Pontoon Drift Boats

[Don]

I accidentally first posted this message to the bass fishing equipment section then realized that this topic could apply there as well except for pontoon styles about river vs. lake water.

I'll probably get one next year. So far I like the Trout Unlimited Colorado model on EBay for $420.00 shipped. Ive seen others rated for rougher water. The ones with standing platforms cost several hundred dollars more. My cousin states I need a light weight model in case I need to carry up banks and distance. Any suggestions?

[Brian Wise]

How many people are you wanting to row?

Brian

[Gavin]

Where and how do you plan to use it and how much gear do you intend to bring? Depending on the answer, a different pontoon, canoe, kayak, or jon boat might be a better choice. Cheers.

[Don]

I am interested in a one man rig. Ability to hold a backpack with minimum camping gear for float trips. Plan to use on all rivers in Southern Mo and Ark. Would like to float the Norfork and Little Red rivers in particular. Aso interested in Buffalo River. Interested in standing platform if one thinks it's necessary.

Thanks, Don

[Gavin]

Dunno, I'd probably want one with some fatter pontoons for the Upper Buffalo and a trolling motor for flat water. Outcast Sporting Gear, and the Creek Company make some really nice boats. Think BPS has a blue heron model which is a 9' Outcast. Cheers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Here's a selection. I'm not recommending Cabela's but they have a bunch of Representative crafts to look at.

Pontoons

The biggest problem with pontoons is that you sit high, and they are high above the water and this makes them a real pain in a wind. I've been in situations where you had to literally row downstream and for that reason I don't take mine far from the truck. I have kayaks and a solo canoe that don't have this problem.

I don't believe there is much need to stand. There are times when it would be nice, but the extra craft it requires isn't worth it most of the time, IMO.

[Micheal Kyle]

I would like to add my 2 cents in on the pontoons. I have an Outcast and love it the one I have is the PAC 9000 I feel that is the best one they make. It is the one with twin pontoons and that is great safty feature, it is 9 foot long. I have alot of room that I can pack anything that I want the wieght capcity is 500 lbs and has a 10 year warranty. For someone that is on a budget The Discorvey or the Fishcat series are great. The Discovery series start out at 375-699 all have a 5 year warranty and have a great weight capacity 300-400 lbs. They are all aroud the same weight from 65-70 lbs. And it looks like they all come with the optional trolling motor mount. The Fishcat series are about the same price and about the same load capcity they start out at 379-599. The Fishcat Cougar has the same quad pontoon system that the Pac 9000 has and sells for 599 it weight is 6 pounds more than the Pac 9000 at 75 lbs. I feel that the outcast system are the best system for your buck. If you want to take a look at them I have them in my shop for sale and if you wanted I would sell my pac 9000. Give me a call if you want 417-889-6548.

Michael

[Don]

Thanks alot guys,

I've been looking hard on many online sites. Do any of you own or have researched Trout Unlimited Colorado model? Has alot of storage topside. Has tough exterior lining. Pontoons are tall so it's not wind friendly and not the lightest model available. I seem to think it will do well in shallow water riffle crossings. Only rated level 1 river conditions. Does that make a difference in our part of the country? Also interested in upper Current and North Fork in Missouri rivers.

Don

[Wayne SW/MO]

My experience has all been with Cataraft, a small Idaho company that was one of the first, and a PAC 800. It does seem that the popularity is consistent with geography and availability. PAC is popular on the West Coast because they are a division of Aire, a company that has made white water rafts and cats for years. The PAC is well made and has as good a pedigree as any on the market.

As far as shoals go, it will depend. Inflatables are terrible if you have to attempt sliding over rocks, but do all right on gravel. They do draft more water however because the footprint is smaller than a kayak or canoe. As far as class goes, the biggest worry on our streams are new strainers and for a pontoon narrow places with trees, etc. If you learn to handle one properly, you have more maneuvering power with oars than with a paddle, which can be a plus.

The capacity of inflatables is generally given as point where the tubes approach the halfway point in submersion and 25% is generally ideal all around. This gives you good tracking, but the ability to maneuver. An overloaded pontoon is a barge and something you defiantly want to avoid if you have to maneuver at all.

[Gavin]

Yeah, I've looked at that TU boat. Its made by Classic Accessories, a company who's main line of business is making boat & BBQ grill covers. There are so many better boats out there for virtually the same money.

I'd definetly take a look at the Outcast boats....A lot of my friends have the 9' Outcast boats (fishcats, disco's & PAC's) and they are all very happy with them. Cheers.