Outlaw Renegade Pontoon

[Browntrout]

I am thinking of purchasing the NFO Outlaw Renegade. But, I have read some horrible customer experiences online pertaining to Dave S.
So two questions:
1. Is the Outlaw Renegade a reliable product?
2. Is NFO an ok company to deal with?

Thanks.
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[cpierce]

Yes, the Renegade is a great boat. NFO boats are well made, and they stand behind their product.

I have had a Renegade for quite awhile now.....maybe about 7 years or longer, I can't remember. The company is excellent. They do get busy at times though so check back with them.
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[Chuuk]

I went back and forth for years whether to buy one or not. I had a normal pontoon I purchased at Costco and it was great but about 70 lbs. I bought one a couple years ago at the sportsman's expo and I do not regret it one bit. Dave has been great to work with. They sent a wrong part that I bought and when I called them, he sent the part same day because Ogden was not far. The warranty is great, but I have not had to use it yet. The boat moves great on the water and is a breeze to load in and out or you SUV or truck. They are a bit spendy but they do put them on sale and if you can afford it, buy it you wont be sorry. I am considering buying one of his bigger boats to take my two sons once they get a bit older.
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[Tarponjim]

I had a Renegade for a couple seasons and absolutely loved it, until I bought a NFO Assault! Now I really, really love that one. But yes, well made, very easy to use, store, inflate, row, etc. Frameless is the way to go. As for dealing with Dave, well, I've never had to call them or stop by for anything. No problems! I think they're the top of the line when it comes to pontoons. I do see a lot of Water Master boats in Montana when I go, but those are made in Montana too. That is the only other one I'd put in the same category as NFO. So, buy more local. And Dave has been in this industry for well over 20 years now, first with other companies before NFO.
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[Tarponjim]

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[TubeDude]

[#0000ff]Dave sells a lot of his industry leading craft to many people...all over the world. I have bought both a Renegade and an Escape...and before that an H3 Freestyle float tube. I have had both good and bad experiences...both with quality and with service. If you are in business dealing with the public you are bound to have both situations sooner or later.

The first issue is quality. The NFO line is USA made and the components are all of the highest quality. None better that I have seen. But there can be problems with any product. For the most part, NFO is service oriented and quickly takes care of any defects in parts or workmanship. There have been issues with myself and others who have had problems in communications and followup. But all is well that ends well.

As moderator of the float tube and pontoon board I have owned and/or used almost every major craft available in our country. I found the Renegade just a tad larger than I like...as a float tuber who uses fins a lot for basic propulsion and maintaining position while fishing. And I am more of a warm water, all-tackle and multi-species angler than strictly fly fishing. And I do not fish moving water. So my requirements may be different than yours.

I also seldom (never) use the oars. But I do add an electric motor for major moves and for light trolling. However, having oars is always a good thing as a backup source of propulsion...just in case.

I posted my personal review of the Renegade...and some pictures of how I tricked it out with rod racks, sonar and a motor for my style of fishing. It was on the Float Tube board. [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=692122;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]HERE IS A LINK[/url]
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[FatBiker]

Browntrout, I've got a Renegade and really like it. I recently bought a FishCat 4 because it's smaller and much easier to haul over the dike at Willard Bay. I could be talked into selling you my Renegade if yuo're interested in a used tube. PM me for details and price.


Larry
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[Browntrout]

Thank you for the responses. Very helpful and appreciated.
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[steelhawk]

TubeDude,

Now that you've used it awhile, how did your electric motor and other tricked out features work out?
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I was one of the early pioneers of float tubing. I was making my own stuff from the late 1950s until commercial models began appearing in the 70's. And I have been tinkering with various types of rod holders, sonar mounts, tool racks and (more recently) motor mounts almost since I began tubing.

At one point I was heard to say that if you wanted a motor on a float tube you should buy a boat. But as I got older...and as my fishing horizons expanded...I changed my mind. I started putting motor mounts on my first Fat Cat back in the early 70's...but it was a clumsy wooden contraption that caused more problems than it solved.

However, as I expanded my knowledge and use of PVC I came up with a series of motor mount designs that were lightweight but strong and efficient. I have not made many tubing trips during the last few years without an electric motor. I find the greatest value in being able to cover more water and in getting there and back more quickly with less energy expended. And when the wind picks up blowing me away from my vehicle the motor is a life saver...literally, at my age.

I use the motor sparingly for routine fishing and for holding myself in position during light breezes. But when I want to make a move of more than a few yards...or have to hold in building "zephyrs"...I use the appropriate setting on my motor.

As far as all the other PVC goodies on my craft, all I can say is that my current system is the end product of many years of experimentation. What I now have on my current Escape craft (see attached PDF writeup) makes my ride a fishing machine. I have tubes for 5 rods...1 active and 4 extras. I also have "quick-draw" rod holders on each front deck to allow slow trolling, drifting or dragging bait. Then there is the tool rack...with knife, pliers, net, etc. Last but not least is the sonar setup. Wouldn't leave home without any of it. All handy and within easy reach.

I get lots of hoots and haws about all my "poles" and all that white PVC. But at the end of most fishing days my fish count and enjoys are usually high enough to allow me to brush off the snarky comments.

I have pics and writeups on almost any part of my system. If there is something you would like to try, shoot me a PM and I will try to shorten the learning curve.
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[sinergy]

The Renegade is a great toon , I got mine a few of years ago and love it, at the time I had smaller SUV ( Ford Explorer) and a Creek Company toon. Talk about Pain in the arse I couldn't fit the assembled frame in the cargo area then having to assemble everything shore side...[mad]

Now I just fold and roll up the toon, place it on the cargo area and off I go.

Only cons I have are the side bags that come with the toon are cheap mine faded (even after using 303 ) and ripped pretty quickly.

The valves are Bravo and not Halkey Roberts the Bravo valves sometimes stick when I initially fill the toons, the valve will stay open and I have keep manually opening and closing the valve after few times opening and closing the valves do they stay closed.

The standard oars that come with the toon are cheap thell get the job done but for the price some Saywer or Werner oars would be nice.

Also keep in mind if you ever decide to add a motor the motor mount is 150 bucks [crazy]

Other than that the toon is practically bullet proof If I had to do it all over again I say Yes only Id go with the Outlaw X5 Its would be nice to stand and stretch the legs.
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