Pontoon boats...

[Nol]

I am thinking of getting a pontoon boat soon. I have a float tube and have found there are times i would like to move a little faster/stay out of cold water. What brands do any of you have experience with and what should i look for???

[PT]

Do a search and then ask specific questions. Pontoons are brought up monthly. You'll be able to read for a month on all the good info stored there. :thumb:

[Scott Salzer]

The first consideration is if you plan to use it on moving water for if it will strictly for lakes. Agree with PT, a lot of inof has been posted in the past.

[Nol]

I plan on using it mostly on lakes.
did the search...just need to find time to sift through all of the info.

[Jason Baker]

Outcast Pac 800 - can't go wrong.....

[Desmond Wiles]

Creek Company is a good name for a good price, and they've got something in every price range.

[David Prutsman]

Dave Scadden Pontoons, he's been in the game since the beginning. They are expensive, I bought an older model no longer in production, brand new, for half the price it would normally cost. They tend to be longer than most pontoons, making them a little faster and more stable. If you plan on floating rivers, make sure it's rated for it! I hear Outcast and Buck's Bags, make great product as well.

[gigharborflyfisher]

I have an ODC pontoon and have been very satisfied with it, it sets up quick and is quite stable on the water.

[BobA]

You may be interested in a Water Master. Check these out. These can be used both in lakes and in rivers. Gives you many options and I highly recommend them. Purchased one used and have been very happy with the results. :thumb:

[islandfisherman]

Give a good look at a kayak,you are dry,lots of storage,faster than a pontoon boat,and you are going foward.The new boats are very stable and will make you a good fishing platform for the money spent....pontoon boats are good also,but now that I have a kayak would never go back....if you have any questions fell free to ask.....Islandfisherman

[Pat M]

I am thinking of getting a pontoon boat soon. I have a float tube and have found there are times i would like to move a little faster/stay out of cold water. What brands do any of you have experience with and what should i look for??? What kind of price range are you looking at?

[Nol]

the price range i was thinking is $400-600
i am expecting whatever i buy to be somewhat rugged and last for quite a few years.
so i would probably spend a little more than i usually would (i'm a cheapo accountant).

[Sageman]

I'll second the Outcast PAC-800. Great boat, but a little more than what you want to spend. You get what you pay for though. Not too much water I wouldn't feel comfortable on in that thing.

[Flyfishsteel]

Under 600.00 is undoubtably the Bucks Bags Southfork(Stainless Steel 1" diameter frame,Polyurathane bladders,5 yr warranty)

600-1100.00 is a no contest winner Outcast Pac 800(1 1/4" diameter powder coated alum.frame,polyurathane bladders,internal achor system,10 yr warranty,etc......

1100.00+ is either the Skookumchuck Steelheader(1 1/4" galv steel frame,Top of the line white water pontoons,etc...) or Osprey(1 1/4" alum.frame,Top of the line white water pontoons,etc...) both models are 1400.00 due to rise in cost of metals...

For the type of fishing I do, I opted for the Pac 800. In a couple weeks, I will probably get the Southfork as a second pontoon for come along friends...

Good luck!

PS, if your lucky, you might be able to find a close-out Pac 800 for 600.00 like I did.

[Jason Baker]

Under 600.00 is undoubtably the Bucks Bags Southfork(Stainless Steel 1" diameter frame,Polyurathane bladders,5 yr warranty)

600-1100.00 is a no contest winner Outcast Pac 800(1 1/2" diameter powder coated alum.frame,polyurathane bladders,internal achor system,10 yr warranty,etc......

1100.00+ is either the Skookumchuck Steelheader(1 1/2" galv steel frame,Top of the line white water pontoons,etc...) or Osprey(1 1/2" alum.frame,Top of the line white water pontoons,etc...) both models are 1400.00 due to rise in cost of metals...

For the type of fishing I do, I opted for the Pac 800. In a couple weeks, I will probably get the Southfork as a second pontoon for come along friends...

Good luck!

PS, if your lucky, you might be able to find a close-out Pac 800 for 600.00 like I did.

Puget Sound Fly Co. has a Southfork on sale for a great price. I believe they ordered it, then someone backed out. Anyway, I saw it last week and I remember it being quite a bargain. They are site sponsors. Call them at 253-839-4119

[shgrier]

I was just a GI Joes yesterday (GASP), and they had a PAC 800 for $450 with the anchor/motormount setup and flyrod holder. Not sure, but they usually throw in a set of fins to boot. Seemed a good deal to me. I've got 2 Outcast Fishcat 8's right now and am very happy with them. One is setup to the hilt with a Fishingbuddy 1200 and a trolling motor.

Even without these accoutrements, it's still a heavy boat, though, as compared to a Scadden or even a Bucks. :hmmm:

My 2¢

Sean
Sultan

[Jason Baker]

PAC 800? $450? Doesn't sound right.....

[shgrier]

That's what it said on the side of the pontoon. Mighta been for their display model - I didn't see any in boxes.

They also had some ODC 8' and 9' models for a similar price.

Sean
Sultan

[Nol]

Thanks for all of your input.
I went w/ the Bucks Bags south fork @ puget sound fly co. Fit my budget. Can't wait to get it on the water. :thumb:

[jabseattle]

Nol- Solid choice. I love mine had it for about 4 or 5 years :thumb:

[Anyfish]

You will enjoy the South Fork. I also have this pontoon and really enjoy it.

[Salmo_g]

How do those of you who have pontoon boats transport them? Do you inflate/deflate each trip and haul inside your vehicle or leave inflated and tie to top of rig or haul on a trailer or?

I ask because I have a small Achilles LT-2 raft that I've had for 20 years. I thought about getting a pontoon, but besides my raft still being in perfect condition, the pontoon seems like logistical nightmare. My raft rolls into a 30# duffle bag, but I can have it inflated and ready to drift in less than 10 minutes, besides being able to carry it anywhere. My friend brought his pontoon - Outcast 800 I think - on a trip with me, and I was ready to launch 25 minutes before he was.

If I change out or upgrade, I've been thinking a Watermaster might better serve my interest of extreme portability, easy and quick to be ready, even if the payload and speed on the water is less.

What are your thoughts?

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

[shgrier]

Salmo,

I keep mine inflated and put it on the truck that way - just put some tiedown straps across it - no problem. Unfortunately, I foolishly bought a stepside Ranger back in '99, and the boat fits ON the bed rather than in it - won't make that mistake again, when I go to replace this truck. :mad:

One thing I'm careful of, though, is to let some air out if I'm going over the pass - I fear that the change in altitude could cause the bladder to overstretch the covering and split it. :eek:

My buddy has a Ford Exploder, and he deflates his Scadden 8'er about 70% and it slides right into the back with the backseats folded down. We can even fit mine in on top of it if we deflate both down to about 10%.

You're right, though, a pontoon can be a hassle to transport, at times...

Sean
Sultan

[shgrier]

PAC 800? $450? Doesn't sound right.....

Jason, I think I misread your post - my apologies. After seeing Salmo's post:

Snip.....My friend brought his pontoon - Outcast 800 I think - on a trip with me, and I was ready to launch 25 minutes before he was....Snip

I realize that I must have been looking at an Outcast Discovery 8. Two very different boats, I realize. Still, $450 isn't a bad price.

Sorry for the confusion! :o

Sean
Sultan