Which Pontoon to purchase

[appstmtn]

I have two Caddis float tubes and want to fish the Toccoa tailwaters. I will fish it when I get a pontoon. I have looked at them and just cannot settle on one. I do not want to purchase one made cheap, but also do not want to overspend. Please give me your thoughts. Is Cabelas the best place to purchase?

Thanks

[nu2trout]

I would suggest making a list of companies that build toons and then do some comparing from that. You may not want to buy a scadden that is rated for class III rapids, and you might not like the ODC 816 because you will want more stability. Make your list and then compare. I have one and love it! I think the guys on here with one will say the same thing.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[The Fly]

I also have a Caddis tube I'm trying to sell for a pontoon purchase. I've narrowed it down to the Water Skeeter "Chetco" model. Bass Pro has it on their website. Water Skeeter has all the extra add ons if needed. The Chetco already comes with a lot of extra add ons. I think you get more bang for your buck with this model. Check it out.

[appstmtn]

tu2trout, what kind of pontoon do you have?

[Tam o' Shanter]

Scott - The "Chetco" looks like a very nice boat, but if you're primarily interested in fishing the Toccoa/'Hooch'/similar tailwaters, then imho you don't need to tie up that kind of dough on your ride (e.g. will you ever really get a chance to use the standing platform?). I picked up a next to new Creek Company Sport XL off this site for $150 and it's more than adequate for the kind of water you're talking about. Only thing that I'm not crazy about is that it has a steel - vs. aluminum - frame. Pretty certain that the ODC 816 and the entry level Water Skeeter boats have aluminum frames.

Bottom line: I think you can find something you'll be very happy with for $200 - $500 and have some money left over for a new stick, reel or whatever.

[autiger01]

I recently bought a 2-seater pontoon from Dave Scadden Boats and it is bulletproof. I would recommend his stuff to anyone.

[Jackster]

I recently bought a 2-seater pontoon from Dave Scadden Boats and it is bulletproof. I would recommend his stuff to anyone.

I just ordered a Scadden too. In the past 15 years or so I've gone though a JW Outfitters Renegade (great boat, I wish SA left them and Charlton alone!) I recently swapped it out for a nice Gary Jones cane rod (of wish one will be auctioned or raffled at the S/E FFF conclave next week)
I just sold a Bucks Bags South Fork to get the Scadden. I'm fired up!

[Flyman NC]

Jackster,
How did you like that Buck Bag rig?