Looking to buy a 'toon this summer. I’m not looking to drop a grand on one but several hundred bucks is more in my budget. I have a few quick questions…
1- Who are the North-American manufacturers and do they have websites so I can look up some 'toons?
2- I am only 5’5 130lbs, what size 'toon would be best.
3- What is the typical warranty period for 'toons
4- Is there anything in particular one should watch for when deciding on a 'toon, ie. ease of assembly, storage etc…
As you look at the specifications for your different choices I’d suggest you consider not only pontoon length, but pay close attention to the overall weight, size when broken down, and how you plan to transport your 'toon.
Most 8’ pontoons are in the 50-70 pound range. Twenty pounds makes a considerable difference when you’re trying to manhandle (or womanhandle) an assembled pontoon up onto a roof rack or into the back of a pick-up for transport.
I think you’ll find that you’ll be able to get away with spending considerably less than $1000 for a stillwater only 'toon. You can get a servicable 'toon (entry level Outcast) for $300-350, a very good 'toon with a number of features (Outcast Cougar, WaterSkeeter, Bucks Bag, Scadden) for $500-600, and a top of the line boat like a Scadden bladderless pontoon for a little over $1000.
One final consideration … although you’re focused on stillwater only right now, that may change. I love floating mild+ rivers with mine. Nothing to adventursome, but the 'toon has given me access to water I’ve never been able to fish before. You might want to buy a 'toon that gives you some “room to grow”.
I have a Creek Company ODC 816 I really like. Has a light aluminum frame so its less corrosive in water. I believe its 8’x4.5’. Weighs 45lb.s and has a capacity of 375lbs. It came with a fast high capacity 2-way pump and a patch kit. It has a lifetime warrantee on non-metal parts so the pontoons are covered. It is portable enough when fully disassembled to put in a car trunk. Fast set up and take down. Affordable. Lots of fun.
There is also an ODC Sport model that is almost the same except it costs less, has a steel frame, is yellow, and weighs more. I believe Cabelas is running a sale on it right now.
These cats are worth a look . Whatever kind of catamaran you get, you’ll like it .
Many of the American manufacturers are getting, at least part of, their product made off shore. Water Otter is one company that is US made. So if you are looking for a true “Made in USA” product then you’ll have to spend a little time researching and asking the manufacturers. A search of the sponsors here will turn up some pontoon sources.
At your size and weight you will have no problem with the capacity of any pontoon I know of.
Warranty varies, some as much as 10 years, A well made pontoon should last a long time and can be repaired if necessary. My oldest pontoon is over 10 years old, has seen a lot of use and is still in good shape with no repairs.
Overall measurement is important if you are going to transport assembled, it has to fit in your vehicle. If you intend to transport it disassembled then ease of assembly / disassembly is important.
How much it weighs is important because you have to carry it to the water. The longer the distance, the more you will appreciate a light model. Remember that in addition to the weight of the craft you will be carrying your equipment, fins, rod, reel, drinking water, lunch, etc. It all adds up.
Good luck in finding your ideal pontoon. I’m sure you will find great enjoyment in fishing with one.
You will have to search for american made tubes and frames. Most of the lower end stuff is made overseas and the quality doesn’t stack up.
[url=http://www.WaterReady.com:4e6a2]www.WaterReady.com[/url:4e6a2] uses tubes with welded seems made by Jack’s Plastic in the US. Frames are made by WaterReady in Lyons, Oregon. The owner Bruce Bittler is a huge believer in american made products. I believe that the frame guarantee is lifetime, tubes is 10 years.
I own a pair of them, and a Maravia raft. All are excellent and water worthy craft.
Thanks for all the info. I would much rather support the North American economy as much as possible, be it Canadian companies or US companies.
We usually drive up old logging roads and find secluded lakes to camp at. Since we normally stay for around 5 days (when we do go) I think we would set up the 'toon once at the lake. Hubby can drag it to the water for me if need be but I don’t really want to make him complain about it. How heavy are the non-aluminum frames out of curiosity? Is there a significant cost difference between the two frame types?
LOL Jim, does it come with the swans?
Let it go and let it grow.
…hmmmm… favorite cartoon Tyflier, has got to be Family Guy if I had to pick one.
You might want to look at [url=http://www.hobiecat.com:1cc99]www.hobiecat.com[/url:1cc99] for another option. From their main web page click on “fishing” and scan down to Hobie Cat 60 and 75. I have the Hobie Cat 75 and really enjoy it. Less maintenance since it does not have inflatable pontoons and it only weighs in at 33 pounds. Very comfortable to fish out of. Just another option for you to research.
Those little Hobie cats look like fun Warren. I already have a float tube and a Greenwood canoe. I really have my heart set on a 'toon where I can keep dry. Kicking my tube around lakes, it can take a while to get to where you want to fish. Not as many people respect tubes on the water, hopefully a bigger thing to fish from will help.
I have a Buck’s Bags South Fork that I really enjoy. I haven’t ever been in anything else so I can’t compare and don’t know what makes big differences, but I have been very happy. I bought mine at a Sportsman’s Warehouse and they sold them at an unadvertised discount.
[url=http://www.bucksbags.com/cm_cat.asp?id=16:54065]Click here for Buck’s Bags Pontoons[/url:54065]
Adam
vox clamantis in deserto
[This message has been edited by Helicopsyche (edited 14 April 2005).]
. Whatever kind of catamaran you get, you’ll like it 
![http://www.creekcompany.com/products/816-a-lr.jpg[/url:20480]](http://www.creekcompany.com/products/816-a-lr.jpg%5B/url:20480%5D){kind=link}
![http://www.creekcompany.com/products/855-a-lr.jpg[/url:20480]](http://www.creekcompany.com/products/855-a-lr.jpg%5B/url:20480%5D){kind=link}