Pontoon Question

[tuber]

I was looking at making the upgrade from a tube to a pontoon. Someone is selling a Bucks Bag Southfork for a pretty good price. Anyone used this model? Pros and Cons? Also what are the most important things for looking in a pontoon? thanks

tuber (hopefully soon to be "pontooner")
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]The main factors to consider in your search for a 'toon are your size and strength, what kind of fishing you will be doing, how will you be transporting it (vehicle), will you be adding a motor, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you are going to use it strictly on small lakes, and not rivers, you can get a smaller model, as long as it is big enough to float you and your gear. If you are going to float down the Green or other rivers, there are requirements for length (9 feet) and other things that will rate it as acceptable for river running.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you want to add a trolling motor, as a lot of Utah "tooners do, you want your craft to come with a motor mount build into the frame, and hopefully a sturdy platform behind the seat upon which you can secure a good heavy deep cycle battery. You will also need to register your craft, once it is motorized.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Look at the frame construction. Ideally, it will be sturdy, but easily dismantled for storage and assembly. Some are put together with nuts and bolts (time consuming) whereas others are put together with pins. With a good design, you do not sacrifice quality or stability with pins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are differences in the air chambers and valves. Some are better and more reliable than others. The Outcast line actually has two air chambers on each side. This offers lower profile (less wind resistance) and greater security, in the event of a failure of an air chamber.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Make sure that the foot rest part of the frame is easily adjustable. You will use it a lot, whether rowing or running on an electric motor. It should allow your flippered feet to rest comfortably when not being used to maintain position while fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you have never owned a 'toon, see if you can talk your way into a demo or a test ride first. That is a great way to discover some of the "little things" you may not have considered before.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you are on a budget, it is okay to buy used or less expensive craft to learn with. Once you know and can appreciate the differences in quality and price, you can usually recover most of your initial investment in a resale, if you have maintained your "starter kit" well. There are always new potential tubers and 'tooners out there who have the same questions and concerns you have right now, and who will appreciate being able to try it out without risking a divorce.[/#0000ff]
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[DKStroutfitter]

If the toon is in good shape and the price is right, the South Fork is a good boat for the money. Make sure the bottom of the seat is solid. They tend to crack where the screws join the seat to the frame sometimes.
The one thing you want to shy away from is the toons that used innertubes for the baldders. The tube goes bad with time and they are hard to find and cost a lot to replace.
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[tuber]

Thanks for the input. That helps a ton. I am a pretty big guy and I am starting to think if I put a motor on the southfork with battery and other things I am going to be pushing the weight limit. Plus I would have to purchase a motor mount. After looking at all the posts I am leaning more towards a Trout Unlimited Colorado, but not sure. Any others that might fall into the $350 range worth looking at? Thanks

tuber
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I responded to your post on the tubing board too. I like the Bucks Bag South Fork, for everything except mounting a motor. You are right, the Colorado is much better set up for a motor, including a heavy duty wire basket behind the seat which will hold the battery plus other stuff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Check in with mikecromaine on his Colorado. He can put you on to a spot on the internet for getting the craft for about the same as you can the South Fork. Here is a pic of his craft all tricked out, including the Jolly Roger flag that says "Fish or Cut Bait".[/#0000ff]

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[crossineye]

I HAD AN 8 FTR BUCKS. IT WAS NICE BUT I COULD NOT USE IT IN RIVERS, AS THE TUBED ONE HAS POSTED. I SOLD IT FOR 250. I INTEND ON BUYING A 9 SOON.
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[mikecromaine]

THE COLORADO IS RIVER CAPABLE IN A CLASS ONE RIVER . IT IS A 9 FT TOON
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]No Mike, the waders don't make your (behind) look big...at least any bigger than it is.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hey, I think we did a pretty good job of trickin' out that 'toon. And, it moves upon the water right nice.[/#0000ff]
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[mikecromaine]

yes the toon turned out nice now I need to add the downriggers [cool]
I only need to catch a fish from it now. new toon no fish go figure
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[tuber]

ok Tubedude and Mike,


I think I have narrowed it down to the bucks bag southfork and the trout unlimited Colorado. Bucks Bag slightly used= $275/ TU=340+tax.
The TU is 9 feet and the Bucks bag is 8 feet. I am not using it on any rivers. Down side for the Bucks bag is I have to buy a motor mount, which I could wait on. Is Bucks bag quality worth passing over the Trout Unlimited if I am just using on lakes? If you were me, what would you do?

tuber
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[mikecromaine]

COLORADO WHEN TEH WIND KICKS UP I THINK YOU WOULD BE HAPPY TO HAVE THE EXTRA FOOT PLUS IT HAS A NICE RACK TO HOLD STUFF BESIDES THE MOUNT. BUT THATS JUST MY INPUT
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]As I have already suggested, you have to decide in advance just what features and applications are most important to you. There are always tradeoffs.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you think you will EVER want the motor, you will probably be happier with the Colorado. I am impressed with the sturdy setup for being able to mount the motor (adjustable location) and carry a big marine battery (stout wire basket behind the seat). [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The Bucks craft would probably be a better choice for most fishing without a motor. It is large enough to float you well, but a foot shorter for maneuverablity and less wind resistance. Then only (sort of) negative, by comparison, is the wimpy nylon bench behind the seat. Okay for carrying some extra gear, but totally inadequate for battery and/or motor mount.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you think it will be awhile before you are ready to get motorized, I might suggest starting with the Bucks 'toon, at the good price you are getting, and learn "toonology" with it. Like I said, if you keep it in good condition, you should be able to get most of your money back out of it if you want to sell and get something more motor-friendly.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The other consideration, if you have the room, the need and the budget, is to start with the Bucks and add a second craft later. Those of us who tube and toon always seem to have family members or friends who would like to go out with us but do not have the gear. I have always had at least one or two extra craft for that purpose.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Now get out your fisherman's "ouija board" and make a decision.[/#0000ff]
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