaters. Cabela's carries them.

Safety with fins: I've seen a lot of folks get too comfortable using fins only in the rivers. 95% of the time they are fine. One such person though (my Uncle) who didn't even bring his oars couldn't kick out from around a 'huge' stump. His path around it was under it, about 8 feet under water. After seeing the stump the next month I can't tell you how lucky he was to only loose most of his gear. Keep those oars ready in the locks!

Anchors: In some situations, such as parking in the middle of a wide river to go at a spot on foot, anchors are great. I'm not sure if it's my boat, my setup, my anchor or what but in moving water the 'pontoon' sized anchors don't do squat. Part of the problem is that the boat doesn't track well when being held in current and gets sideways which creates more drag then the anchor can handle. I decided to just do away with the anchor all together. The loss is made up for every time you have to haul your boat around an obstacle or getting to and from the river with it from the truck.

Hope some of that helps. Regardless of what brand you end with you WILL have a great time with it. I have with mine. :THUMBSUP

Chris

[Chinook Electric]

I've had a Bucks Bag Bronco for about 4 years. It has been through more abuse than you'd believe. Last summer I floated the Smith River in Montanna during low water for 5 days. The pontoons were actually visibly worn from rubbing rocks. The seat is very comfortable. The anchor winch was mickey mouse but has been replaced. 7' oars are recomended.

I met another fellow on a lake who owned the Bronco and his son owned the outcast. When they rowed side by side the Outcast tended not to rock. This creates a faster ride as there is no lost motion with the Outcast.

[guest]

I also have a pontoon boat. It is a Alpine made by Buck's Bags. But it's only rated for lakes. I have a serious question to ask all of you pontoon boaters. What kind of a PFD do all of you use. I didn't think that you needed one as I never used one,but I read somewhere that some one got a ticket for not having one. I guess a seat cushion is not good enough. I would like to know as it's getting close to going out again. Jim S. :BIGSMILE

[YAKIMA]

DID ABOUT TWO YEARS OF ASKING, TRYING OUT, AND PLAIN OLD PROCTRASTINATING BEFORE I GOT ONE... OUTCAST P1000... GLAD I TOOK THE TIME, AND TALKED TO SO MANY PEOPLE. HAD IT IN NASTY WATER, GLASS WATER, AND EVERYTHING INBETWEEN. WOULDNT CHANGE EVEN IF YOU GAVE ME ONE.... GET THE CASTING PLATFORM. ITS GREAT TO PUT YOUR FEET ON TO ADJUST YOURSLELF, OR IF YOU NEED TO SET SOMETHING ON IT FOR A MINUTE. I WOULD NOT SUGGEST STANDING UP ON IT TO CAST. I HAVE, AND MADE IT THROUGH FINE, BUT WOULDNT MAKE A HABBIT OF IT. :THUMBSUP

[ChucknDuck]

I've been very pleased with the performance, carrying capacity,portability, and features of my Watermaster. Can't say that there is anything nicer than being able to pack everything (boat, oars,pump, fins etc..) into one pack, hike into a river (up to class III) or lake, pump up the raft and go. Same be told for the take out procedure. Its not possible with a frame and pontoon boat. I use mine from the salt to the Alagnak in AK and everywhere in between. THe Watermaster will not take bigger, nastier water like some of the bigger pontoon models, but for fishability it can't be beat. Heavy-duty PVC takes some serious abuse and it wieghs about 26 lbs. with the gear in pack. It packs a good amount of gear also. I weigh 240 and can carry several rods, gear for two nights of camping and all the extra neccessities. Usually can pick up a demo model from the shop in Missoula for 500-600 buck and they guarantee the boat. Thier customer service is awesome. Been using mine for over 5 years no complaints. HAve five other buddies who opted to sell their pontoon boats after trying mine. They don't look as sexy as the pontoons, but in my opinion are far more versitle. My .02-cents.

[cuponoodle breakfast]

I've got a Buck's Southfork and I'm pleased with it. I've used it on lakes and easy/moderate rivers. It doesn't track well, but it works for bar hopping on the river. I'm a big guy and sometimes I think a bigger boat would track better and float higher. But for my needs the SF does ok. I've had it for about 4 years. I think now there are a lot of comperable boats for less money.

[Jim Jenkins]

I've had my Buck's Southfork for 4-5 years now and absolutely love it. Only thing I'd change if I got another one would be to get the 10' pontoons vs the 8'ers I have. I'd have to agree with someone above that tracking could be better but I think they all have that to some extent. They also get blown around in the wind. They are much easier to fish from vs a float tube though, your up higher and can cast further. I made a very nice cart for mine so I could take it in place's like lenice and nunnally. It looks like a rick-shaw with 18" wire wheels. If anyone is really interested in making one I can send a plans (hand drawn) or pic. Later all.
Jim J

[Jim Jenkins]

Who ever it was that sent me an email for the plans/pics, I can't reply to the email address that was on it. It keeps getting bounced back. If you post something here I will try to get them to you somehow.
Jim J.

[guest]

One day when I was surfing the web I came across a fly shop that made those wheely things for pontoon boats. I wish I could remember where it was as I think it is a good way to move it around. As you get on in years light things get heavier as you get older. Maybe I'll just do it again to see if I can find it. It didn't cost much under 40.00 I think. Jim S.

[closed_loop]

:SAD :ANGRY u should always use PFD, there are a lot of VERY comfortable PFD's out there. Remember, water is not forgiving. Check out your local kayaking store for a huge selection of VERY comfortable and non-restricting PFD's . let them know that u flyfish and need max movement, they will hook u up. I use a Lotus Designs and don't even know it's on me. By the way if you are less than 195 lbs. get the womens model, it's cut smaller too allow for more room but still gives a class 3 rating for floatation. Later man be safe! :BIGSMILE

[guest]

I'm going to get one,but I can't believe the prices for one. I know you have to be safe but. I could use the old fashioned live vest but it's to bulky. I like the Sospenders but on my budget I gotta watch what I spend. I guess the price of safety is not high. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Jim

[closed_loop]

I think Creekside in Issaquah has those wheel things you're looking for . might want to check there. Otherwise a bicycle wheel and some 3/4" aluminum tubing, and a drill will make you something like that. A buddy of mine made one. Looks REAL cheasy but it gets the job done.

[guest]

I went there today. I live in Marysville,so it's quite a drive. It's been a few years since I've been there. Boy has it ever changed. I almost got lost. I got turned around,but I finelly got going in the right direction. They don't handle them things any more. Jim S. :HMMM

[closed_loop]

hmmmm. got it dial'd
wow, real sorry you drove all the way for nothing. I did'nt mean to send you on a goose chase. I agree Issaquah has changed I've lived in the Issaquah area for most my life, sometimes I get lost down town nowadays too. Well good luck w/ those wheel things, I hope you find one. If I see one, for real this time :WINK I'll write u again. Till then, fish hard.

[Piscator]

Try this. Take the head set from a BMX bike(the part that holds the handle bars) and the front fork (the part underneath the head set that holds the tire) and remove the rest of the bike. Now clamp the head set a cross bar on your pontoon boat and then reattach the front fork. It make a big one wheeled wheel-barrel like thing but it works great. I did this one my southfork and love it. Getting to those places like Lenice is now so much easier.
Just and idea.

Fish on!
Len

[guest]

It wasn't a trip for nothing. I needed to get out. Had cabin fever. So I loaded up the kids and went. Now if some one asks me where they are located. I can tell them some where in Issaquah. I've driven a lot farther to go fishing and not catch anything. It was only 60 miles one way. Jim S. :BIGSMILE

One more thing,I read the post following yours on how to make that thing and I think I will try. But I wish I had a picture of it. :DUNNO

[circlespey]

Kaufman's sells them (but they are spendy!). Check out:

www.kman.com/company/catawheel/catawheel.htm

[Jim Jenkins]

For those interested, I have taken some pictures of the one (cart) I made but haven't gotten them uploaded here yet. I talked to Chris and he said I could send them to him and he would post them for me. Sorry for the delay.
Jim J.

[guest]

That is the one I was trying to find. I thought that it was under $40.00. But what do I know.

I was reading what Piscator said about how to make one. It sounds easy. Now all I need is a small bike that no one wants. Maybe a few of these bike shops might let me have a junk bike for next to nothing, and I could make one. Jim S. :BIGSMILE

[fshflthnkng]

HI,I have a dave scadden Expidetion d.l.s and love it.If your going in quick water i'd stay away from the "bannana"shaped hulls as they create more drag/but track straighter in lakes...welded seams add to durability as does the rubber/p.v.c. coating over the fabtic.Many boats also let you fasten the pontoons without straps running under the pontoons which is nice in rocky/low-water situations as yopu wont wear on the straps and there is no drag from them,i agree on the 7' oars/more leverage...Good luck and tight lines...FSHFLTHNKNG :THUMBSUP

[lotech joe]

Lotech Joe
For what it's worth, I usually buy items at a budget price, depending on what that product will do, based on what I need. I wanted a one person pontoon boat that would carry my weight (300+) and be affordable, with the best guarantee. I went to Cabelas.com and found the Creek Company, ODC 816, Pontoon boat. It has 8 foot pontoons configured to carry up to 375 pounds. I bought it, it floats me like a cork, and it has a lifetime guarantee. To me, a warantee is like prepaid maintenance. It says, "This product is going to fail. Do you want to pay for the repair now, or when it happens"? Creek Co. says they guarantee their product for the life of the original purchaser. Regardless of what goes wrong with it. That tells me they are proud of what they sell, and they want to stay in business for the long haul. It comes with two piece oars, adjustable footrest, very comfortable seat, two arm rest storage pouches and a very efficient two-way pump. The sale price is only $325 plus shipping. The only drawback is, you have to build your own anchor. I use a canvas bag filled with rocks. It works very well. I hope this info help you with your decision. Check out cabelas.com, you'll like it if your a dreamer. :EEK

[Bob Bartlett]

bobbsea:

Great source for boats/equipment and information is Swiftwater, a shop on Fremont Ave. in Seattle, 206-547-3377. The owner, Dana, is a fly fisher and sells and rents Outcast pontoon boats. He certainly has his opinions, but he's got a wealth of experience and sells very good equipment at very fair prices!

[Jerry Daschofsky]

Have been whitewatering for years. Started out with bucketboats, then moved up to catarafts in the mid 80's. Bought my first "pontoon boat" around 12 years ago because wanted something 1 man and small instead of my driftboat (only used my 16' cataraft for whitewatering).

Here's my thoughts. You said you want to hit moving water. Do you plan to actually hit upper water (say like the upper Green/Toutle/SolDuc) where you're hitting solid class III/IV?? Do you want to actually stand up and fish safely (not have a balancing act or a downright circus act)? If you only plan to float from point A to B or do the occasional quick flip of the rod in a pocket as you float by, then get an Outcast/Bucks. But if you really want to stand comfortably and safely and run hard water with a smaller boat easier, then buy a cataraft grade boat. I've rowed most older models out there (wasn't the Dave Scadden's, ODC's, and the likes when I moved out of the pontoon boats). I had a couple different Outcasts, top of the line for back then. They served their purpose. Got me from A to B and could do marginal fishing from them. But I wanted a small replacement of my driftboat, not an overgrown floattube. I moved up to a first addition Steelheader quite a few years ago. It is built on a continous curve hull, as opposed to a rocker hull. Is much more stable and tracks much better. Boat is heavier due to the whitewater grade frame (hence making it better to track in wind, but heavier if you want a lightweight boat). I've run that boat through solid class 4's (I had the 9' Steelheader). Would've felt safer in my 16', but I had enough experience on the sticks to be able to run it safely nonetheless. From the prices of top notch Outcasts, I'd HIGHLY suggest buying a Steelheader. You are gonna buy a boat built by a fisherman for fishermen. I'm currently in process of building a 1-2 man boat on 12' Steelheader tubes. So sold off my 9' Steelheader. The nice thing is, you can stand up and throw a fly rod (I even threw my spey rods) on my 9' Steelheader anchored in slots. No worry about tipping and was very stable (I never would've done that in my 8 or 9' Outcasts).

I'd also HIGHLY suggest a PFD. What you can do is for a REALLY cheap vest, Stearns makes a PFD class III rated that has a mesh top and bouyant bottom. I do Believe Cabela's has a knockoff identicle. It's all you need, and keeps upper body free to move the sticks. I think I paid $24 for my Stearns from Cabela's. I do have my class III/V rated vests, but that's for whitewatering only.

I hope some of this helped. Be safe, and start out light. You are unsure of a shoot, pull off and scout it first. Even if it's small. Next bend may hold a sweeper, and once you commit yourself in some situations you're stuck. I've done that once and almost killed me (I should've known better, but got comfortable and was young and stupid). Good luck, and have fun with these boats.

You haven't lived until you've run a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

[Gary B]

I have an alpine and I made a wheel for mine, I got a wheel of an old 16inch bike and some I don't remember the name but it is the tubethat wire goes in and made a bracket, as for attaching it, I take the back bar off of my alpine and the tube slide into the frame of the boat, after I get to the lake then I slide the wheel out and turn it over and it is out of the way and out of the water. If any body lives in the north end I would gladly meet with you to show you. It wheels like a wheel barrow. It was very cheap to make. Gary My number at work is 206 365 3000