• My Last Boat - By Cane Pole

    This is my last boat. This boat is being built like I want because I am doing the functional assembly of the peripherals such as seats, trolling motor, and pole holders.



    Brenda and I purchased a War Eagle in 2008. This supposedly would be the last boat. As we aged over the past years, our mobility declined. Our safety became an issue, so I began shopping for another "last" boat. We decided on a pontoon because of the open space and flat deck.

    I looked a numerous pontoons, but was not pleased with any of the traditional log pontoons. One day as I skimmed through the crappie.com "show your boats" sticky, I discovered the ideal boat. The picture was posted by Blackhawk19. It was called a PONDTOON and made by Custombilt Boats in Geneva, Alabama. I made contact with the boast company and made arrangements to visit the factory.

    Brenda and I made the trip to Geneva, Alabama, and met with the owner of the boat company. We spent the day covering items and features that I wanted on the yet unbuilt boat. Of course, I requested special applications which the owner had never assembled before. The special options were the diamond plate seat pedestals, the painting of the boat, the vinyl deck covering, and the partially closing the tunnel thru the center hull, We came to terms on pricing which included delivery to our house in Tennessee.





    After we returned home, I began shopping for all the goodies for the boat. I filled our bedroom full of stuff for the boat. I first shopped crappie.com for items I needed. I followed recommendations from some of the members about seats. ("G" and others recommended the Tempress high backs. I sure am glad I listened.) I purchased my pole holders from EZ Poleholder who also installed the holders at the JP Coleman get together. The electronics are somewhat used and were supplied by my friends DonG and Billbob. I haven't committed to any new electronics as of yet. Rickie supplied me a "Da Ducer" apparatus ( transducer pole). The engine was purchased from a member's (Locater79) brother in law. The almost new engine (30hp Merc) had a couple of hours on it. Slab sent me some trailer tags which I will install when the weather permits. Crappiepappy sent me a West Tn Crappie.Com sticker. I recently purchased a Igloo cooler recommended by my pal MrDux. Thanks all.

    Our good friends Paul and Vonna (Crappiestalkers) spent the day in the summer heat helping me mount the engine. What a job. Paul returned another day and installed the batteries and the battery charger for me. This is why we love them like our own kids folks. I have a few more jobs for Paul to complete before spring.



    Brenda and I truly enjoy this water toy. I have a few more items to complete before I take the boat to the river and pace it in the boat house lift. We are ready for Spring.

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    Comments 42 Comments
    1. E-Z Poleholder's Avatar
      E-Z Poleholder -
      Way more thought was put into the development of this rig than anyone could imagine. It has certainly paid off as it is a great rig and will serve y'all on many, many trips to come. It was a pleasure meeting you and Ms Brenda at Pickwick, last falls MS camp, and look forward to the next...
    1. Dave and Lynn's Avatar
      Dave and Lynn -
      Great read and very nice boat.
    1. M R Dux's Avatar
      M R Dux -
      Tom and Brenda, I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of your company at several of the KY Lake shindigs. To see Brenda glowing over HER new toy this past fall was a great addition to all the festivities there. No doubt that special rig was a labor of love by two life partners. Congrats on its completion and I look forward to seeing it in the backdrop of many pictures of big crappie catches.
    1. Gindog's Avatar
      Gindog -
      Thats a sweet looking boat and you have some great friends
    1. kycreek's Avatar
      kycreek -
      Great job on the boat. I'm sure it will get slimed up soon.
    1. ifish's Avatar
      ifish -
      Nice story Tom. You got to be proud of your rig. Lots of neat and practical ideas on that rig. Thanks for sharing. Be safe my friend!!
    1. specktacklure's Avatar
      specktacklure -
      Cool boat & sounds like you have some great friends to help complete your needs.
    1. Bayoudog's Avatar
      Bayoudog -
      that's a nice setup!!
    1. shipahoy41's Avatar
      shipahoy41 -
      This is an amazing boat. I wish you many years catching sweet crappie from the decks of it. Nice job Tom. Love it.
    1. rocket rich's Avatar
      rocket rich -
      There are a lot of us older guy that are looking for the golden boat as we all are looking for safety. I have bought serveral last boats too and still have my old one an a 16 foot pontoon. I've been planning to modify my boat but something always comes up.
      Tom that's a great boat
    1. gill daddy's Avatar
      gill daddy -
      that is a great looking boat. best of all it was built with a lot of good friends.
    1. Barnacle Bill's Avatar
      Barnacle Bill -
      Well done Tom!!
    1. Scouts Out's Avatar
      Scouts Out -
      Great article, you will enjoy for years and years!
    1. skeetbum's Avatar
      skeetbum -
      You've built a great boat Tom. I know you and Brenda will put in the time on it to make it worth all the effort. I've only talked with you on the phone, but I understand why everyone enjoys your company. Vonna and Paul are lucky to be close to you. Enjoy it Tom, and show us some video of the fishin action when you can.
    1. crappiehogman's Avatar
      crappiehogman -
      Well CP every time I get on the dock at Dickson's I look your direction to see if its in the rig yet but now I know why I have not seen it.. be it the water is low now so I understand. Been watching the progress as you began and what a great set of friends and family you have in assisting you. From my perspective with all the help you have given others (education also) over the years it is time to allow others to help. Thank you for that opportunity to do so, however it may be, sometimes it is just a kind word, a smile, even a howdy partner. Thanks again CP for sharing your dream with us.
    1. RCC's Avatar
      RCC -
      Amazing rig. Love all the customization.
    1. blueball's Avatar
      blueball -
      looks like a crappie machine,
    1. DCottrell's Avatar
      DCottrell -
      Awesome Toon, Nicely rigged
    1. Lancelot's Avatar
      Lancelot -
      Sweet boat! Too bad it's your "last" boat! It would be nice to have something like that early in ones career.
    1. Eagle 1's Avatar
      Eagle 1 -
      Great looking boat ! Congrats .
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