Pontoon Boat endeavor

[LyNcH]

<O</OA few years back I owned a drift boat. I ended up selling the boat for a few reasons, the main being that while perfect for the Salmon River, it really was not usable at some of my trout streams I like to fish due to access of launches and size of the craft. The other downside is it required me to have a truck, which was a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] vehicle and not needed for anything else.

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While I don’t regret selling the DB and truck, I do miss having it, but not enough to buy another one. What I really would like to get is a 2/3 man pontoon boat, but one that fits into a budget of around $2000. Ideally I would like a 12’-13’ boat, with the rowers bench up and off the water with a rowers platform. The ideal company and boat looks to be what Simms/Chris bought, the Catchercraft 2 salt steelhead, or even the 3 salt steelhead, but the $3500 starting point price is too high. http://www.catchercraft.com/Products___Prices.html

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Another nice looking boat is the Creek Company ODC 1624. It’s a 3 seater, with the ability for put a floor piece and seat extension for the rower, but it starts at $2500 and after wanted accessories places me at $3000, plus it’s 16’ long, which is a bit more than I need. http://creekcompany.com/product.php?productid=16161&cat=254&page=1

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I’m also looking at the Outcast Fish Cat 13. The standard features seem nice and for about $200 extra, the boat could be equipped as I would need (raised seat and rower floorboard. The cheapest I have found is $2000 shipped to my door. http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/?id=30

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Are there any other boats out there that I am missing? The Sea Eagle foldcat boats don’t really interest me that much.
Weight for all these crafts are reasonable in that I don’t need to go out and buy an extra vehicle just to get from A to B and can just modify my utility trailer and it would all weight under 600lbs.

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I am not looking to buy anytime soon (unless a great used one comes up for sale) and have to do some selling of some extra fly fishing equipment and a couple firearms, so I figured I would post this now hoping to get a good dialog going with some useful advice. If anyone else out there has a 2/3 man raft besides Simms, I really welcome you input and experiences.

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What are your thoughts WBluver?

 

[AKSkim]

Just an idea...

Saw this out in Sisters Oregon last year/

10.5 Foot Drifter

 

[LyNcH]

That's a cool little boat. I bet it looks like a bathtub floating down the river. I can't find prices for it anywhere.

Still leaning towards a pontoon, but would like some feedback from current/previous owners and those in the know-how.

 

[Fredy]

Won't pontoons track less water, like 2", making it easier to navigate in shallower stretches.

 

[gadfly]

Thanks Lynch, I'm looking into similar boats right now so you're saving me some work. How about a scadden? Something like the avenger xx? They are offering "show specials" right now and the rep at the Somerset show was offering even lower prices.

Dave Scadden Pontoon Craft 2012 Show Specials

 

[LyNcH]

I took a look at the boats at the show. I guess the one major drawback for me is the open water under the rower, I really want a platform and a row seat that sits a little higher. At 6'3", I don't want to feel cramped while rowing.

For the money, the drifter ST looks nice too. I picked up their booklet at the hsow, will have to take another look through it to see if they offer a rower platform and seat riser. I think WBluver is somehow connected to scadden?

 

[AKSkim]

Won't pontoons track less water, like 2", making it easier to navigate in shallower stretches.

I see a problem drawing that little water without a keel or skeg is that any wind could set you down when you don't want to.

I have only been in a pontoon boat once of the Lehigh and it was a blue bird day with no wind.

However when I fish Maine ponds I have a caddis kick boat and let me tell you one thing....

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SKY !!!!

When there is a breeze in the trees, time to call it a day.

 

[gadfly]

I took a look at the boats at the show. I guess the one major drawback for me is the open water under the rower, I really want a platform and a row seat that sits a little higher. At 6'3", I don't want to feel cramped while rowing.

For the money, the drifter ST looks nice too. I picked up their booklet at the hsow, will have to take another look through it to see if they offer a rower platform and seat riser. I think WBluver is somehow connected to scadden?

The scadden definitely has the rower's platform option. I have no idea about the riser though.

 

[McRiffle]

I have the scadden mckenzie 2 man. The show special when I bought it a few years back was not only a reduced price but a choice of upgraded oars or a second sliding standing platform under the rower. I got the second platform. Later I added 7 inch fixed (not swivel but you could do that but get the locking kind) seat risers from cabelas, they were cheap, something like $20 for both. Other than that I later bought the lean bar stripping basket, oar holders, a pyramid anchor (a must IMO). So far it's worked well. All in I think I've spent about $1900. All that said, I did notice this the other day...I think it's the last one....

The Creek Company ODC XR12 Pontoon Boat - 2-Man - Save 30%

 

[tompg]

I guess the Freedom Hawk standing Kayak is does not suit your needs?

 

[LyNcH]

I guess the Freedom Hawk standing Kayak is does not suit your needs?

If i did more stillwater fishing, that would be the kayak I would use. But I will using this boat 98% of the time on moving water situations, and I also want to be able to bring a friend along. I'll get a small electric motor eventually for pond fishing.


Any Fish Cat 13 users?

 

[WBDluver]

Sorry was away for a few days.

---------- Post added at 10:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 PM ----------

The two that come to mind are the Scadden McKenzie drifter, or check out bucks bags double haul. Its a little more than you want to spend but they make a great boat that few people come ro realize do to very little marketing by the company. Wirh Scadden there is no need to rush for fear price may go up. Pm me if you want
Tom

 

[Trouser Trout]

If i did more stillwater fishing, that would be the kayak I would use. But I will using this boat 98% of the time on moving water situations, and I also want to be able to bring a friend along. I'll get a small electric motor eventually for pond fishing.


Any Fish Cat 13 users?

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Lynch bro, I can see us out on this thing.

---------- Post added at 07:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 AM ----------

The swing out toilet seat in the front is a must have option.

 

[Burtbords149]

Lynch, have a look at the rafts out there. I bought one over the summer and built the frame with parts from nrs but i know a few companies have them starting at around 3000. They get huge weight capacity and have a full floor to put tons of gear in and stand up in. I built mine for under 1000 granted I got the boat for 300 (see intex mariner raft). Good luck with your search

 

[WBDluver]

Some things to look for are frame material, (stainless is stronger than Aluminum or equal wall thickness) pontoon material and weight of material. Accessories, anchor lock? saddle bags? battery well, transom etc.

Forget your ungratful buddies. by a single man pontoon and make them buy their own. Were makin deals

 

[CTobias]

If you shop around and have some know how you can buy the pontoons and build the frame the way you want it. Heck, you can buy a frame pre made and add what you want to it. All for under your 2000$ mark. Of course these aren't going to be top of the line Sotar or Aire pontoons, but they will still last you a good bit. The only problem you're going to run into is having to take apart the frame and raft after every trip. But, if you don't mind it then it's no big deal. Here are a few links for cataraft pontoons and some frames. Tubes with welded seams are going to cost you more, but if you don't mind made in asia glued seams then get the cheaper maxxon pontoons. These are the same pontoons that catchercraft and skookum use on their vessels.

Maxxon 16' Tubes are like 850$
Catarafts - The Boat People / Inflatable Kayaks Specialists

Frames for like 600$
CataRaft Fishing Frames & Fly Casting Platforms

 

[LyNcH]

Thanks Lynch, I'm looking into similar boats right now so you're saving me some work. How about a scadden? Something like the avenger xx? They are offering "show specials" right now and the rep at the Somerset show was offering even lower prices.

Dave Scadden Pontoon Craft 2012 Show Specials

The more I look at the avenger XX the more I like it. The weight difference is huge! I can still say it's around $2000 right?

 

[WBDluver]

let me check, THe weight of the Two men are heavy, the fishcat is 170lbs. ok if you have someone with you but by your self is going to be a bear.

---------- Post added at 07:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 AM ----------

I will pm you

 

[LyNcH]

let me check, THe weight of the Two men are heavy, the fishcat is 170lbs. ok if you have someone with you but by your self is going to be a bear.

---------- Post added at 07:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 AM ----------

I will pm you

Thanks, shot you back a rather long PM with some questions.

 

[chromefinder]

i have this one for sale:

14 foot Maxxon tubes - brand new
2 place frame off a McKenzie Drifter
custom 2pc carpeted deck that is easy to remove

These 14 foot tubes are great for 2 people and can accommodate 3 with another frame module.

Slideshow Link



contact me via email chromefinder@yahoo.com