One Man Pontoon Questions

[gotmuddy]

Last week my wife and I bought a nice one man pontoon with a motor mount. I want to launch at Buffalo city and go downstream to the Buffalo(250yds) and paddle/motor up the Buffalo. The issue is when I go to leave. I think the 40lb thrust minn-kota will push the small craft upstream easily. In fact I think it will push it upstream great since it pushed my Riverboat(18x36 aluminum) upstream pretty good Monday afternoon with two people.the pontoon obviously weighs less but the hydrodynamic of the pontoon may create more drag. What say you?

[jdmidwest]

Inflatable one man pontoon?? If so, how big are the floats and what material are they made of?

[id10t]

Last week my wife and I bought a nice one man pontoon with a motor mount. I want to launch at Buffalo city and go downstream to the Buffalo(250yds) and paddle/motor up the Buffalo. The issue is when I go to leave. I think the 40lb thrust minn-kota will push the small craft upstream easily. In fact I think it will push it upstream great since it pushed my Riverboat(18x36 aluminum) upstream pretty good Monday afternoon with two people.the pontoon obviously weighs less but the hydrodynamic of the pontoon may create more drag. What say you?

I would say getting to the mouth will be no problem. Getting upstream from the mouth is another issue. I think the pontoons will work against you. The width on mine makes it hard to paddle without oars even in flat water. It is hard enough getting across in a canoe or kayak paddling like a mad man with a trolling motor.

The past few years we have had Miles at Riley Station outfitters just tow us across. He is straight across the White from the mouth of the Buffalo. He charges 10.00 which is well worth it in my humble opinion. If you still want to give it a try I would let Miles know what you are doing and that you may have to give him a call. Cell phone with AT&T work there. That is what we do since he does not know when we will arrive at the mouth.

There has been so much water the past few years just getting across to the island was a crazy paddle your butt off situation. There is a cut through on the island straight across from the mouth of the Buffalo. Drag 25 feet put back in and you can see Miles put in/take out.

129 County Road 640

Mountain Home, AR 72653-7717

(870) 425-4221

Riley Station

[gotmuddy]

I have oars on the pontoon that I will be using in addition to the trolling motor. the model we bought is a trout unlimited 9'x5' with vinyl bottomed pontoons. The only reason I am considering doing this is because the white is not running any units and the current is quite slow. My parents know the owners of riley station so I may call them and see what they think.

pic related, its the model pontoon I have.

[jdmidwest]

Going upstream in one of the pontoons is always a chore, they create too much drag. But a 40lb troller should make it stand on end. What is the rating on the mount?

[gotmuddy]

I am pretty sure its rated for three HP. I intend to get a three HP when I find a satisfactory deal.

[Wayne SW/MO]

You shouldn't have any problems as long as you have water. They do draft a lot with a load. Wind is there worst enemy, they catch it worst then anything I've had.

[gotmuddy]

The river will be low but i don't care to get up and pull it a ways.

[gotmuddy]

plans have changed. the buffalo is rising as is the white(they will be generating heavy tonight and all day tomorrow). I am going to take the riverboat up.