Pontoon Boat Question

[Rip'n Lips]

I just picked up a little single person Outfitter 9' pontoon boat at Costco. Has anyone seen these? What do you think of them? Is it worth it or should I be looking at something a little larger? I got it because I'm taking a trip to Montana to fish on the Missouri River. I know that river and this little boat should have no problem on it, But, will it handle the Deschutes, Clack or Sandy. I'd like to hear what you think. Thanks.

[FishonDon]

I bought one of those for my daughter. For non technical water it should be OK. On the Deschutes it should handle easy drifts w/o rated water.

A few things that separate it from better quality pontoons;
It has sewn seams. Better boats have welded seams.
The pontoon material top and bottom is OK, but not great.
The frame is steel, not aluminum, and that means rust in the future.
The stock oars may be too short. My daughter's boat came with 6' oars. 7' are better.
The valves are a big step down from the very good ones.
The bladders are also a step down.
It is narrower than pontoons rated for moving water. Stability is a must.

Now that said, for the price, how can you go wrong? Just don't try tackling big white water in it, or get yourself into a technical section where you are dodging boulders left and right.

P.S. You can easily improve on the anchor system. PM me for the details.

[Wiggley1]

My buddy saw the adventurer 300 at Costco and got one. I looked at it and he talked me into one too. The removable wheel is a cool idea and most everything seems okay. My oars want to lift out of the brass oar locks and get stuck. Other than that, I see no problems for a 300$ toon that seems loaded. It allows me to test drive this and see where the problems and short comings are, so when I upgrade, I'll have more experience. What kind of white water should I stay away from? It says it can handle class 2. Any suggestions for stopping the oar's from getting pinched in the oarlocks?

I should mention that I was looking at getting the Sportsman’s Warehouse 9, should I return this Chinese toon and get the SW toon and pay another 100$ to out fit it?

[HRDBUL]

take it back get the sportsmans ie. outcast boat much better boat.

[BigSkyHunter]

take it back get the sportsmans ie. outcast boat much better boat.

I second that. You will be happier with the Outcast and much safer as well.

[Wiggley1]

Have you guys had any experiance or just going on what you think?

[Wiggley1]

also, Am I required to have a PFD for lakes and rivers?

[BigSkyHunter]

I am going by what I think, not from experience. I have not owned either brand, though I have scene and touched the Outcast. It is a very reliable entry level pontoon. As anything, you get what you pay for.

BSH

[clacksteel]

I am going from experience...the Outcast is an awesome boat! It has gotten me down the Deschutes a couple of times with no problem!

[Costalot]

also, Am I required to have a PFD for lakes and rivers?

I have be told PFD's are required. And why not some lakes are big. better to be safe them sorry.;)

[FishonDon]

For Wiggley1:
You can't get on the Deschutes without a PDF, unless you want to get ticketed somewhere in the middle of your float. River rangers check each boat, either at the put in, or by floating themselves and checking boats they pass. You will also need an audible devise like a whistle.

When boating (including toons) a PDF is always required. Check the regs for more info.

[skaha]

-I have used several models of outcast, they are always improving. Quite a few guides use them in this area with only minor problems.
-I always use a pfd, don't care about the law, good example for others.
-I usually wear a self inflating one. They have a wistle attached thus in compliance with signal reg, also wistle is with you if you end up in the water, when inflated have reflective tape and colour.
-Self inflating gives you a chance if you get bonked on the head don't have to pull the cord. Also these can be blown up with a mouth piece.
-when wading in dangerous area can blow up without using the auto feature.
-Not all of these inflating vests are approved for use as a PFD so check, in Canada the inflatable has to be worn to be in complience, cannot just have it on the boat.

[Wiggley1]

I got a PFD and I can whisle really loud. My buddy and I went out on Laurance Lake on the Hood River side and put those 300$ Costco boats to work. We had no failures or leaks or any problems, until the 30 knot wind came and blew everyone off the lake on Sunday.

By Sat night, all the other tooners were over looking at them and amazed by all the stuff they came with. I let a couple guys take mine out for a spin. The only guys that kinda didn't like it were guys that payed more and got less. All the Brand name experts like these boats and most all said they want to get one for the wife, kids or spare, so there must me something to it.

I'll let you know how it floats a river soon as I'm going to the Wilson for a spin.

[dubl_t]

cool deal, I probably seen you at Laurance. Don't mess around regarding the whistle though, you will get ticketed without a "device".

[njhadfield]

I baught 2 pontoons from cosco and I love them, but I can't figure out how to inflate them all the way. Without opening the air valve all the way the tubes just wont inflate. Opening the valves all the way, the tubes will inflate but when I try to close the valve too much air leak out. Also you do need a pdf whenever you are on the water. I also baught the electric motor and have been catching a ton of fish. I baught the 38 pounds of thrust and love it..soooo quiet.

[Jimbow]

$300??? I'm jealous- I bought two Bucks Bags 8 foot pontoon boats about ten years ago when they first came out- for 650 apiece. ouch! but my son and I have fished the heck out of em so I guess its alright.

[FishonDon]

For NJHADFIELD:
Did you try turning the valves 1/2 way before putting air into them? They are made with a setting that allows air in and none to escape until you press the button down. But to activate that setting, one must take a turn of the valve first. Once set, you are good to go.

[njhadfield]

yes, I have turned the valve half way, but it allows air to rush out. I also tried to inflate without turning the valve at all and after I have filled the tube 3/4 full, there is too much pressure to allow any more air in...maybe I have turned to valve to far and need to twist it back....any more addvise would be great....also what about putting in a new valve since those valves and be taken out with a wrench.

[steel_beaver]

yes, I have turned the valve half way, but it allows air to rush out. I also tried to inflate without turning the valve at all and after I have filled the tube 3/4 full, there is too much pressure to allow any more air in...maybe I have turned to valve to far and need to twist it back....any more addvise would be great....also what about putting in a new valve since those valves and be taken out with a wrench.

if you are using an electric pump chuck it and get a manual.... that will overcome the tube pressure without a problem:dance:

[njhadfield]

yeah I chucked it and the ponoon boat fill's like a champ.....time to go fishing.

[Wiggley1]

I'm glad you figured it out, I was gonna say "read the instructions" LOL. Now I need to toss that stupid rod holder and figure out how to make something that works. This toon is a blast and for 300$ it's a great learning devise if nothing else. I also want to try to figure out how to make a reclining seat so I can lay back and snooze.

[TheCamel]

I need to toss that stupid rod holder and figure out how to make something that works.

Buy a Scotty Fly Rod Holder. One of the best investments you can make in your toon. I have used mine for almost 10 years, and would not trade it for anything else.:twocents: