Trout Unlimited Colorado Pontoon Boat

I've had the Colorado TU for 3 or 4 years now. As to weight, I can get it to the top of my Ford Explorer alone - and I'm an old goat - 72 - (although I'll admit it's easier with help of course). I've never felt that it was "too heavy" to row or kick. If there is a drawback, it's the comparatively high freeboard (area above the waterline) in a beam wind. However, the good news is the tremendous stability. The back rack basket holds a cooler with various libations and victuals (read: beer plus Black Forest Ham on rye), a cushion life preserver, a canvas bag w/ extra reel spools, etc. I really wouldn't need the canvas bag 'cause the built in compartments on top of the tubes are plenty large. The oars are well built, as is the frame and oar locks. In short, it's a good watercraft for use on the lakes and slower streams.

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There's snow on the roof but the fire still burns in the oven.

[Fly Goddess]

ducksterman
I am a big Dave Scadden fan, I love my Cardiac Canyon. Now that he is with North Fork I feel a little more confident in his product, but as far as accessories, he has fallen a little short. I asked for something on my Cardiac (which not bragging, but just stating cost me over $1200) and his answer to me,we don't make that frame anymore, sell it and buy one of my new ones. Sorry, that ticked me off.
Anyway, what I am saying is oars for the H depends on how long they are around or if he redesigns them.
What I like about my CC is the flat square aluminum frame that breaks down to 12"X 12" X 24". and flat frame allowes a tone of alterations. [url=http://www.pbase.com/albot/cardiac_pics:de1be]http://www.pbase.com/albot/cardiac_pics[/url:de1be]

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she who dies with the most toy's wins.

[billknepp]

Seege,

There's a few listed here...Water Skeeters...But Look really cheap to me...Price wise that is...the boats look just fine! Prolly the way I should have went rather than the Hobie I have...Not that I'd trade it now for an inflatable!! But for certian places it sure pack in better or easier..
[url=http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/browse/browse.asp?c=49:50383]http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/browse/browse.asp?c=49[/url:50383]

Theres also a Sponsor here called Launching gear....Drop Dana an email and he'd be more than happy to set anyone up with a way to make their rig more portable.. AC did a review of the gear on his own toon...it's in the archives!
Vocelli,

Toon's Won't Crap out!! But they ain't cheap!!...I Love mine...Check the link below.
[url=http://www.hobiecat.com/fishing/models_floatcat75.html:50383]http://www.hobiecat.com/fishing/models_floatcat75.html[/url:50383]

Not sure where Grantville is located...but if it's anywhere around Harrisburg...or a decent drive of it..I know of a place where a few Floatcats are, And a tad cheaper than normal retail..



[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 12 March 2006).]

[lthrnk]

Another option [url=http://www.creekcompany.com:4fd1f]www.creekcompany.com[/url:4fd1f]

[Fly Goddess]

Vocelli
I think SCADDEN boats are some of the best and I would not be afraid of getting one, he just has a hard time sticking with a good thing. It's like he's always adding and forgetting what he already has out there. That Skykomish is an awesome boat and they stll make the CC, just the frame is different, and I love mine.

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she who dies with the most toy's wins.

Fireman,
I have one, I love it and I beat the crap out of it. It has held up well. As you you know us fireifghters are not easy on anything. Anyway, I would highly recommend this toon to anyone. I am sure all the brands are good too. I picked this one based on biggest bang for the buck. Good luck!
Eric

[Plain Old Jim]

If you go to that sportsmans guide website listed above and click on float tubes you will see an Arrow brand that weighs 42 pounds total in it's backpack including the oars and a foot pump.....for $260. Sportsman's Warehouse has that same boat for $189 and last week they had it for 10% off.....roughly $169. Just FYI....and on the Hobie Float Cat 75......there is no mention of price? How mucho is it?

Gem

[Fly Goddess]

As far as new kids on the block, I bought a (as I call it) pontube last year that is awesome. It is called the Echo by Venture Outdoors. I have mentioned it before, but for those that missed it, It is 4' long with 12" diameter toons (same as my Cardiac) Has a small metal frame with the plastic seat like the big boys. The coolest thing is the Dura Bladders (self sealing). My ol' man weighs about 225 and is 6'3" and floats very well in it. I could get away with hip waders. [url=http://www.pbase.com/albot/venture_outdoors_echo_float_tube:e2711]http://www.pbase.com/albot/venture_outdoors_echo_float_tube[/url:e2711]

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she who dies with the most toy's wins.

[billknepp]

Floatcat 75 will set you back $799.00

Check local rental shops for used and or Blem Cats...seen three listed locally for less....but not much less on the 75's...

[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 13 March 2006).]

[FIREMAN]

Thanks guys and gals for the replies,

Eric, thanks for the abuse report, its always nice to get others point of views and reports on gear out there. I think I will be going with the TU boat. Like mentioned earlier more bang for the buck. One deciding factor will be the availability of replacement parts. If thats going to be a hassle then I will probably go with something else. Yes our local Sams Club did have them last year. I have also heard that they do have them again this year.

Thanks all for your replies,
Keep them coming,
Seege