pontoon choice

[Lurch]

O.K. I have finally decided to break down and get a pontoon to add to my ever growing fishing supplies. I have narowed it down to 2 choices:
1. Water skeeter fish stalker
and
2: ODC 1018

any sugestions and or comments will be gladly appreciated.I am more leaning toward the odc, as I am a big guy(6'3" 275 lbs)
thanks,
Lurch

[The Owl]

...and I've had excellent service and response from them. I've been happy with both toons also, with one minor problem on the first one that I purchased from them three years ago - the oars haed plastic sleeves on them that would slide down over the locking pin after all day use, making them hard to reassemble the next time you wanted to rig up. Sent them back to them, and they sent me a new set of oars in about three days.
They run their business out of a small office, where ( I believe at least) they value their reputation and their customers. No, I don't work for them. :) LOL

I think either of the ones you're looking at are nice boats, btw.


owl

PS - Don't lose your pins, they are really expensive to replace. Don't ask. ;) At least on my ODC 816 - about $60 with shipping for a new set of pins....if anyone knows where I might get them cheaper( and locally) please lemme know. Silly me. :)

[mmarkey]

I've got the creek Company pontoon (yellow) Don't remember the model number
It's been good to me and I to am a big guy (bout 320). It floats fine with me and my stuff. Don't know if they still sell my model. It only ran abou $300

Get an anchor but be careful with it. It can get stuck in rocks and debris.
I'm switching to a large mushroom style.

[B983]

I have had my 816 for several yrs and i love it. I am a big boy and it floats by big #$% just fine.
Points to consider, Hiow far will be normally carrying it to launch?
I have the optional metal rear deck with the anchor drop and it adds at least 20 lbs to the boat. I still have the mesh deck for days when I am just feeling lazy ;)
I have seen the odc 915, BG has one, and you would be amazed at how much bigger that boat is that the 816, yet it is only a foot longer and 6 inchs wider but not much heavier. So i can only image how big the 1018 is in person.
If your primary use is ponds and slow rivers the smaller boats are nice just for the ease of treansport, If you plan on a lot of biigger water the bigger boat would the way to go.
I would love to see the 1018 if you go that way.
Either way you will be happy, a pontoon is wonderful!!!!!
Tight Lines
Brent

[Trout8myfly]

I tied mine upside down after a problem on my maiden voyage last year when the mushroom got hung up and I thought I was going to have to cut the line. My fishing buddy in a kayak was able to haul it off the trouble.

Using a thick, knotted line helps with the hauling if not using a pulley system.

[GUTHOOKED]

Try one of the big saltwater sinkers for an anchor. I've got a 3# sinker from BPS ($1.89 I think), and it holds just fine in still water. I haven't tried it in the river yet.

[GridWizard]

http://www.oregonfishing.com/images/storepics/waterskeeter/River-runnerIV.gif

This is the Water Skeeter I bought from here: http://www.oregonfishing.com/riverrunnerinfo2004.asp


I have enjoyed it.

Full feature model for the serious fisherman and river enthusiast

102” length 52” circumference PVC coated 1200 Denier top/bottom pontoons with stitched seams

High riding 3 piece sturdy heavy duty 1.25” aluminum powder coated frame tubing

6 position aluminum tubing foot rests with rubber foot pads

2 position oar locks with nylon inserts

Deluxe folding padded/molded seat with black coated swivel base

Adjustable removable sturdy aluminum tubing anchor mount system with motor mount. Motor not included

Pontoons – stitched seams with nylon wrap around webbing straps for easy attachment to frame

Two dual nylon zippers rigid storage compartments which velcro to the pontoons

2 piece 6’ folding aluminum oars with 13” PVC sleeves and 2 piece rubber oar stops

Inflated size: 102” x 52”

Color: Steal Blue, black bottom pontoons with tan powder coated aluminum frame and padded seat

Includes: Fishing rod holder, heavy duty rigid powder coated removable steel rear storage compartment

Repair kit included

Valve adapter

Weight:70 lbs. / Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.

10 Year Manufactures Warranty

[BG]

Like B983 said, I've got the ODC 915 and am happy with it. Granted, it's not a Scadden but the price is a lot less and for occasional use it does me fine.

Why a 10 footer? The longer boats are more stable and track better in slow water, but the shorter ones are more manuverable in fast water. Guess it depends on where you'll fish most....

Either would be a good choice unless you're using it a whole lot, in which case I'd recommend a Scadden or the Buck's Bags, they're made a lot sturdier. ODC has a premium line also, they're made really tough. There are some low-profile 'toons too they looked interesting but the cost was 'way on up there...

Guess you pays your $ and takes your choice............

Bill

[Lurch]

The main reason for a ten footer is the weight capacity. I weigh 275 lbs. plus a battery and a trolling motor at times... well you know what I mean. I mainlyu plan to fish the lower streches of the broad river, sections 1 and 2 of the chatooga, lake hartwell, lake tugalo, lake yonah tailwater, the toccoa, and on some occasions the hootch. Most of the places or at least rivers i will fish have class 2 whitewater on them.

[JD Squire]

I have a fishcat 9 from http://www.outdrs.com/xcart/home.php?cat=249

Be sure and call and talk to leroy he will be glad to give you his opinion and let you know any specials.

I like the fact that the bladders are 1200pvc and the covers are 1200 pvc. Not half fabric. Oh yeah and I am pushin' Tree fitty (350). And a five year warranty on the Toons'

[B Kar Ma]

I have a Creek Co Sport that I love. 8 ft., 16" diameter pontoons, weighs 55 lbs., and boasts a capacity of 375 lbs. Cost from Cabelas: $199 plus shipping. However, it is YELLOW and at least one big turtle in a pond I fish thinks it's his long lost mate! For what I use it for, which is pond fishing, it works fine. And even though I can flip a float tube (not an easy task), I've never had an ounce of trouble from my 'toon. It really boils down to what extras you want and what you can afford.