Pontoon Boat questions

[Striper Club]

Hiya folks!

I have been contemplating purchasing a 1-man pontoon boat for small-water fishing that I can toss in the bed of my truck. It seems the prices vary quite a bit, but some run quite well in my budget!

Any of yall have these and enjoy them? Also, which waters are they most suited for (Hagg, Sandy, TR, DeSchutes, etc)?

EDIT: And do they have to be registered, licensed, etc?

Thanks!

http://a1460.g.akamai.net/f/1460/1339/6h/www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/31/74/03/i317403hz01a.jpg

[BuKuBass]

I just returned from floating an 8 mile stretch of the John Day with my Waterskeeter Vision that I purchased new for $190. And it's a hoot. I replaced the 5.5 feet dink oars with seven footers, made a back tray out of expanded metal, and added an anchor frame, rod holder, and seat swivel.
When/if it wears out, I'll upgrade. Until then, I'm pleased with what I have.
Read this: http://www.clacka.com/rowingDriftBoat.htm and other info of similar ilk and practice your strokes in calm water first.
Registration is required only if you add power.

[SafetyChain]

Talk to Bruce at Water Ready (http://www.waterready.com/) He is an ifish member and an all around great guy. I have used his boats. Had a blast and felt completely safe. He puts floors in his boats along with rod holders and anchoring systems.

[Striper Club]

Thanks! I am a fair hand with an ocean kayak, but that is a different animal indeed! I will check out those links as soon as I can to gain some more practical knowledge of the dos and donts. :wink:

As far as learning the ropes, I think I will spend some time at Hagg and other still waters before I tackle more advanced streams and rivers--safety first!

Now that I am fairly certain that this is the route I want to take, I will start pricing things out. :smile: :cheers:


EDIT: any recommended make/model? I want to keep overall pricing (rod holder, anchor, med kit, etc) under 1k if possible.

[SafetyChain]

EDIT: any recommended make/model? I want to keep overall pricing (rod holder, anchor, med kit, etc) under 1k if possible



Talk to Bruce. He is an ifish sponsor.

[Striper Club]

0

[Water Ready]

Hi There!
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I also do Demo's. Small ponds near by with bass in them and also very close to a short run on the river. Not sure where you are located, but happy to help, even if it's not a Rapidcats pontoon you are looking for.
Happy Fishn' :cool:
Bruce

[casteal]

I had one and got rid of it. You need a swivel chair in any bass boat, also ready access to your tackle boxes or bags. Pontoon boats have neither. I got a 14ft. Kayak and found it to have the same problems. but you can carry more tackle. I am getting rid of my Kayak now. Sevylor has a layout Boat that look to fill all of my requirements. Here is a link http://shop.store.yahoo.com/inflatablesstore/sv-hfy350.html

[Striper Club]

I was actually going to buy an ocean kayak before I moved up here, but although I can pilot one, fishing would be too much of a hassle for me in one! :smile: The 'toon seems a good fit, despite the lack of bass-seat mobility, but I am sure I can figure something out there. :wink: Plus, once I get the legs for the boat, I plan on hitting some steelies as well.

Being relatively new to the NW, just floating along and enjoying the scenery will top even a day of getting skunked by our bronze-backed friends.

- Bruce, I am a pretty quick drive away (Lake Oswego). I would be more than happy to demo one of your boats to get the feel for what I am getting into. My schedule is opening up a bit so expect me to contact you within the next couple weeks.

Once again yall, thanks for all of the advice and welcomes! :cheers:

- Rich

[Water Ready]

All the seats I put on the Pontoons I build have 12 position locking swivels. It is nice to be able to lock when going through bigger water. Not a huge deal for steelhead fishn, but understand where it would be a good fit for Bass.
Hope to see ya!
Happy Fishn' :cool: