[Cyrus]

Hey guys, looking for advice on Pontoon boats. I know there have been a couple of other posts on this topic already. I am looking for information on the fishcat brand. They sell them at wholesale sports and Surplus Herbies in Kamloops. I am not sure what size to get either. I would like to have something that could be used in river systems such as the Bella Coola river in spring (used to live there) as well as lakes. As well what kind of accessories are a must have? I like my float tube and have had excellent success even when I am kicking around trolling. As well I like the fact I can just throw everything in the back of the truck and then get on the lake within a couple of minutes but I am getting tired of getting blown around the lakes when the wind comes up. It makes for a long trip back to shore!! Any pros, cons and advice would be appreciated.

 

[Cyrus]

....okay I see Fishcat is a brand made by Outcast. Should add I am looking for something mid level for sake of cost.

 

[HOOK]

my dad and i just bought the Fishcat 9-IR which is a 9foot pontoon and very stable both on lakes and rivers (havent dont yet but soon) and only cost us 600$ taxes in with some extras :thumbup: the Outcast rep told us it would go through huge water if we were willing, he said if you look at water and think to yourself im not doing that he said this boat would still do it regardless. These pontoons dont actually have river ratings he said because of this fact which in turn would be your level of experience. if you can do class 5 whitewater this boat can do it also, but i would doubt many people go that ballsy in a pontoon but probably more like class 3 would be the ideal most people would run.

 

[fishortho]

My good friend, Hook....There is NO WAY anyone would do Class 5 water in a 'toon unless he/she were prepared to die!!..Class 3 water can be VERY challenging.and pretty much the upper end of safety in a 'toon.
Some people may beg to differ but I have run almost every navigable river that has some access in BC and believe me An upper class 3 rapid with some length and drops and rocks will test the full metal of an expert. Class 4 & 5 are out of the question!...........Ortho 8)

 

[professori]

My good friend, Hook....There is NO WAY anyone would do Class 5 water in a 'toon unless he/she were prepared to die!!..Class 3 water can be VERY challenging.and pretty much the upper end of safety in a 'toon.
Some people may beg to differ but I have run almost every navigable river that has some access in BC and believe me An upper class 3 rapid with some length and drops and rocks will test the full metal of an expert. Class 4 & 5 are out of the question!...........Ortho 8)

I almost jumped in on this, but somehow I knew that you would rescue this thread, Ortho. Yeah Cyrus, check out a reputable pontoon boat in the 8 to 9 foot range and you should do fine in sane water. Anyone, who admits to having no experience, but tells you their pontoon boat would survive Class V water, should at least share what they are smoking with you. Also here is a link you should read top to bottom. http://www.bcfishingreports.com/forum/index.php/topic,2807.0.html

 

[Cyrus]

thanks, took a read of the post and will do my research. I am thinking about the 9 IR as well, seems to be reasonably priced, although I think I will leave the crazy whitewater for Hook to try out!!! So I guess as for necessary equipment, just a rod and some hooks???

 

[professori]

your boat should have most of what you need. The one thing I didn't have for mine when I bought it was a wheel for transport. I have since got one. Dragging a pontoon over the gravel can be pretty hard on it, in a short time. I also got rid of the rod holder that came with the boat (a Waterskeeter) and got a Scotty for tubes. If yo are on still waters, a fish finder is a good idea. And of course, a PDF!

 

[Cyrus]

your boat should have most of what you need. The one thing I didn't have for mine when I bought it was a wheel for transport. I have since got one. Dragging a pontoon over the gravel can be pretty hard on it, in a short time. I also got rid of the rod holder that came with the boat (a Waterskeeter) and got a Scotty for tubes. If yo are on still waters, a fish finder is a good idea. And of course, a PDF!

I never even thought of a wheel, good idea! Do they make them for pontoons or is it something you created? The rest of it I have...

 

[11th Warrior]

I'm not sure if Outcast sells a wheel for their boats, but I've seen generic wheels online, that you can mount yourself.

My boat came with one

 

[flyguy]

I believe outcast bought the rights to a wheel that attaches to the tubing under the seat and folds up and out of the way and out of the water when you do not need it. I have seen them retail for around $140. I have a waterskeeter backwater9 and love it. I love the fact that the pontoons are made with 1200 pvc all the way around where the outcast is only 1200pvc on the bottom half and 600 pvc on the top half. This makes the pontoons on the waterskeeter more durable. Outcast is coming out with a discovery 10IR that has a standing platform and lean bar that stows away and attches easily.Might be a little pricey though.

 

[professori]

your boat should have most of what you need. The one thing I didn't have for mine when I bought it was a wheel for transport. I have since got one. Dragging a pontoon over the gravel can be pretty hard on it, in a short time. I also got rid of the rod holder that came with the boat (a Waterskeeter) and got a Scotty for tubes. If yo are on still waters, a fish finder is a good idea. And of course, a PDF!

I never even thought of a wheel, good idea! Do they make them for pontoons or is it something you created? The rest of it I have...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20449&hasJS=true