My nest set-up to chase fish

I have come to the realization my fixing my Dyna-Track either isn't going to happen, or will be several yrs off, if at all with momma's health deteriorating. I'm not as young and as mobile as I once was either. My balance on a kayak not so good either. Next alternative, a one-man, inflatable, 9ft pontoon boat. Been tracking the prices for a while now. they go up and down with the seasons. Best time to buy a new one is in the mid to late winter. Low price just short of 400.00 shipped, to the high of 1100.00 in the summer.
Also been looking on the ole YouTube channels at some mods to these. Everything from trollies to move them around, front motor mounts (electric trolling motors), standing decks, just about everything. Found a few on Marketplace too. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, I'll try to post some pic's up. If for some reason I can't, the one I'm talking about is made by Classic Accessories, the Colorado XT. Floats in 4" of water. I Think it would be a great little set-up.

Here it isAttachment 484025

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Looks pretty cool. Not sure I'd want to use in the winter time though. Might could get a float tube which would do similar for less money. :dono

No different than a bassboat in winter, other than speed. Less speed = Less windchill. Invest in pocket warmer stock. Have to wait and see...

Maybe I’m not seeing it right but I think my legs and butt would be wet.

I saw one in use here in the Buckeye State. It looked pretty stable.

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Maybe I’m not seeing it right but I think my legs and butt would be wet.

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Set up in this configuration, your tail is about 6-inches from the water. Your feet, well depending on if the foot rests are up or down, as they fit either side. one way they are slightly higher than the other. Lots of Hacks on you tube for a supported solid deck for your feet. Also you can mount a riser seat post to raise the seat up, and put seat swivel under the seat. Uses the same stuff you would put on any other boat. Now, I wouldn't go trepassing out to far from shore on the larger lakes, no more than one would with a kayak, but it will work.

Here are some mods I plan on doing to this boat.
In Pic 1, I was referring to the raised seat. Not sure yet if I will be using a wood plat form as s standing deck or as in Pic 2, half a fold up table. In Pic 3 is the front motor mount for the trolling motor. Other mods would be a Fishfinder mount, a couple of rod holders, a poerbox for lithium battery supply, anchor light. Not sure what all else.
One nice thing about this boat, it comes completely apart and can fit in a small sedan trunk if necessary, or slightly deflate the pontoons and it can ride in a pickup truck bed. Win, win.Attachment 484286Attachment 484287Attachment 484289

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I see that the platform and motor mount would be easy DIY but check prices before buying. Sometimes a kit is cheaper.
The mount looks to be metal. I used Dollar Tree cutting board for mine on a kayak.

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Originally Posted by canebreaker

I see that the platform and motor mount would be easy DIY but check prices before buying. Sometimes a kit is cheaper.
The mount looks to be metal. I used Dollar Tree cutting board for mine on a kayak.

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On the Front motor mount is 1-1/" PVC Pipe painted black, a piece of 2x4 with 2 pieces of 5"x7" sheet tin/aluminum where the motor clamps. So far I haven't found no kits available for the mods on these, except the rudder for the trolling motor. I have several old Poly cutting boards for this, and only would need three heavy duty wire clamps. The kind with rubber around the clamping portion to grip the motor shaft, and a screw hose clamp to hold the bottom to the motor housing.. Total cost maybe $6.00, verses $34.00 on Amazon. Of All the mods I've seen so far, No holes need to be drilled into the existing Metal frame, which is a plus. Yes, I see what your saying, use the cutting board in-place of the metal. This would be better. No rust, and with sanded edges, no sharp edges to puncture the bladder on the 'toon, or me, LOL.
The black tubes in the motor mount picture is the metal foot rests of the frame of the pontoon. On the ends in the motor mount frame, there are hard rubber foot rests, so no sharp edges.

:kewl Cool!!! The customization would be fun.

Looks like it will be very fishable

Due to the price tag associated with these, I probably wont be getting it till after knee surgery. But at least I'll have plenty of time to get the mods done during the latter part of recovery.
Been watching some older videos, as well as a few newer ones of a fellow that used to be here before moving to Jefferson City. He fished the local river here a lot, and I think It will be there for maiden voyage...have to wait and see...

Those are made with cheap fabric. Seldom do they last more than 1 or 2 years and are nearly impossible to patch. Up grading to better materials (2-3x the price though). Maxxon and Saturn would be my bare minimum starting point for inflatable pontoons. Also minimum of 9 ft and 17-18" diameter if you plan to stand (and have feet out of the water)



Here is mine without the leaning bar on it (10 ft 18" diameter tubes Aire Bobcat/Outcast Pac 1100):

Attachment 484978

It is what it is. If taken proper care of Things last for quite some time. Abused, and they wont last no time. However I thank you for your input.

Looks like you have made a few mods on yours as well. Looks very nice, but so much out of my price range right now. Maybe down the line sometime. I have found a trolling motor modification that eliminates all the twisting around, as well as the PVC fence in front with it mounted up there. It can be found on askmaniyak on YouTube. It's completely wireless, and compact. I believe that's what I'm going to do.

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Maybe I’m not seeing it right but I think my legs and butt would be wet.

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Yeah, me to, but hope he has a blast with it!
Bob

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Originally Posted by BobC

Yeah, me to, but hope he has a blast with it!
Bob

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Bob and Dave. If properly inflated, it's next to impossible to be sitting in the water, i.e., wet seat. The rails that the seat is mounted to is a straight piece that goes side to side from the black rails in the first picture. The XT version does not have a swivel on the seat. However, you can add one as the bolt pattern is the same as any boat seat. And if you're still a bit to close to the water, you can put a seat post between the seat rail in the frame and the swivel. The downfall is the higher up you go, the more top-heavy the craft becomes. It's simple science. But many people add a 7" riser without any kind of I problems.

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Found one for sale here in Springfield. Not exactly the one I wanted, but made by classic accessories. It's one they made for Trout Unlimited. Still 9' pontoons, and has the TM mount on the back frame. Say's it was inflated and used a couple of times. No holes nor patches. Will go today and if it is what he said, I'll be bringing it home with me. A whole lot less than a new one. Will post pic's if and when I get it home

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I certainly admire and respect your determination to get back on the water.
As for the raft-toon: I would respectfully point out two concerns I might have:

(1) Wind will be a very real and ongoing plague, and;
(2) (Top-heaviness) (with you in it) and the proneness to flip from boat wakes from the sides.

I am sure, however, that there are a lot of situations where this would be perfectly safe and fish just fine.

Thank you Special K, This is not really for venturing more than 100-150 yes from shore at the farthest, and certainly not on windy days. With in an hour from my home there are a lot of places, small MDC, ( Missouri Conservation), ponds and lakes this will be used on. There is also the James River above Lake Springfield to fish. Also, the seat riser will only be 7"-12". Not very high. Anyway, here is what I bought today...trolling motor included. Need to get the wheel assembly, as the seller couldn't find the original. But for $250.00, when others, in the used market are going for twice that. No holes, no patches, a storage duffel, and a 32#trolling motor...yep. cheaper than a cheap kayak. Young college kid, living at home and fixing to change to a college somewhere away from mom and dad. Right place at the right time is me...Attachment 485826Attachment 485827Attachment 485828

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Good deal and good find. Hard to go wrong with that purchase. If you find it not to your liking I’m sure you could sell and get your money back out of it. Let us know when you get it on the water and how it goes. :highfive

Will do. I got the frame assembled and put inside front of my storage shed/ mancave. and the black duffel with the foot peg arms and pump with it. Oh yeah, the oars are there too, as well as the TM. It's an older 32# Minn Kota with a tiltable twist handle. still want to put my swivel seat from my Aluminum boat the guy who bought it didn't want. I need to come up with a transducer mount, and a mount for the fish finder, as well. Then, we go get it wet. Probably be a couple weeks. Have to wait on them green backs to come in. My elastic plastic don't have no more stretch...LOL

I think I'm going to go with the fishfindermounts.com non-powered unit for units up to a 7" screen. It's a low-profile unit that mounts to the tube and low enough that it wont interfere with the oars, should I need to use them. I'll have them shipped on the 1st of the month. It also has the transducer mount included with the mount.

This version is the same as the Colorado pontoon. Unfortunately, it means no Transport wheel. Not even the square piece of pipe to put one in, if I could get one. I contacted the Manufacturer, Classic Accessories, and due to the economy, they have discontinued ALL their water products. Float Tubes and Pontoon Boats back in January. Customer Service said no parts are available, try Amazon who purchased their whole stock. In searching there, it returns, a "NO ITEM FOUND" note. So, Now, it's find a local fabricator and have it all made. YEA Me!!!! And the hunt begins.
By comparison, It's not really heavy, weighing in at 70lbs bare. However, at 9' long and a bit more than 4.5 ft wide, it's bulky and awkward to be moving around by lifting and toten.

I think I might have something figured out. I have an old cargo type wagon that was pulled behind a bicycle. The attachment to the bike axle with the spring disappeared some time back. Been out in the corner of the shed for a long time. A couple of smaller wheels a handle, (maybe), and a couple of PVC pipes. Should work. I have plenty of time to figure it out. Both sons-in-law and a future daughter-in-law supposed to be here for 4 days, and Ms. Joyce has a Honey Do list from here till then...But, while they're here, some fishin' gonna happen.

Kid's bicycle from a yardsale. Use the front tire and fork and the headset/tube. Weld the headset to the pontoon frame. Slide the fork into it and wheelbarrow the whole thing, then remove the fork. No clips or pins or anything needed.

This is what I'm starting with. An old bicycle cargo trailer...stripped down. The sides are canvas and can be taken off if desired.I will used 3" PVC schedule 40 to support the pontoon with a45 deg fitting on each end and about 4" extension after that so it can't fall off the sides. A 5/8" piece of rod material through the tube in the last pick for an axle. A flat washer, then wheel, then washer and a split pin/ cotter pin to hold it all together...the wheels, 13" wheels from harborfreight, has bearings on both sides of the wheel, so not worried bout it grinding on axle. I will control it/ steer it using the foot pegs for handles.Attachment 486790Attachment 486791Attachment 486792Attachment 486793Attachment 486794

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Well, changes again. I want to thank a very kind soul, who ever you are. I don't know who or how, but I received a seat frame piece from Classic accessories today with the square tubing piece attached for the travel wheel. I drew this up to attach two wheels outside the forks, one each side for stability. Thank mistary person who ever you are. I am eternally thankful.Attachment 486849Attachment 486850

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I went on Amazon and ordered a light 50 Ah LifePO4 battery for it. It only weighs 14lbs. Next up will be the bits and parts to turn a stern mount hand-controlled trolling motor into a completely remote on. Yes, steering and speed. Amazon cost in parts, $202.96. I already have the trolling motor so that's not included in the total.

Everything goes right and I'll be ordering those parts on the first...

Fed-Ex says battery delivery on 5/21. on 5/31 I'll order charger and parts for the throttle control and remote steering...WOOOHOOOO!!! Love it when things come together. Then if weather will co-operate... I'll get everything wet...