Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: SuperBobby on June 19, 2024, 04:48:33 PM
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Well....some of you have seen my posts talking about the advantages of float tubing when fly-fishing small lakes. I stand by that with everything in me. Unfortunately, this year has shown me that this may be a chapter of life coming to an end. I'm getting older and even though I'm not overweight and still in decent shape.....it's time for a boating change after 35 years of primarily float tubing. It's been colder this spring, and getting out of wet neopremes especially when you're cold is getting to be a challenge. I've also always float tubed with no life jacket (yes....say what you want about that), but the truth that life jackets are too bulky for float tubing. I'm at the point where I don't feel safe without a proper life jacket anymore. As for not using a life jacket, I was never overly concerned because I tested the secondary tube in the top back and surprisingly it will hold me above the water with a semi deflated main tube level with the neopremes staying dry. That's why I never worried about it and I don't go out far on big lakes in the float tube anyway. Also a little bit of reckless youth that probably overstayed it's welcome by about 10 years or more.
Anyways....I need something light. 120-140lbs Jon boats are out of the question....too heavy. I fish by myself most of the time. I want something light that will work as I go through my 50s into my 60s.
A fishing Kayak seems nice...but have never used them. Seen some good deals at Costco.
I'm not against a 'small' inflatable, but even if it doesn't come with an electric pump....I would want the option to be able to use one for it.
I don't need it to be able to use an electric motor. I do have a jon boat for those few times I fish with someone else that can handle my electric motor.
A comfortable sitting option would be nice.
Up for any suggestions.....
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i think a mariner 4, with electric motor setup, and one of those folding wagons to help you transport all the stuff should solve all your problems. You can inflate with one of those red coleman electric pumps and top it off with a handpump. they come with hardwood floors and you can custom make wood/carpet covers and even install nice chairs if you dont want a camping chair. setup takes about 10-20 m without the fancy stuff and 20-30 with the fancy stuff from what i have read.
example
https://youtu.be/lS8sfUp_v8I?feature=shared
but if you search mariner 4 custom build you will find many cool designs
with 10ft 9 inches of space its enough for 2-3 people
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i think a mariner 4, with electric motor setup, and one of those folding wagons to help you transport all the stuff should solve all your problems. You can inflate with one of those red coleman electric pumps and top it off with a handpump. they come with hardwood floors and you can custom make wood/carpet covers and even install nice chairs if you dont want a camping chair. setup takes about 10-20 m without the fancy stuff and 20-30 with the fancy stuff from what i have read.
example
https://youtu.be/lS8sfUp_v8I?feature=shared
but if you search mariner 4 custom build you will find many cool designs
with 10ft 9 inches of space its enough for 2-3 people
The 10.6 is a little big. This would be specifically for 1 person as I do already have a Jon boat. The Coleman pump is a good idea though.
As for the motor, I'm actually fine with just rowing a bit. I don't even need motor mount as again....I have the Jon boat if I really want to go that route. I only use the Jon boat if I have a couple youngsters with good backs fishing with me.
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The 10.6 is a little big. This would be specifically for 1 person as I do already have a Jon boat. The Coleman pump is a good idea though.
As for the motor, I'm actually fine with just rowing a bit. I don't even need motor mount as again....I have the Jon boat if I really want to go that route. I only use the Jon boat if I have a couple youngsters with good backs fishing with me.
the mariner 3 or tobin canyon pro are a bit smaller (about a foot) and still hard floor for a chair. Im afraid no other small inflatables come with hard bottoms but you could cut your own floor out. Fishing from a softbottom is not so great imo without the ability of a seat or standing its not the same.
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Aluminum floors come with many brands of inflatable. Lots of used options available. I have an older Achilles (1990 model) with a wooden floor. The floor is marine plywood and starting to delaminate and the plastic clips that hold the floor segments together are broken. It can all be replaced. Aluminum should be lighter. It rows great and is very very stable. Unlike 'toons they are good in the wind. Far more stable than most jon boats. Lots of similar used boats on line in the 400 to 500 range. There are also sit on zodiac style boats where your legs below the knees dangle in the water and you can paddle with flippers and they usually have oars. I have a Dave Scadden model. It weighs less than 30lbs. You can't stand in it, have to wear waders and get off to take a leak. Otherwise it has all the advantages of an inflatable.
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I would suggest giving a framed, or frameless, pontoon boat a look. Granted you will still be in waders (although in warm weather I've just worn shorts when I forgot my waders!) but the plus side is that you are sitting much higher out of the water so only your shins are in the water. I've never been cold. Because you aren't half-immersed in water, you can get by with a pair of breathable waders that are much easier to get in and out of.
I've fished out of an 8 foot framed pontoon boat (Outcast and Bucks Bag) for the past 15 or so years. I avoid all things boat-related (aluminum, motors, gas, batteries...) and prefer a person-powered inflatable, perhaps for the same reasons that you like float tubes.
I only fish upcountry stillwaters for 5 days a year in my boat but it also gets used in local sloughs and lakes, even tidal rivers. I keep the boat assembled and inflated and hung from the ceiling of my garage. I can drop it down, load it into the back of my truck and have it strapped down in minutes.
For my purposes, it works for me.
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As I mentioned above I have a Dave Scadden Outlaw Renegade which Scadden calls a "frameless Pontoon". Owned it for 14 years. Looks like new. Like a true inflatable it does not have a bladder. Unlike a pontoon it has a bow which makes for easier rowing and better performance in the wind. Better in rough water as well. I have owned it for 14 years. I bought it because back then I was recovering from a herniated disk and this boat weighs like 29 lbs. The bag supplied with it weighs more than the boat. Main disadvantage other than what I listed above is I can only cast behind the boat or to the sides, somewhat. The specific model is no longer made and you likely have to order it from the states. Other good boats of this style include the Water Master and the outcast stealth.
Hard to find these boast used in BC but some are around. Cost US is $1000 to $2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiqDm1V2JUc
https://www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com/
https://www.outcastboats.com/product/osg-stealth-pro-gray-lime/
https://www.bigskyinflatables.com/product/water-master-kodiak-raft/
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smaller version of the Scadden "Frameless Pontoon" available on Facebook Market place:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/934258114865430/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ab72e70a2-9a4d-4a52-a982-93f4914dfc
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Aluminum floors come with many brands of inflatable. Lots of used options available. I have an older Achilles (1990 model) with a wooden floor. The floor is marine plywood and starting to delaminate and the plastic clips that hold the floor segments together are broken. It can all be replaced. Aluminum should be lighter. It rows great and is very very stable.
You wouldn't happen to have a picture of it???
I would suggest giving a framed, or unframeless, pontoon boat a look. Granted you will still be in waders (although in warm weather I've just worn shorts when I forgot my waders!) but the plus side is that you are sitting much higher out of the water so only your shins are in the water. I've never been cold. Because you aren't half-immersed in water, you can get by with a pair of breathable waders that are much easier to get in and out of.
Yeah, I could do breathable, but I'm done with neoprene. I've found ways to dress warm enough on the Vedder during steelhead season that I will never wear neoprenes again.
Do you think that you could get away with the breathable that come up to your waste, or would you need the full size?
smaller version of the Scadden "Frameless Pontoon" available on Facebook Market place:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/934258114865430/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ab72e70a2-9a4d-4a52-a982-93f4914dfc
That's actually not too bad.
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Yeah, I could do breathable, but I'm done with neoprene. I've found ways to dress warm enough on the Vedder during steelhead season that I will never wear neoprenes again.
Do you think that you could get away with the breathable that come up to your waste, or would you need the full size?
From my experience with my framed boats, a pair of pant waders is perfectly adequate. Full chest waders are not necessary. I sit about a foot above the water and only the lower part of my shins is in the water.
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When alone I fish out of a 8 ft inflatable with aluminum floor boards. I installed detachable wheels on the transom for easy launching. I use an electric motor for power. Raft fits in the box of my truck partially deflated. Foot pump gets it fully inflated with just a few pumps on each of the three air chambers. Super stable in the water. I can stand in it to cast a fly. Works like a charm on many of the lakes I like to fish.
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When alone I fish out of a 8 ft inflatable with aluminum floor boards. I installed detachable wheels on the transom for easy launching. I use an electric motor for power. Raft fits in the box of my truck partially deflated. Foot pump gets it fully inflated with just a few pumps on each of the three air chambers. Super stable in the water. I can stand in it to cast a fly. Works like a charm on many of the lakes I like to fish.
What kind of 8ft inflatable do you use.
I'm surprised this isn't an easy decision to make.
My Jon boat is worth about 2k all decked out, so I'm starting to wonder if I should just get a proper Jon boat trailer to tow it. Right now I use an ATV trailer for it, but it requires the boat to be lifted off into the water and back on to it afterward. Again...I only use this now when I have strong youngsters fishing with me. The other thing is that a boat trailer limits me out of some of my secret lakes that have nothing that even resembles a boat launch.
Another option is to find a lightweight cartopper aluminum boat....although they can be tipsy the lighter they are.
The fishing kayak is still in my mind, but I hear from others that they can be tipsy as well. I'm not as agile as I used to be.
As for the pontoon style......I'm still on the fence. It would have to have an electric pump set up and even then....
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The fishing kayak is still in my mind, but I hear from others that they can be tipsy as well. I'm not as agile as I used to be.
I would say it depends on the model. I fished out of a Hobie mirage drive kayak and it was surprisingly stable. You can stand and fish from some models.
You may want to try out Western Canoe and Kayak demo days; I did several years ago. You can test drive any number of watercraft.
https://westerncanoekayak.com/canoe-kayak-demo/
As for the pontoon style......I'm still on the fence. It would have to have an electric pump set up and even then....
Both pontoon boats I have use employed a double action manual pump. Very quick, and minimal perspiration, to inflate both pontoons.
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I use both an electric and a double manual pump. You can use a foot pump as well. Blow your boat up with the electric, do other setup in the meantime, then top it till firm with a manual pump.
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I’m using an Aquamarine inflatable I bought used off FB Marketplace for 400 bucks. Couldn’t be happier with how portable it is. I can get into the lakes that don’t have a boat launch.
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I’m using an Aquamarine inflatable I bought used off FB Marketplace for 400 bucks. Couldn’t be happier with how it portable it is. I can get into the lakes that don’t have a boat launch.
Lots of good feedback om Aquamarine over the years.
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Lots of good feedback om Aquamarine over the years.
Good to know!
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I have a 10' pelican sit-on-top kayak from crappy tire. Weighs 30 pounds. I can bring it out in the salt when there's not too much chop, and have never even come close to falling off. The nice thing about a kayak it that they are fast, so if the wind comes up or if there's current you can paddle against it. I can launch it from the shore anywhere (launching from a dock seems pretty sketchy and I haven't tried it). I do, however, get wet, both at launch and landing, and if there is any chop. I wouldn't mind upgrading to one of those pedal drive kayaks, but they are fairly pricy.
BTW there's a really cool video of a guy landing a marlin from his kayak on youtube somewhere. Pretty intense.
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I’m using an Aquamarine inflatable I bought used off FB Marketplace for 400 bucks. Couldn’t be happier with how portable it is. I can get into the lakes that don’t have a boat launch.
I looked at the website, and it seems even the smallest one is 90lbs. At that weight, I can do a no boat launch, but I can't carry it more than 100 feet....and certainly not down a hill....which would be very limiting for me.
I can launch it from the shore anywhere (launching from a dock seems pretty sketchy and I haven't tried it). I do, however, get wet, both at launch and landing, and if there is any chop.
That is an issue unfortunately. Thanks for bringing that up. I want to stay dry as I lake fish well beyond and well before summer weather.
I hear that some guys are using the adapters for their leaf blowers to pump up their inflatables....apparently takes a minute or 2 at the most. Anyone doing that?
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I have a 10' pelican sit-on-top kayak from crappy tire. Weighs 30 pounds. I can bring it out in the salt when there's not too much chop, and have never even come close to falling off. The nice thing about a kayak it that they are fast, so if the wind comes up or if there's current you can paddle against it. I can launch it from the shore anywhere (launching from a dock seems pretty sketchy and I haven't tried it). I do, however, get wet, both at launch and landing, and if there is any chop. I wouldn't mind upgrading to one of those pedal drive kayaks, but they are fairly pricy.
BTW there's a really cool video of a guy landing a marlin from his kayak on youtube somewhere. Pretty intense.
I own a pedal kayak (Old Town Sportsman 106PDL) and have fished it a lot for the past year and a bit, mostly saltwater. I’ve caught many rockfish, lingcod, salmon, and even 2 halibut from it. It’s stable enough to stand on in calm conditions (and if your balance is good) and fast enough to handle most tidal currents. That said, I don’t think it’s the best choice for fishing interior lakes for trout.
First of all, even if you get a larger model (12’), there isn’t all that much room to run 2 fly rods and a fish finder. Fly line tends to get caught in the pedal drive and other things. Also, running a double anchor setup is also because it’s hard to move around in the boat. I have run a drift anchor with reasonable success but it still can be a lot of work. I also find it difficult to troll for trout effectively. The slowest trolling speed I can easily maintain is about 2 km/h. Moving slower means putting more energy into keeping my legs up rather than just pedalling smoothly. Might just be a me thing though.
While I do think pedal kayaks (and fishing kayaks in general) are a great investment, I don’t think they’re the best option for OP’s use case.
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I had float tubes, u boats, kayaks and now I use a 14' Jon. Just be aware that a fishing kayak, especially the pedal ones are super heavy. I actually bought a loader system for it for the roof of my car and it still was a challenge for me to load. Loved my Stealth pro when I owned it but was only good for smaller lakes and there was very limited storage space. Costco has a sale on for Tobin's zodiac style inflatables. They are 50 bucks cheaper in store.
https://www.costco.ca/tobin-sports-3.3-m-10.8-ft.-inflatable-boat.product.100798082.html
plenty of room for rod storage. Can attach Scotty mounts using the glue on mount system.
If you are concerned with the amount of time it takes to inflate it, people are now using portable leaf blowers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpmvhP-o4Y
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Just thought I'd put this up
Buck's Bag Sawtooth 8ft Pontoon. I thought they must be out of business but they are still in operational. All their products are made to order. I had a Buck's float tube. It was a great product.
On sale for $395 USD, need to add shipping if they ship to Canada or P.U. in a US border town. - should be great for any stillwater & the pontoons look rockered so ok for class 1 or 2 moving water at least.
https://bucksbags.com/product/sawtooth/
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The fishing kayak is still in my mind, but I hear from others that they can be tipsy as well. I'm not as agile as I used to be.
I have fished for years out of a rec kayak , never was a fan of the sit on top because I found them to be too cold when the wind kicks up. The rec one you sit inside , Just usually wear shorts and sandals , rarely cold .
I have a 10 footer Prodigy from Western Canoe/Kayak , its just a regular rec kayak , weighs 30 pounds and it goes on top of the truck pretty easy .Maybe the same experience as the float with out your legs in the water .
Its not tippy at all and I find I can still flycast ...
You can add accessories to the outside , rod holder, etc.
Works for me
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I find most decisions about fishing are pretty straightforward. Trying to decide on a boat option has been frustrating.
The only thing I have so far is that I've ruled out any type of Kayak....mostly because of the fact I stillwater fish 3 seasons and don't want to get wet when it's cold.
The Pontoon I'm trying to wrap my mind around as I keep getting the float tube vibes with it.
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Anyways....I need something light. 120-140lbs Jon boats are out of the question....too heavy. I fish by myself most of the time. I want something light that will work as I go through my 50s into my 60s.
A fishing Kayak seems nice...but have never used them. Seen some good deals at Costco.
I'm not against a 'small' inflatable, but even if it doesn't come with an electric pump....I would want the option to be able to use one for it.
I don't need it to be able to use an electric motor. I do have a jon boat for those few times I fish with someone else that can handle my electric motor.
So sounds like you already have a jon for multiple people so want something light for single operator.
How much weight do you think you can handle? That will very much drive the decision making.
As others have said, the lightest PWC is going to be a frameless pontoon that's probably 30-40lbs
if you really want a hard boat, then the lightest new manufacture is likely going to be the 1040 at 87lbs. If you put a set of wheels on it then you can roll it around or load it quite easily, but probably still need to be able to still lift 50lbs or so
If you're willing to consider used, look at the 80/90s era 9' Flyfisher or Springbok They are apparently 70-ish(?) lbs if you can find one.
If you're willing to consider plastic, there's a local company (Backwater Boats) that makes an 8' rowboat that's under 70 lbs. I think they are meant as small tenders for sailboats etc, but apparently people do fish out of them. I've seen them at a boat or outdoor show, but have no other opinion.
There's also the Frog Boat that you see on the SFOTF tv show. Honestly doesnt look like a very good platform, but apparently the hull is under 50 lbs, since the pontoons are detachable.
Final option is to find/build/commission a stitch & glue wooden rowboat. I've seen on the internet ones with hulls made from a single 4x8 sheet of plywood that are supposedly 50-70lbs depending on thickness of wood and how much durability you're willing to sacrifice etc
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How much weight do you think you can handle? That will very much drive the decision making.
As others have said, the lightest PWC is going to be a frameless pontoon that's probably 30-40lbs
Would love something under 50lbs
If you're willing to consider used, look at the 80/90s era 9' Flyfisher or Springbok They are apparently 70-ish(?) lbs if you can find one.
Yeah....some of the older stuff out there is interesting, but hard to find.
If you're willing to consider plastic, there's a local company (Backwater Boats) that makes an 8' rowboat that's under 70 lbs. I think they are meant as small tenders for sailboats etc, but apparently people do fish out of them. I've seen them at a boat or outdoor show, but have no other opinion.
Interesting, but I'm not finding much info on them.
There's also the Frog Boat that you sTee on the SFOTF tv show. Honestly doesnt look like a very good platform, but apparently the hull is under 50 lbs, since the pontoons are detachable.
Didn't consider that one.
Final option is to find/build/commission a stitch & glue wooden rowboat. I've seen on the internet ones with hulls made from a single 4x8 sheet of plywood that are supposedly 50-70lbs depending on thickness of wood and how much durability you're willing to sacrifice etc
Madness.....lol.
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So far, I've ruled out any style of Kayak, and I think I'm ruling out any of the Pontoons.
I think I would regret not having a place to put my stuff. The Pontoon is limited for carrying stuff like extra clothes and lunch, etc.
I've seen some nice 7.7 inflatables with a raised chair....some less than 50lbs......what to do..
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So far, I've ruled out any style of Kayak, and I think I'm ruling out any of the Pontoons.
I think I would regret not having a place to put my stuff. The Pontoon is limited for carrying stuff like extra clothes and lunch, etc.
Perhaps not a limited as you think. My pontoon boat has four saddle bags. Lots of room to carry everything that I need for a day on the water: water, lunch, and every bloody piece of fly fishing tackle that I own. Easily enough room.
Re: extra clothes. Two of the saddle bags are big enough to hold a rolled up rain jacket or sweater. But in the past if I've needed to shed layers, I just drape the coat over the back of the seat. Many framed pontoon boat came with a back deck, and the frameless boats have a holding area behind the seat. Perfect place for a dry bag.
When I use my pontoon boat for stillwaters, I'm on the water for 6+ hours at a time, in a variety of weather conditions, and never have wished I had more storage space.
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Agree with Clarki ! Have had a Bucks Bag pontoon for many years of still water fishing . Exceeded expectations and bonus of a little exercise pumping up pontoons and rowing ! Maybe not for everyone but works for me !
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I recently bought my self a fishcat cougar and I love it. More then enough storage, Excellent stability can mount a trolling motor on the back. I sit out of the water on it and just get my feet wet getting in and out but I'm sure I can mitigate that with either rubber boots or water shoes( or waders) , I've also seen people mount swivel seats to them so you would definitely not get wet. If you don't put a trolling motor on the back you could mount more storage for sure! Also you can most definitely put a bike wheel mounted on the back to roll your set up pontoon down to where ever you want. Or if you like you can set it up at the lake in a couple pieces. 3 to be exact. The quad pontoon system of it also gives you the extra protection and peace of mind.
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Perhaps not a limited as you think. My pontoon boat has four saddle bags. Lots of room to carry everything that I need for a day on the water: water, lunch, and every bloody piece of fly fishing tackle that I own. Easily enough room.
Re: extra clothes. Two of the saddle bags are big enough to hold a rolled up rain jacket or sweater. But in the past if I've needed to shed layers, I just drape the coat over the back of the seat. Many framed pontoon boat came with a back deck, and the frameless boats have a holding area behind the seat. Perfect place for a dry bag.
When I use my pontoon boat for stillwaters, I'm on the water for 6+ hours at a time, in a variety of weather conditions, and never have wished I had more storage space.
Agree with Clarki ! Have had a Bucks Bag pontoon for many years of still water fishing . Exceeded expectations and bonus of a little exercise pumping up pontoons and rowing ! Maybe not for everyone but works for me !
That's interesting. I wouldn't expect there to be much space for stuff.
I recently bought my self a fishcat cougar and I love it.
I took a look at the fishcat catalogue and yes....the pontoons are very nice, but their prices are out to lunch. Any company that sells a float tube for $629 U.S. .....well, I can't take them seriously.
It's not just the fishing industry, but there are so many companies out there right now trying to fool us into believing that 3 years of high inflation means that we should be paying double on our purchases compared to 4 years ago. Fishcat seems to be one of those companies. Not a chance I'm paying $1500 CND for a pontoon boat.
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Not a chance I'm paying $1500 CND for a pontoon boat.
You don’t need to. They come up used (FlyBC, Marketplace…) all the time. I bought my Bucks Bag pontoon for $300 a few years ago off a FlyBC member.
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Yup that's right clarki! I bought mine for 350 off of market place. Everything on it is great! I was given extra bladders aswell. But yes that much for a float tube is crazy, but for a pontoon with the light aluminum frame and back plate for motor that's not so bad.