Pontoon Help

[Moose Eyes]

I am considering getting a pontoon boat and am looking for tips, recommendations, lessons learned, etc.  First off, "Santa" says I need to keep it under $500.  There are many boats out there over that price that I would like to have but for me they are not an option. 

I typically fish moderate rivers without much technical water, like the Nooch, Satsop, Hump. etc.  I will mostly use this for floating from one drift to another as I prefer fishing from the bank.  However, I may, on occasion, wish to pull plugs so I would like something with an anchor set up.  I want something stable and fairly rugged for the dollars I am willing to spend.  I am thinking a boat in the 8 to 10 foot range will be the best size for me.  Chances are I will have this for a while so I want something that will hold up to moderate use. 

So what do you think is the best boat for me?  Anybody out there buy a boat then have regrets?  Anything in particular I should know before I make a purchase?  The boat does not have to be new so used boats are an option for me.  I have been checking craigslist and several northwest fishing forums already.  Any other sources I might be missing?

So what is out there that you can recommend?

Thanks for any and all thoughts and recommendations!!!

Ron

[Dragfreedrift]

Talk to Mark at First Bite Jigs.  He has a really sweet pontoon craft that fishes 2 guys really well.  We took it out last fall and I was VERY impressed w/ the boat.


DFD

[chumdog]

I have a Buck's Bags South Fork, and I like it a lot.  It's an 8 ft boat, and I've had it on primarily the Yak flyfishing.  I think they're a little over your budget, but you can probably find one for less. 

[Fllyfishy]

I have a bucks bag "Bronco".  It now hangs in the garage, since I got my drift boat a few years ago.  I don't know if you will find a boat that you can anchor in a river for $500.  I tried to anchor mine in the Yak, and about went swimming when the anchor grabbed.  I think the anchors are made for stillwaters.  They are great for transportation on the river, to get awy from the crowds.  Good luck.

[Moose Eyes]

I don't know if you will find a boat that you can anchor in a river for $500.  I tried to anchor mine in the Yak, and about went swimming when the anchor grabbed.  I think the anchors are made for stillwaters. 

Thanks, that's good to know.  I suspected that would be the case.  I will be careful!

Anyone know anything about the Creek Company ODC 1018?  I am considering a used one.

[Fllyfishy]

I really liked the look of them, but I wanted something that I could use to chase cuttys in the sound also.  At the time about 10 years ago the Bronco was the only boat with a Stainless Steel rowing frame.  Also I go about 250#, so I wanted something the hold my big arse.   

[nick]

I bought an ODC 1018 almost two years ago. Still floatin'. Very stable. It is a bit wide, so on smaller, narrow rivers, it bumps the bottom quite a lot, which tends to spin you some. Smaller rivers = smaller pontoon. I normally just float from gravel bar to gravel bar, then stop and cast from shore. Comes standard with a metal transom that can hold a small motor and battery if you want to power float. I usually don't have too much problem rowing up river for short distances in slower water.

[steelheader]

I would suggest the fish cat deluxe 9 foot edition. Sweet toon. I love mine. $450.00 Follow the link below. Jeff

http://www.flyfishusa.com/outcast/3-fishcat-9/outcast-fishcat-9.html

[EagleTalon]

I have a Trout Unlimited Colorado pontoon boat myself--its just over 9' and is river class I rated. The replacement bladders are $40.00 for the pair if you want extras on hand (always a good idea with any pontoon boat). You can purchase the boat directly off eBay from a seller in Kent, WA. Before bidding, just ask the seller if you can pickup the boat at the distribution center--its located in Kent, WA as well (they'll waive the shipping fee and you can pick the boat up in Kent). I purchased my pontoon for $365.00 total, drove to Kent a couple days after my purchase, and threw the package in my Honda Civic.

I have used my pontoon on many of the lakes in Pierce County this past year: Clear Lake, Kapowsin, Ohop, Alder Lake, and more. I have been quite pleased with my pontoon. I would also suggest getting an air pump--this makes short work of filling up the bladders with air.

[EagleTalon]

Here's a link to the Trout Unlimited Colorado pontoon boat:

http://www.classicaccessories.com/product.asp?Product_Id=20015&d_Id=7173&l1=5913&l2=7173

Best regards,

Todd

[Moose Eyes]

Thanks, everyone!  I appreciate the help!

It looks like I will wait to buy one at the Sportsman show next month, unless a good deal on a used boat comes along.

[ROCK FISH]

Gee Moose does that mean I have to get one soon also or ya trying to get away from me stingin your fish 

[Professor]

Check this one out.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0029654318110a&navCount=6&podId=0029654&parentId=cat21430&navAction=jump&cmCat=BargainCave&catalogCode=5IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21430&hasJS=true

[Moose Eyes]

Gee Moose does that mean I have to get one soon also or ya trying to get away from me stingin your fish 

Just get some fins and hold onto the back end of the pontoon! 

[Moose Eyes]

Check this one out.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0029654318110a&navCount=6&podId=0029654&parentId=cat21430&navAction=jump&cmCat=BargainCave&catalogCode=5IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21430&hasJS=true

Thanks, John. 

It looks like I am leaning towards something with 9' 'toons and a platform, like the Water Skeeter "Chetco" or "Fish Guide" models.  (http://www.waterskeeter.com/)  Anybody have experience with either of these boats?