Things to look for in a pontoon boat..... 1) COMFORT, can you sit in the thing for a few hours (or minutes) without the cheeks going numb? I have 2 ODC 815 boats that I love, HOWEVER.... one has the stock seat and I save it for friends to use. The other I bought a padded plastic molded seat for and it's a LOT better for long days on the water. 2) Frame material, I like the stainless models the best because mine gets some ocean use... that being said, my boats have regular steel frames and the DO rust. You just need to keep an eye on them and make darn sure you clean up after salt contact. 3) Ease of Setup, This is also a biggy! Mine take a LOT longer than other makes to set up. I have friends with outcast boats that are on the water before I get mine lashed down. The strapping system that ODC uses is a long winded pain in the butt. I still like mine though :-) 4) Size, If you are going to be mainly on lakes then a 7 1/2 - 8' would be fine, Rivers I would say that 8 would be bare minimum and 9-10 wouldn't be too long. Longer boats seem to be more stable IMHO..... 5) Air Valves, The ones in my ODC 815 are tough to get sealed compared to the ones that Outcast has on their boats.
I don't have a trolling motor on mine but the next one I get will have one, as well as a real anchor mount in the back. Speaking of my next one , I'm off to the San Mateo ISE show in the morning and I'm starting my shopping for a 2 man 10-14 foot pontoon boat. And as far as rivers go, mine does just fine on the Lower Sac south of Redding, Ca. there is some white water but the worst I don't even think has a white water ratings. Get used to rowing YOUR own boat before trying that one though, as the river currents are a ton different than still water stuff. *whew* my couple of pennies worth Dave Wilson http://www.wilsonsworld.org http://www.maxxbashers.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Underwood Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 11:58 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VFB] Inflatable Pontoon Boats What should I look for in a pontoon for that will be used mostly for river fishing? You know length, do I need a motor mount or anchor etc. Now I may put in on still water once in a while but I will never put into swift water. I want to use it to fish not as a thrill ride or death wish.
