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Another question for you helpful casters. How much pontoon boat do I need if I'm not running whitewater? I'm looking at the one person 8-9ft models from Outcast and Bucks' Bags. The prices from both companies vary a lot, and Outcast lists 5 and 10yr warranties where Buck's doesn't specify, but says they're tough. The prices run from $340 to $1800. I want to fish lakes and slow rivers. I'd originally considered a float tube, (which would also work for backpacking) but a friend says fighting wind is tough, and covering water in a hurry is tougher, so I'm now at the pontoons. If a higher end boat is worth the money, I'll save for one. If a long warranty just means I've got twice the money invested while the boats designs develop into something better during that time, then I loose.

I am considering getting the Fishcat Panther (quad-tube with low profile and less wind resistance) and rigging a bracket to the foot rails in which I can outfit Hobe Cat's pedal/flipper system to go backwards. I grew tired (literally) of using fins in a float tube to get around a small lake.

Doug~RedRabbit

I know that Outcast is made by AIRE, one of the best known whitewater inflatable manufacturers. They are also a bit pricier than some brands, but in this case, I think you get what you pay for. I'd also go with a 9 footer over an 8 footer if you are going to be covering bigger waters. When you get to rowing, it will have a bit better hull speed. It will allow a little more flexibility as far as load, and will be more stable in general. There is even the possibility of a trolling motor mount.

Another brand that I thought was high quality was Scadden. Definitely pricy, but they also have closeouts. Their tubes are also supposedly made by AIRE.

Then there is always the used market. Like this:

Pac8 on eBay

Regards,
Scott

If you're going to run white water,you should go with a toon that has minimum 1200 denier pontoon covers.

I just bought an Outcast Streamer XL.It's an eight footer and rated for calmer rivers.The pontoon covers are 600 denier.

This is my first one and what I could afford.I had to get out of my float tube,which I really liked <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

I didn't find the wind to be a big factor in the float tube,I think the toon will make a bigger sail as there's more of you and the boat above the water.Having oars will be a big advantage when bucking the wind for sure.

'Deuce-

Just don't buy a pontoon boat without sitting in it on water first if at all possible. If you will be using it on stillwaters, it's important that you can get enough of your leg in the water to use flippers. A couple friends bought Outcast boats and they must have been designed for whitewater. They sat up too high to get a good stroke with flippers, just splashed alot and got nowhere. Also had a metal bar running under the back of their thigh that became painful in short order.

None of the three models of Bucks Bags boats I've used had this issue.

TM

C&B,
I deleted your PM, and can't remember which Buck's Bag you've got. I'd been considering Outcast for the warranty, and Bucks because they're made just over the border so I could bug them if I had problems. I believe Sportsmans Warehouse in Boise carries Buck's so I could dangle my kickers in the store. I can't find a Buck's website. What's their service policy? How high up the model ladder do I need to go to get a good toon?
222

Triple two-

Mine is the older style 8ft Bronco, no longer made. To get to their site I just Googled "Bucks Bags". Never had to use their service policy. All I've ever broken on one was a pulley/ratchet thingy for the anchor line. Replaced it for 3.00 at home depot.

I believe they are made in Boise also, so you could see them in person. They used to have special deals, somewhat like a factory outlet, at their shop. It looks like you now have a choice of two, a 9ft or 11 ft Bronco Xtreme. My current fishing buddy uses the 9ft., nice boat, upgraded materials from my old classic. If still offered, get the longer oar option.

Another friend just bought an Outcast fish cat from Sportsman's warehouse, I think it was only $400.00? It is really stout, heavier fabric and nice powder-coat frame. It appeared to be alot for the coin. Says "Sportsman's Warehouse" on the side! Check those out if you get a chance.

Serial obsessions, don't ya know!

C&B