Pontoons: steel vs. aluminum frames

[Cheap]

What are the issues?

Is rust a problem with steel frames?

I've never even been on a pontoon, but the chance of the draught continuing has me thinking more about tailwaters. I don't know anything about pontoons other than the guys that have them go places I can't wade and get to fish I can't get.

Thank you for your advice.

[Trout8myfly]

Have had a steel frame toon for several years now and no issues with rust. Strained muscles from lifting it in and out of trucks, yes, but no rust. Also, in theory my frame can be dismantled but in practice would be a real pain in the tusch.

If I had to do it over, I'd buy a better grade 'toon with an aluminium frame. Easier to assemble, break down and tote up and down slippery riverbanks.

And yes, by all means, get a toon! Perfect for the 'Hooch and the Tocoa.

[skibum]

Most toon's these days are made of Aluminium I believe, maybe some of the less expensive models still use steel. Mine is an older model Water Skeeter w/steel frame and I see no rust problems at all.. But then again I break it down from time to time.. As long as you have 2 people to carry it around, it's not a problem. Besides, you need a partner to float with anyways.. Helps with the shuttles, safety, ect... The ODC thats under $200 is a good deal right now. Atleast gets you in the water cheap, can always upgrade later.. A used toon will go pretty quick around here. Someone's always thinking about getting one ;)

If i'm alone, I need to break the toon down anyways to fit in the 4runner, so weight is'nt that big an issue since i'll hauling smaller pieces at a time.. In the end, get the Aluminium if you can ;)

[nu2trout]

there is a guy on the SEFFF selling a used water skeeter with several extras, like a pump. You might want to check it out.:cheers:

[skibum]

Looks like the same one I have. I cant see a trolling motor/pulley brace on the back though, or the fancy cup holder. ;)

[wmwalker]

Cheap
I have a fish cat 9 foot with steel frame. Like everyone else I do not have any rust but it is hard to disassemble and some what heavy. I would get an aluminum frame for sure. They are really nice to fish out of and I use mine allot on small lakes for bream and bass fly fishing.
Wyatt

[Jimmy Harris]

I also have a WaterSkeeter with steel frame that I've fished for several years and had no problems with rust. Considering that on a typical day of floating I am carrying my boat for maybe 60 seconds total and I'm floating for about 8 hours (& steel floats just as well as aluminum), I don't consider it an issue. If I ever get another one, I may opt for aluminum, but may not.

[Egg Sucking Leach]

Rust- unless you abuse your equipment, that's unlikely to occur until long after you've gotten your money's worth out of it.

Weight- there's a difference, but unless you're getting one of the 'toons with casting platform, rear deck, etc, it's probably not significant.

Ease of Disassembly- I've got a Skykomish Sunrise ST and an el cheapo steel frame BPS. The el cheapo is several orders of magnitude easier to break down/reassemble.

It's not just the frame material that differentiates 'toons. There's the construction of the bladders, the oars, oar rights, provision for anchor systems, casting platforms, etc.

But at the end of the day, they'll all do basically the same thing.

[Jack Hise]

The ODC mentioned by Skibum is just about identical to my ODC 816 with an aluminum frame. It's specs. say 50 lbs. which is only 5 lb. heavier than the aluminum.

[SteepCreek]

Personal preference only:
I was looking for a toon for quite some time and the first spec I checked every time was steel or aluminum. Would not purchase steel. I grew up fishing the Gulf of Mexico and anything that was not stainless deteriorated quickly. Biased opinion due to history.

Aluminum frame toons can be found at great deals. Got mine for $178 including shipping. Same toon as Buck.