Ive decided to take the plunge for a personal float craft again. Ive had a round float tube for sometime and am upgrading. So does anyone have any experience with the Trout Unlimited Colorado pontoon boat. Its a toss up between that one and a Skeeter thats a comparible price. It seems that the Trout Unlimited has a lot more features than the Water Skeeter which is a little more money. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
FYI- I will be selling my round float tube for some extra cash for the pontoon boat. It will be posted on the “things for sale board”. I dont have pictures yet as this was spur of the moment with wife approval. I love that women.
I am assuming the Colorado is the 9’ which is a great length, the waterskeeter I also assuming the Backwater 9 (around the same price)The Skeeter says 16" diameter tubes not sure on the Colorado. One thimg, they both have the PVC bladders (I personally prefer Urithane) which will change (loose air when cold or inflate at high altitudes)however the Colorado states that their PVC won’t change in cold or hot. Personally, I would go Colorado. However, fishing in a kick boat without an apron is at times difficult to get use to, specially on windy days. I use a small basket to my side and strip side ways.
she who dies with the most toy’s wins.
[This message has been edited by Fly Goddess (edited 10 March 2006).]
The Colorado weighs just under 90lbs. Wow! I have an 11 1/2’ pontoon and even with the modifications, I still don’t think it comes close to 80+. My vote if dropping names would be Dave Scaddan and North Fork Outdoors.
I believe the TU boat has dual bladders in each toon. I guess the weight isnt a factor since Im still young and dumb enough to lug it wherever there is a portage or river access. Also I dont mind breaking it down into a few pieces for travel. That was actually a great review done on the two boats. The only other question I would have is the durability of the pontoons on the TU. So if anyone has had any problems with their bladders (lets not go there) durability I would like to hear about it.
Anytime you want to come out and take my skeeter for a float you’re welcome to. I really like it. I compared it to the Fishcat on the floor up at Cabelas before I bought. Between those two It was Skeeter hands down. Better design and better fit and finish. That was 4 or 5 years ago though. I can also show you the strap-on 2 wheel cart I made for dragging it long distances. I think the weight on my skeeter was 54 Lb. I once balanced it on my shoulders and walked it a full half mile back into Wakeley lake up in Michgan and back out again. That’s when I designed and built the wheels for it. Get hold of me if you want to try it.
These are the idle thoughts that posses a man’s mind when he’s not able to fish.
My Skeeter (River Tammer II) has a dual bladder system. Each pontoon has 2 valves, 2 air chambers. If you spring a leak you can over inflate the remaining bladder and keep on going, a safety feature that I liked.
Note: some rivers require a min. of 3 floatation chambers for inflatible water craft to be allowed, this system meets that standard…
Posted this earlier then realized you were talking pontoons…so deleted it…however if you don’t really need a full blown pontoon here is something I ran across at a recent show…A Dave Scadden product as FG mentioned above.
It’s a u-boat basically but apparently more stable than others so it is rated for moving water and only weighs 21 pounds I think they said…at this point no oars but they plan to come out with oars next…when that happens I may not be able to resist even though they’re somewhat pricey.
It’s called …Freestyle H3
[url=http://www.northforkoutdoors.com:9a985]www.northforkoutdoors.com[/url:9a985]
[This message has been edited by ducksterman (edited 11 March 2006).]
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.
There’s snow on the roof but the fire still burns in the oven.
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]
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,
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).]
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.
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
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?
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]
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