Bought a 'toon

[Tokyo Tony]

Hey guys, I just bought the Trout Unlimited Colorado 9' pontoon boat last night, looking forward to using it this weekend.  The problem is, I thought it came with a transport wheel, but it does not, and the thing weighs 70 lbs with no gear, and is pretty bulky for one person.  This weekend I'll be able to drive right up to the water, but for the future I need some kind of transport system.  What would you recommend?  Do you guys have any ideas of makeshift transport systems?  I'd like to use it in NH and be able to walk up to a half a mile or so from my car.

Thanks guys, link to the boat below (was $400 at Cabelas btw)

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-trout-unlimited-colorado-pontoon-boat--pi-1788862.html

[Popeye]

You could easily build yourself a little two wheeled transport cart out of PVC sort of like the kayakers use (and I'm gonna build one myself for my Nu Canoe). Check out the kayak fishing stuff site and you'll see detailed plans on how to build a nice cart that easily disassembles so you can then just take it along with you and then reassemble it when you finish your outting.

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks Popeye, I'll definitely look into that.  

One more question I forgot to ask.  What to you guys use to fill up the pontoons?  I have a hand-held pump that's kind of a pain in the rear.  I pumped it up in my living room last night and sweated right through my shirt.  Can't imagine in the summertime outside tryin' to pump that baby  :-?

[FR0G]

Nice! Just build some rod holders and your good to go!

[Popeye]

A small electric air pump or one that plugs into the cigarette outlet on your car/truck is what most guys use. You can also get a stand up double action manually operated cycling pump that should work well too. I can't imagine using a hand held pump on one of those suckers without the fear of a coronary!!

[Grey Wolf]

www.cabelas.com

They have a double wheel bolt on out-fit for 43.00 if you don't want to make one.

[huskertko]

This is one of the best forums that I found that revolves around toon fishing and modification.  The link below will take you to the forum with pictures of mods, there is also a forum there for float tube/toon fishing.  These guys/gals are very willing to offer advice and suggestions for modifications and such.

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=130;guest=39315562

[badbob]

Get a decent Hand Double Action Pump ( not a Cycle Pump ) Remember these thing need "Air Volume" not pressure. With a good hand pump ( again dbl action) you will be able to have that boat inflated in less than five minutes. They cost anywhere from 20.00 to 40.00. Have fun!

[shoff]

You will like tooning!  I have been having a blast since I got mine in January.

I pump mine up at home with an electric pump then finish filling it at the lake with a double action pump.  For my toon it takes about a minute for each pontoon with the hand pump, half that with the electric.

I don't have wheels on mine...yet.  I think I am going to make something rather then purchase it.  Cabelas sells two wheel kits, but I am not impressed.

[ElGuapo]

A couple questions:

Any chance of a one-man pontoon like this flipping over from a wake and/or wind?

Does anyone here use one of these in alligator country? Releasing a bass in front of you with your legs spread could get interesting.  Feedin' time!

And would a foot controlled trolling motor work on this?

[David P]

Some guys deck their toons out with everything, as pictured above.

I have the same pontoon you have but the special edition one kind of thing, just a few added things but not many.

My pontoon is meant to have a trolling motor and all that junk, but to be honest, I don't bring the trolling motor.

I like not having a rod holder, I like not having a fish finder or trolling motor.

More stealthy, less weight , easier to maneuver, and much less hassle of dealing with stuff. Try going out with just 3-4 rods and nothing but the toon. You'll have a blast.

Use the front two pockets to put your rods in, slide them reel first into the pocket and they won't move. That way your rods aren't standing up, screwing with your casting, or at risk of falling, they're out of the way.

Tooning is tons of fun, just get good waders and flippers.

[shoff]

That way your rods aren't standing up, screwing with your casting, or at risk of falling, they're out of the way.

Thats why I have my rod holder only on the left side.  I cast with my right hand, the rods don't get in the way.   They also won't fall out because they go in all the way to the reel.   If they fall out I have a lot bigger problems then my rods.  

I am able to take everything I want. I know the depth of where I am fishing and can find the any structure.  Thats a big key when summer rolls around.

[shoff]

A couple questions:

Any chance of a one-man pontoon like this flipping over from a wake and/or wind?

Does anyone here use one of these in alligator country? Releasing a bass in front of you with your legs spread could get interesting.  Feedin' time!

And would a foot controlled trolling motor work on this?

If you get one that is designed for river fishing, its not going to tip over . All of Creek Company pontoons are rated for type II white water, other manufacturers have theirs rated and some have ones that are not rated.  I believe all the ones that Colorado make are type I white water rated.  I haven't had a problem with any wake from boats and with the wind around here don't want to get caught in the wind so I pay great attention to the weather forecast.  Being so light, and sitting out of the water the wind does blow you around some.  

You can put trolling motors on them, but the handle type I don't know how you could get a peddle type to work correctly unless you put a deck on and then raised the seat up and put the peddle on the deck. 36 pound thrust motors work really well for them though.  Most just have standard boat seats on them, so the bolt patterns are the same as risers and swivels for boats.

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks for the info guys, very helpful  

Went out Saturday for my first time pontooning, and although the conditions were terrible, it was a lot of fun.  I have a 36 lb thrust Minn Kota that I use on my canoe, so I mounted it on the back (along with the huge battery I have for it), and I'll tell you what - that 'toon flies with the motor  ;D  Felt like I was up on plane.

It was really windy and there was some chop - add to that 45-46 degree water (don't worry - I was wearing my PFD) and it's not a lot of fun.  On the ride back I got soaked from the waves (didn't wear waders, like an idiot, and didn't dress warm enough), and I had a headache because of the cold.  Regardless, it was a good time trying out my 'toon, and I did manage to catch three bass and three pickerel in about 2 hours, all on clown-colored X-Rap size 8.

I absolutely can't wait to use this thing when the water warms a bit, or when it's not so windy.  I had to ride into the wind, then make 3-5 minute drifts over holding areas because, once again, like an idiot, I didn't bring an anchor.  At least I learned from my mistakes and won't be making them again  8-)