Thanks: 0
HaHa: 0
Trophy King II
Pontoon Boat
Don't know if this is the place for this or not so Mr. Moderator feel free to put where you think it should be.( Moved from off topic)
I'm looking at getting a pontoon boat to set up for crappie fishing so I can my son in law and two grandsons out and still have some room to fish.
I've been looking at used ones since there's no way I can afford a new rig. I got an outboard mechanic who will be smoking over the motor if I get close to buying one. My question is what do you look for? When I look at a pontoon there seems to be so many areas for stuff to go bad without knowing about it until it's too late. One thing that has sorta jumped out at me is that I'm yet to come across one that has a trolling motor mounted on the front.
Thanks.
Last edited by flycaster; 01-03-2019 at 06:43 AM.
Ronald Meeder LIKED above post
Crappie Wall Hanger II
I had a sweetwater made by Godfrey. Great boat. IMO the most important part other then the motor is the pontoons themselves. I was out of town and stopped at a boat place and kicked [ not very hard}the pontoon and it dented. I did the same thing to a sweetwater, hit it hard with the side of my fist. Thought I broke my hand lol did nothing to the pontoon. Also check the deck look at it from the water side up. They do rot. Hope this helps.
The best thing my dad ever gave me was his love of fishing.
Crappie.com Legend
* Crappie.com Supporter
I got a 22 ft crest set up for crappie fishing that is for sale. I spared no expense when rigging it. It has a 36 volt minn kota ultera on it with 3 new group 31 batteries. You can see pictures on the south Carolina board under the for sale
Guppy
Here is a view examples I'm looking at for crappie fishing.
https://www.lakerpontoonboats.com/product-page/laker-712-ultimate-package
PONTOONS — Hotwood's
Crappie Wall Hanger
a couple friends of mine have recently converted deck boats to very comfortable crappie fishing machines. Maybe a little easier to work on .
Crappie.com 2011 Man of the Year & Moderator GA
* Crappie.com Supporter
check floor fror rot and pontoons for holes in bottom that has ben patched with JB weld .some set in the water for long periods will have oxidizes holes . if water pump has not ben replaced plann on doing that or having it don check seats for sun damage stiffnes in the vinyal is a good way for bad vinyl from sun and oiley treatment . .
retired and now i will always fish
Super Moderator
* Crappie.com Supporter
Most I see in my area are seriously under powered. I would definitely test it for performance and sea worthiness
The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along
Trophy King
Had one for 10 years. Used a foot operated trolling motor up front with no issues, except would get 24 volt or 36 next time with biggest trolling motor I could afford. With Canopy up you need enough lasting power to put you on your spot and fight the wind. Aluminum floor is a must!
Crappie.com Legend - Moderator Jig Tying Forum
* Crappie.com Supporter
Just a thought as I read this. The further you get from batteries to TM increases the size and cost of the wire needed to power it. I used #6 marine and it was just over $2 a foot if I remember right. If you buy one without a TM and set it up yourself, pontoons have lots of extra room. Keeping the motor and batteries closer together saves some money on the install. Not too close as battery weight and two folks in the nose would make it low in front and poor in swells while fishing. Just some input.
Guppy
This is a small 14ft pontoon I configured for fishing. Only regrets is the 40 hp engine. It gets me there but max speed is 13 mph. I've changed props and added a hydrofoil which has helped a bit. I'm still learning the electronic Garmin 126sv, Livescope, and Minkota 80 trolling motor (Lockspot). Thinking of selling and going to a more traditional fishing boat.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote