Pontoon Boat Suggestions
- This topic has 15 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated Jun 24, 2009 at 12:05 am by
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I finally took the plunge and got myself a pontoon boat. Its a JW Outfitters – don’t know the model but it has 9′ pontoons and a checkerplate electric outboard/gear stowage mount behind the seat.
I suppose I’m following another thread on fitting out ‘yaks… Any suggestions out there?
I’m currently looking at getting a small electric for it, making a deck so that I can stand to cast and getting a high volume air pump from the camping store.
Are there any other accessories that might come in handy? Looking to use it in fresh and salt water (creeks and canals), lakes and larger inland rivers.
Planning to use the elctric and oars, and store some fins in a bag behind the seat for emergencies. Any tips?
Best Regards,
Beechy
I think the 9 footer is the renegade. San Juan was 7′, I think.
I stand on the seat and can balance fine (in my SJ). In fact, I took a rapid standing up last weekend – the water above the rapid looked to fishy to let it go by and I just braced myself through the fast water. They are plenty stable. If you wanted to build a casting platform in the front of the boat, you might get away with it on the longer boat. It would make life easier but I just stand instead. Makes things more interesting.
One of the best components are the oar caddies. I’d buy those if your boat doesnt come with them. They are a huge saver when you stand and cast. Otherwise, an anchor is nice to have. I dont use a motor, so I cant help you there.
Last, but not least, get a patch kit and carry it with you at all times. I have sprung a leak several times mid way through a float. Let me tell you, it is a serious pain in the ass! I now always carry a patch kit and fix it on the go.
Enjoy it. You’ve got the boat that started it all.
Mark –
It’s become part of Scientific Anglers and I believe is out of production entirely. But, Jeff Wierenga (JW) is now basically running the lab at SA, so you might forward questions to him there.
Zach
Correction, JW is now the SA business manager.
Thanks for the replies, guys. The pontoons are dark green…
Will look into the oar caddies.
Is there such a thing as a light weight battery? Will have to check that one out. Can’t wait to get it on the water!
Best Regards,
Beechy
Where do you have in mind for the boat Chris ?
Sounds fun !
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A guy in our local FFF affiliate club (Carolina Fly Fishing Club) has two toons built on JPW tubes, plus custom trailer, for sale due to some neck issues that prevent continued use. I can try to get you in touch with him if that would be helpful. They look like great boats but I don’t float toons enough to justify a second and third.
DA – I’m going to use it in Patterson Lakes, Victoria – google earth and take a look… As well as some of the coastal rivers for EPs and bream, lakes for Murray cod, trout etc – anywhere you’d use one of those float boats, really.
Line management doesn’t seem to be an issue for me – I’m used to using a stripping basket and will sort something out. Maybe a swing basket on a post or something, but I’ll make it work… ;D
Best Regards,
Beechy
Do you guys have the same frustration I have when fishing from pontoons? Flyline tangles on everything. Thats my biggest gripe.
Yeah, Dave, this is by far the most annoying part.
Dave, the only problem I had was when using an Expert Distance line where the thin running line didn’t float so well. The motion of my fins kept dragging the line down and tangling itself in the fins.
I think I don’t have much of a problem other than that because I keep the line draped in my lap when not standing and using the stripping basket on the Scadden Sky lean bar.
The reason a ditched my canoe and never considered a drifter or yak is that I’ll take hands-free controlOkay – looking at an electric – how many lbs thrust do people use? I can get 18, 44 or 54lb… My guess is 54lb will be overkill and 18lb not enough – any thoughts/experience?
Best Regards,
Beechy
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