CREEK COMPANY ODC 1220 PONTOON BOAT

[SMOKINPIG]

Creek Company 1220 (http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdisplay.php?primaryAutoID=9&Department=Pontoon+Boats)

I was curious if anyone has one of these boats or has used one in the past. I am considering purchasing one to float some of the GA, NC and TN tailwaters. I just wanted to hear if this is a good boat or if it has a lot of problems. I need a two man so I can take my father along with me, I don't think he would fair well in a one man boat.

Thanks
Jeff

[bluewater194]

The ODC is an ok boat, fairly stable, and can accomodate a small engine. It is somewhat flimsy in faster water. It is probably not a long term investment as material of construction will give it about a 6-8 year life depending on usage. A friend of mine purchased one from Cabela's over a year ago for right around $1000 and he enjoys it with an 8 hp attached. We've had to patch it once already though.

The next step up is the newer boats from Water Skeeter. The guide pro ii is a little more rugged, more stable and a little higher priced. I'm not sure who is selling them yet. I've had the chance to ride in a prototype last year and it was very well made. www.Waterskeeter.com

For the ultimate boat, that is extremely stable I recommend at product for JP Welding. The part number is 3356WR. This is a bladderless welded PVC boat that will probably outlast you and me. It is much more stable and can handle any type of water condition on the tailwaters you spoke of. This boat retails for around 2K but is worth the money. (www.jpwinc.com I think)

There are of course several manufacturers of pontoon boats now. Seems like anyone and everyone are making them because of their popularity (light weight, agility, comfort).

One note: I would not recommend the ODC on sections of the Hiawassi, Holston or Watauga in TN. All of which have class iii sections at high water.

[SMOKINPIG]

It is only rated for class II rapids from the manufacturer. I think it would get used mostly on the DH section of the Tuck, the Toccoa and maybe some on the hooch DH section.

I am not sure I need to spend 2 grand on the first pontoon boat I buy. Is this(ODC 1220) a boat that will be reliable to use a dozen or so times a year for a few years or will it fall apart in 2 or so years?

Thanks
Jeff

[OldDawg]

I recently bought and just assembled an ODC 915. I hope to use it Sunday. The materials quality seems perfectly satisfactory. My impression so far is that it is well made and if I do not abuse it should last years. It is adequate for my purposes. A more expensive craft would have been overkill.

[bluewater194]

A dozen trips a year and the boat should last for many years. Store it dry and with all the air completely removed. Do not overinflate to get a more rigid pontoon. I talked to a friend over the weekend who has had one of their smaller craft for 6 years and it looks like new. If you have never rowed a pontoon, you are going to love it. Good luck.

[flyfisheraa573]

I have the ODC sport, it is banana yellow. But I have taken it down the Hiwassee and purposely went through the big rapids. It handled quite well. The thing I like about the Creek Company boats compared to most other pontoon makers is that it sits higher in the water, in turn allowing the rower to sit higher above the water, and it tends to be a little wider than most, so it gives the feeling of stability.

I will advise, that if it comes with the nylon sling style seat, like mine; swap it out for a light weight padded boat seat. I picked it up at Wal-mart and the swivel for about 30 bucks and it was well worth the money.

Tight Lines,

Jonathan

[OldDawg]

Mine came with the sling style seat. I like your idea about the seat replacement. How did you attach the swivel seat?

I used my ODC 915 for the first time Sunday on a local reservoir. Not bad to row. Sits higher than a kayak. The wind was a consideration. An anchor will solve this.

[SMOKINPIG]

The new 2005 model comes with padded seats but no swivel action. I think I saw on their website it was a 10 dollar part to add swivel to them. I have decided I am going to purchase the 1220, it seems like a good starter pontoon for what I need. Thanks for the help guys.

Jeff

[Fire Walker]

The hydro group spent a whole season fishing out of the 1220 about four years ago. This boat (We found) is too much for the Hooch. Its better suited for fast water. Its about the same to paddle as a drift boat but doesnt track as well. Its feel can best be described as "Fat" in the water. We packed it down and did some fairly long trips in it. It carried a heavy load with ease and is very much like a suv on the water. Delta Flyer has the Pro guide from skeeter. This boat is much better suited for the tailraces here in the south east. Hope this helps,Walker

[bluewater194]

Fire - can you tell me who is selling the new line from Waterskeeter? I've seen them on the website but have yet to locate a dealer. Waterskeeter doesn't return e-mails or answer their phone.

Thanks!

[Fire Walker]

Have you tried contacting Delta Flyer? If not give me till the end of the day and I should have an answer for ya.