9ft pontoon boat recommendations

[5 weight]

im looking for a 9 ft pontoon boat. any recommendations would be appreciated. i have a 8 ft pontoon buti think i should of picked up a 9 ft boat for my size. does anyone have any experience with the odc 915. saw a guy on pass lake this last weekend using one.

[Great white hunter]

I doubt you will notice a lot of difference between a 8 and 9 foot boat.Also alot has to do with how you will be using it and how much you want to spend.I can suggest talking to Sos at Xstream in Tukwila 762 6170 or if you are coming over to they east side of the mountains I can show you a boat.



www.greatwhitehunters.com

[Jerry Daschofsky]

The first thing is what you plan to do with the boat. If you're looking more at using it for lakes, you'll be fine with an 8' boat (what I used my ancient original fishcat for years ago). But since you're talking size, and the 8' boat almost fit your needs, then an ODC would probably suit you pretty good. Just keep your eyes open for sales. GI Joes should have some coming up. If it's more of a lake boat, you don't need to go too fancy.

[mcoomer]

I have a 9' Trout Unlimited Colorado that I picked up new on Ebay for $385. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15266&item=3679218419&rd=1

This guy sells them and you can pick it up at the warehouse in Kent and save yourself $55 on shipping. It's a good float as far as I'm concerned. I took this thing down the Deschutes about three weeks ago, White Horse Rapids, Boxcar Rapids, and Buckskin Mary Rapids and all with no problems.

I have an ODC Sport 7' toon and it works for small lakes, but I have to say that ODC is a decent toon but definitely low budget.

HTH,
Mike

[Jason]

5 weight, I got your pm but couldn't reply to it so here it goes.

I got the boat at Costco for $420, I don't know if they have them anymore though. Water Skeeter made them especially for Costco and once they are gone they are gone. All in all its a good boat, by no means is it bare bones. Motor mount, anchor pulley and rope guides, cup holder, two bags, cushion seat, bag with cooler, nice 7' oars. I was going to get the TU Colorado off of ebay but they are backordered until June and I couldn't wait.

:beer2

[Joepa]

That was me (Sat night). Overall, the ODC 915 is a decent boat but if I had to do it over, I would spend the $500 on a different boat. Here’s why – first, the oar mounts have a significant design flaw. Instead of extending vertically from the frame they extend horizontally out from the frame. This lowers the oars 3-4 inches below where they should be mounted. As a result, the cargo bags interfere with the oars if they are full making it difficult to row. Second, I find the seat to be quite uncomfortable. It’s fine if you are using the boat for transportation, but if you plan on spending several hours sitting in the boat, purchase a boat with a cushioned seat. The cheap nylon suspension seat on the ODC is so uncomfortable that I’m going to replace it with a cushioned rotating boat seat. Another minor nuisance is that the oars are on the heavy side. Still, I have not had any problems with it and the pontoons are very durable. I have taken it through some pretty rough water without any difficulty. Check out eagle outdoors for good deals on boat. Joe

http://www.outdrs.com/xcart/customer/home.php?cat=249

[jabseattle]

If price does not matter I would go with a Bronco Extreme. My buddy upgraded from his Southfork this year to the Bronco and is extremely happy with it.

When we float rivers or hit lakes together my Southfork now looks like an offspring from the Bronco Extreme.

Really nice boat with lots of storage. I will upgrade mine as soon as fund are available or loosen the purse strings. Bucks Bags makes great boats and they also have a very good customer service department that take care of you.