The Charge Continues

So after taking a week off for some pains in my foot and hip I am back on the stationary bike.  There is some growth that can be seen.  I this week spent more time on the saddle and increased my miles quite a bit.  Now I am under now impression that this is anything like bike packing but I think it just goes to show me I am improving.

Yes I know I am in doors and just riding a stationary bike but we all have to start some where.  As I have been saying the goal right now is weight lose and at my age it is a struggle.  However if I keep up this kind of growth it will start to fall off soon.  I am still looking a bikes online and plan to buy one through FB market place when I see the right deal.  This has been fun so far and I am learning a lot about myself.  So now I need to stretch after that 11 mile ride.

Road Blocks

As you get started on goals of any kind you will hit road blocks.  The perverbial bump in the road.  I am in now way exempt from this.  As I prepare for my Bike Packing and Fishing adventures I have hit a road block.  I currently don't have the desire to ride and exercise.  How do you handle this.  Well in my understanding (which is limited) you need to push through.

When I was young and getting ready for the Fire Academy I need to start excerising to prepare for the physical rquirements I would be getting into.  Istarted running daily and very quickly hit a road block.  Iso badly wanted to stop.  And I almost did until I just simply pushed myself.  Runners know that if you push through eventually it gets better.  I understand this as in those moments I have pushed through before and sure enough in time I was past it and feeling energized and glad I did it.  So as Ishare this with everyone I sitting in the kitchen typing this post not wanting to ride.  So I will start here as it is time for me tyo push through.

Bike Packing Just a Start In research

 So the research and learning has begun as I embark on a new adventure in my life.  As I mentioned before I will be venturing into the world of bike packing and of course fishing.  As I get ready to turn 50 I see the need to find myself again and more importantly I need to move again.  If you don't use it you lose it or so they say.  Well I kind of am starting to understand that as I see it getting hard to move like I once use to.   I am in the research phase and the areas I will be doing my research are in the following.

1. Bikes

2. Tent and sleeping gear

3. Bike Packs

4. Cooking stoves, and other items

5. Computer systems (In time)

6. Water filtration systems.

I will be sharing all that I learn with you as I start my searches and learn the in's and out's of it all.  To start of course will be with the most important part the Bike.  Now I am not new to this in anyway I have been mountain biking for years.  I have enough knowledge here to get by but as with anything you want to be better at you need to do your do diligence.  I plan to ride a mountain bike as I think I will be most comfortable in one verses a road bike.  I will be using a Hardtail and if I can swing the price a full suspension might be in the cards.  My plan is to find out what makes for a top level bike and find a used one that will fit my needs.  

I plan to stick to what I know best, or what was most common when I rode.  GT, Specialized, Trek, Iron Horse, Giant, Diamondback, and Gary Fisher.  My hunt will be for a used bike in very good condition of course.  I will not be doing this a tone at least at the start so a very good used bike should do well for me in the beginning.  One think I am currently learning about is the 29er bikes.  

(Definition:) - A 29er bike is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels, a wheel size that has become the most popular and most capable for trail riding. 29er bikes are great for all types of rides and they offer lots of performance benefits that can make riding easier, faster, and more fun.

The Pros here are great for moving through rough terrain.  Less buck and better flow on technical terrain.  Increased traction and grip due to larger tire contact.  As for Cons I can live with being harder to jump and with and maneuvering in the air, not an issue for me at my age.  Slower acceleration compared to 27.5" MTB, I am in no rush of course. Lastly bigger wheels tend to be heavier, and that is something to consider.

I have read that disc breaks are better then the old cantilever breaks.  As my last bike had disc break I completely agree with this and will be looking for good disc breaks as well.  Last lastly will be overall bike size.  For me when I was younger I liked my bikes to be smaller so I could throw it around under me.  But I am sure now a larger bike would be a better fit.  I will be sitting in and doing some test riding soon as well and give you my feedback soon on that.  This so far has been fun even though I just started.  I will continue to do my research.

Funny last thoughts - When I was just out of high school I started Mountain biking and continued in to my late 20's with some action in my early 30's.  Back then I just grabbed a bike and hit the trail.  This time approaching 50 I need to prepare for all that I plan to do.  Don't take your youth for granite enjoy it while you have it.  I know there is much more to go over and learn about so there is more to come.

Powered by my passion the Float Tube Fishing Forum

  

Cook Wear for my pending Bike Trips

 I have been looking at a lot of different items to get prepared.  So I started with a small portable Stove and a Pot and Pan set.  Below are images of what I ordered as well as the links to view them further and purchase if you like.

Portable Camping Stove

MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit

So this is still a very new thing to me so I am just testing the waters.  The cost of these items as well as tax and shipping was came to $40 roughly.  Once I receive this items I will be doing a review of the items as well as cooking up some lunch in the backyard.  I am still in the planning stages for my first Bike Packing and Fishing Trip by the Summer of 2024.  

The main current goals are still the same weight lose and review of needed items for my trip.  I am currently doing most of my research through YouTube video which have been very helpful.  I have found a good first route in Big Bear already.  I will continue to do my research and if you have advice please send a comment.  Now I am going to jump on my stationary bike to work on that weight lose.  I will be riding 3 to 4 times a week with a goal of 30 minutes to an hour of ride time a week.

The prep step for bike packing and fishing

So I started out with the thought of I need to start moving more as I age.  I want to maintain my health and mobility.  As a former mountain biker and a die hard fishermen it was only natural to gravitate to the sport of Bike Packing and Fishing if it is a sport.  So with a thought in my head and a discussion with my wife a plan is hatched.

First move health and weight lose.  I said in my first post that I would not share my weight until I loosed some weight.  For me the plan is to first lose about 40 pounds total stating off with a goal of 5 pounds in a week.  How will I do this.  First its time to start moving.  I have always had an active type job but my last career change was to teaching.  While there is opportunity to move around it is nothing like what I use to do on the Ambulance and or in the Fire Station.  So I will start by planning to ride my stationary bike a minimum of 3 days a week with a goal of at least 30 minutes to an hour of ride time.   I am now 2 days on the bike and have a total for 24 minutes in as well as just short of 10 mills.  Now this might not seem like much but we all have to start somewhere.

Another area is mindful eating which I am sometimes guilty of mindless eating.  Interestingly enough I have found that I really enjoy bell pepper sandwiches for lunch.  This is just simply a half a bell pepper (color of your choice) with some lunch meet, tuna, or chicken salad on it.  very satisfying for a quick lunch.  I will also be doing some pushups and modified burpees each morning before work.  I have a mountain to climb but the waters on the other side are calling me.  With that I will leave you as I struggle but continue to grind.  I want to move more and Bike Packing and Fishing (BP&F) will be the motivation and the enjoyment of ward work and selfcare.  

I hope you will follow me as I go though this change and growth as a outdoorsman fighting for his health and wellbeing.  I invite all comments and information you would all like to share with me.  

Meeting us all at the Float Tube Fishing Forum

My plans for Bike packing and Fishing

 I have for most of my life been either fishing for biking.  So to marring the 2 is just a have to.  I evite you to follow me as I work on getting into this new sport and the twists and turns that I will come across.   Here is the reason I will be embarking on this new adventure.  I turn 50 in less then year.  My health is not where it should be and if I don't start moving I will lose my ability to move and enjoy the outdoors as I once did in my 20's and 30's.

I will be starting from scratch as I don't own a bike any more.  It has been years since I have been mountain biking at least 20 or more and probably the same for camping.  So as I say I will be starting from scratch I mean  it to the 1oth degree.  The plan is to be ready for my first trip by the summer of 2024 if not sooner.  You will be following me as 1. I lose weight to prepare for then ability to get back on a bike an become comfortable doing so once again.  2. leaning what makes for the best bike for me and my needs.  3. All the camping gear I will need to make for a comfortable time on the trail between trips.  4. The right fishing gear that I will need to take with me. 5. and finally where will I be planning to do day trips and over night trips.

This will be an adventure and I hope you will join me as I break all this down and learn the ends and outs.  I will start here I will be working on losing 10 pounds to start this adventure.  I hope to drop close to 40 before I get on a bike again.  How will I start this you ask right here in my living room.  On my Schwinn exercise bike.  The plan is to ride 3 to 4 days a week for 30 minutes to a hour a week as I get started, Baby steps.  The hope will be to get back to everyone in the next few days for a check in on my progress as well and weight lose and when I am comfortable I will share what my weight is (LOL).  I will also be share information on all the product I have researched and information I have come up with.

Of course I will be taking the Float Tube Fishing Forum along with us as well and I am sure we will all learn a lot together.  Please feel free to let me know what you think, and share any info you have that could help.  Thanks for reading and tight lines as well as keep the rubber on the road.

FTFF Thread

 

The Float Tube Fishing Forum

 So we have been running our Float Tube Fishing Forum for the last 12 years now and have had a lot of success.  We just want you to know we are still running and doing what we do best.  Helping newbies to the float tubing world get started.  If you are new and looking for information to get started or are a seasoned veteran who would like to share there knowledge.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum is the right place for you.  Join us in 2023 and be part of something you can be proud of.

Float Tube Fishing Forum  

My first trip with the Float Plus 1

 Light, Fast, and Comfortable those are the 3 areas that jump out on my first trip.  

The Float Plus 1 is as we like to say a next level float tube.  There are a lot of great tubes out there and many different types as well.  So yes there is something for everyone's needs.  For those that are looking for float tube that will last and take abuse the Hybrids are what you should be looking for.  The Float Plus 1 is now on that list.  

This float tube weighs in at 26.5 lbs and with the multiple handles you can carry it with easy to the water.  The handles at the seat are perfectly located and balanced for carrying.  

I have come to notice that the most of these hybrid float tubes have major a agility.  The Float Plus 1 is no different, but what I did notice as part of this agility it also has speed.  This float tube is fast, combining the agility of a hybrid and the light weight of this boat you can see there this Float Plus 1  can be fast on the water.  

The comfort is there, I was concerned by the seat valve being under the seat.  I have had to let out air pressure of seats like these before as they can be tough to sit on for long periods.  Being able to get to the valve to let out some air is very important.  So having the seat valve under the seat was a concern.  before heading out I inflated the back rest pretty firm and the actual seat just a little softer.  It was very comfortable for my first trip out.  I also feel the that the width of the setting area of over 20 inches adds to this.  



Two other observations, there are no D-Rings which we need to attach items on our tubes.  Of course these tubes are well built for gluing your attachments to including the D-Rings.  The boat come with 2 extra D-Rings that can be glued on quick and easy.  After making this comment Maikel Lambregts creator of the Float Plus systems said they did this on purpose to allow you the owner to add what you want were you want it.  I like that idea.

The other observation was that the main floor of the float tube is very slightly tilted backwards to the rear.  The idea here is that you don't have any issues of sliding forward on your seat.  Many people are talking about this currently so its great to see a company address this concern.  



So the next is the Motor which will be sent when they are ready.  I am looking forward to this add on as well.  The boat was designed for the motor.  It worked amazing with out it so I can only image what it will be like with the motor.



Thanks for reading, any questions please be sure to ask I would love to answer your questions.

Swim Dragon By Croissant Lures

So I was doing my daily posting on Social Media when I came across a new product I had never seen before called the Swim Dragon.  The design is from Crossman Lures in South Africa and these baits are unique to say the least.

The first thing that jumped out at me was that these are made of Silicone not plastics.  So it seemed that these baits would hold up well to the abuse the Saltwater bass could fish out.  

There colors are great and the added eyes and leg make for a great added attraction.  The paddle tail is designed upside down from your normal swim paddle tail and it seem to me it helps ok the fall to move the tail more.  Craig is fast at shipping these out and the price is resonable enough for orders.  I live in Southern California when I purchased it was 5 baits for $20 including shipping.

I rig mine on a Jika Rig but you can rig them many different ways.  The Jika rig keep them close to the floor and allows me to fish them slow or fast.  I can say that the Swim Dragon from Crossman Lures has earned a place in my line up each time out.  Check them out for yourself.

www.crossmenlures.com

Instagram

@crossmanlures

Slick Rod - Protect your Investments

 So I stumbled across and very unique product that I defiantly wanted to know more about.  So first what is Slick Rod?  It is a formulated product to spray on your fishing rod guides and reel housing to provide a ceramic coating that will both keep your investments clean as well as protected from UV light and outdoor elements.

We at the Float Tube Fishing Forum as moved to be an Ambassador and have been offered a 10% discount code for your purchase.  When Purchasing use the code "FTFF10" at check out to get your 10% discount off your whole order.  I will be following up with some reports on how well the Slick Rod product works for me.  As well as what you can expect when you use the Slick Rod product for yourself.

Go to slickrod.com  and again use the code "FTFF10" for your 10% discount.  If you are are like me you enjoy fishing and have spent plenty of money on all your products.  Why not protect your investment.

                                              

Float Tube Fishing Forum E-Zine

The 2020 Re-Launch of the Float Tube Fishing Forum E-Zine.  If you are interested in being apart or would like to advertise with us please contact us at the following. floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

Open publication - Free publishing

Maxxon XPW 240 is on Sale $999

       That is right the Maxxon XPW 240 is on sale for $999 that is a $300 savings.  Not sure how long this will last so you don't want to miss out on this sale.  The Maxxon XPW 240 is one amazing inflatable watercraft that will last you years to come and keep you safe in the water.  I have been using it now for the past year and I can safely say it is one of the very best float tubes out there. 

       If you are interested in purchasing the XPW 240 you can contact us at the Float Tube Fishing Forum ( floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com ).  We at the FTFF are also offering a Layaway program that will help you break up the payments.  Reach out to us to find out more.

Join our Forum
Float Tube Fishing Forum

Float Tube Buyers Guide from my eyes

     I have been tubing now for the last 20 years.  I started off in a Browning u-boat which served me well over the years.  I fished it as much as I could and got some great use out of it.  Of course like most sports we are always looking for what is new and better.  I soon found the next best things started to move up in tubes.  Here is what I have floated in over that past 20 years.

• Browning Uboat
• Gallatin Pontoon boat
• Kennebec Pontoon
• Togiak Fishing Float Tube
• U-Boat 2000
• Big Horn Float Tube
• Caddis Pro 2000
• Stillwater Talon
• ODC 420
• Cumberland 
• Seven Bass Flatform

     Over the years I have had lots of experience in different types of tubes as you can see.  I have been able to fish them in different situations and locations.  I have built rod racks and fish finder mounts for them and have generally learned a lot as far as what worked best at least for me.  So what should you look for when you are buying your first or next float tube.

     I believe after fishing in the float tubes with sling bottom seats that being high out of the water is a plus, and would be what most are looking for.  However I have noticed that the higher you are out of the water the more you are at the mercy of the wind that comes up when you are on the water.  It is simple the more body under the water the less you are moved by the wind.  Of course the flip side is the more body in the water the more you are subject to the currents of the water.  So be sure to look at the areas you intend to fish and choose what would work best for you.

     I think the next thing to look at is the tackle storage pockets, some boats have different designs but they are not all equal.    I like the pockets that open to one large pouch using 2 zippers on either end, like what is found on the Cumberland.  The pockets that have 2 pockets on each side that opens with one zipper for each side limit the ability to put in and take out your tackle with out any issues.  Plus the sides matters you need enough room to put in your small size tackle boxes.  A quick fix for these issue are smaller sized tackle boxes or zip lock bags to hold your tackle, this may not be an option for some.

     Next you should be thinking of weight of the overall tube.  This matters especially if you are like to hike to those back country fishing spots.  Some tubes are pretty heavy some are amazing light and still some are right in the middle.  I have used some very light weight tubes and they worked well but in most cases lacked the other things I liked in a float tube like small pockets or low seats.  I have used much heavier tubes as well which have the quality and float high ability, but the weight does limit the distance you can park away form the water.  In my opinion if you are like me, you don't hike but you do like to find new waters, weight can be and issue and you want to find the tube that fits your weight needs.

     Finally you should also be looking for overall quality, or could I say longevity.  It is nice to have a boat that you know will last you a few seasons of fishing, and one that can take the abuse we have can put or tubes through.  The old adage is you get what you pay for and in the world of float tube fishing that is so true.  You can spend as light as $80 and as much as $1500 what is your budget and what are you looking for.  If you are someone that maybe goes out 2 or 3 times a year and just for the heck of it, maybe the low cost options are a good deal for you.  Whoever if you are someone that heads out 2 to 3 time a month or more and fishing is a true passion and not just a fun occtional activtiy they you will be looking to spend some money to get a float tube that with with stand the infalte and deflate over and over again and the constent tossing in and out of your truck or car.  It is very true you get what you pay for.  But even if you buy on the lower end of the scale as long as you take care of your boat you can make it last. 

     I have tried many different tubes over that last 20 years some were great and some were not.  Some I miss and some I do not, if you are looking to get in to this sport I hope I gave you some insight and helped you naviagate the wide world of float tubes that are out there.  Shop around and ask around there is a lot of info out there you just need to search it out.   The sport of float tube fishing is a passion of mine and I know it might not be for everyone, but if you get the right tube you might have a better experiance then you thought.  Good luck and happy shopping.

Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine Vol: 5 Iss: 1

It is a pleasure to build and publish these magazines for the Float Tube Fishing Community.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoy building them.  It is tough sometimes but in the end, we are pretty happy with what we produce.  Remeber if you ever have suggestions, comments, or would like to submit an article please contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

No here is our most current issue Volume-5 Issue-1

Volume: 5 Issue: 1

Float Tube Fishing Forum Tournaments

    So we at the Float Tube Fishing Forum have been running a Float Tube Tournament Series for the last 2 years now.  Things have gone very well and we will continue to work hard to improve and build this is to something big for the Float Tube Fishing World.  Do you think you have what it takes to battle Float Tubers from all over the US, in a Tournament Series style platform?  If you can do this come to the Float Tube Fishing Forum for more details and sign up for our June - September Tournament.  Tell your friends and spread the word, because you know, the more competitors the more fun we will have. 

Also be sure to check out our sponsors:

Fishhead Custom Lures

Coolbaits Lure Co.

Slab Zone Lures

Smartbaits Lures

Reebs Lures

Classic Accessories

A Better Bag

Basshavior Baits

Decembers Magazine issue

Love to float tube fish, think you cannot get enough.  Well welcome to my world I enjoy it so much I decided it was time to share with the world.  Subscribe for free to The Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine.

FTFF Magazine is now up for reading

Here you go guys our first issue for 2015, take a look and let us know what you think.  In this issue and quite possible the next 3 issue we have a give away contest.  This one is for a small hand made tackle products called CoolBaits.  Check it out page 18 of the magazine this is open to all that read this magazine.
Please know that right now the magazine can only be viewed on a computer as our upgrade in over. I will be working on trying to get this fixed in the next few months.  So you cannot see this on a tablet or a smartphone for now.  But in time this will be fixed for now take a look and enjoy and please take a look at the Coolbaits contest as well as our sponsors ads.  

https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-2-issue-1/0040101001410885391

Float Tube Safety First and Always

We have all been there at least once: “what did I get myself into.”  Just like our member Yellowrock got himself into a bad spot, we have or will at some point do the same thing.   All we can hope is the outcome, is a good one like PVR for Yellowrock was.  But of course, there is something to be said for being prepared.  If things are going to go bad they are just going to go bad.  But if we are prepared for these unexpected events they will almost always be stories we can share later with others.   Safety should be on all of our minds every time we head out.  And I am sure most of us think the same. But do we do what we think?  I know I am not alone in this. I have cut corners to get out on the water sooner I am also tempted to be more comfortable to stay out on the water longer.  Unfortunately we all know that it only takes once for the worst to happen.

Let’s just list some of the safety items you should have or consider to have a safe and fun day on the water.
     1. PFD (Coast Guard Approved)
     2. Whistle or air horn
     3. Wader belt if wearing waders
     4. Proper launching spot, and exit spot as well
     5. Knowledge of the water you are on
     6. Current weather reports for your area
     7. Having a partner if new to tubing

     This is a basic list that we should all use to stay safe on the water.  So, here is my question to you: how many of you think of all of these things each time out?  I will say with honesty that I don’t abide by all these rules, all the time.  The PFD is better behind me because it is just too bulky for me to sit in my seat on my ODC 420.  Whistle, what whistle? I don’t think I have ever had a whistle with me on my tube.  I just now started wearing my wader belt and even at that, I seem to forget when I first get on the water.  For me, launch sites are my strong point, I have always felt safe to launch because I think that part of the process through very well.  I have a pretty good knowledge of the waters I fish but I am sure I could know more.  I try to stay up on the weather but in So/Cal, it is not a real big deal as I'm sure it is in other parts of the country.  Finally I will say my first time out tubing was solo and it was a very nerve racking trip, but I guess I liked it enough to continue for the last 20 years.

     So, how can we make this easier for us to be better about safety while float tubing?  First of,f as for the PFD, having an inflatable vest would make it more appealing to wear my PFD.  The inflatable vests are not bulky, so I can sit in my tube without feeling like I have no room.  Whistles? ok, so I just need to go and get a whistle. That was easy.   For launching and exit sites, do your homework use Google maps, or ask around and always use flat ground with a firm surface to launch out from.  Smart phones have made it easier to be aware of current weather in your area and for the saltwater guys there are apps on tide, which is a great resource to have, as well.  Read reports of others trip to waters you are planning to try out.  Our members are good at giving information of what to expect when you get out there.  Finally, join the FTFF if you have not already done so, you will find plenty of people that will help you get ready for your first outing and you might even find a fishing partner for your first trip out.                  

More articles like this at:
https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-1-issue-3/0081505001405147900

Store your tube with confidence

 It is that time, well for most it is that time, and storage of your float tube is the question? So how should you store your float tube or pontoon for the winter months to keep it safe and ready for the warmer months?  I feel the best idea when it comes to storing your float tube is to leave it partially inflated.    By keeping it inflated you don’t have to worry about it ending up with any damaging creases in the bladders.  Those creases that come from folding and storing your tubes and pontoons can over time leave creases in the bladders that can become structural weaknesses.  This can become a weak spot in the bladder ending your first outings of the next season early once you pull your float tube out of storage.

     The other benefit of leaving the tube partially   inflated, the shell (outer canvas) is protected from folding as well as over inflation which will damage the seams.  I myself like to hang my tube in my garage partially inflated.  Some may say that you should lay the tube flat
and I don’t disagree.  The reason for this is to not put pressure on the handles and seams which will put unneeded pressure as you boat
hangs over time.  I can see this being a good point but I don’t have the floor space so I hang mine.  The other point that makes a lot of scenes when it is hanging the bladder is slipping inside the shell.  If it hangs for a long period of time the bladder will move down, this will cause the valves to move out of line causing you to need to reposition the bladder each time you set up you tube..    

     Of course to keep it inflated to store it you do need the room for this and I am sure that this is not possible for some of us.  So what are the alternatives?  The only other option is to deflate it and pack it away, but is this being done right.  First off if you live where there are definite off season meaning you might get iced out or snowed in and getting your legs in the water would mean a trip to the hospital do to front bite or hypothermia, then you do need to store your tube.

 To put your gear away you must always first clean it up, your float tube or pontoon are no different you spent some good money on that so you should take good care of it.  Make sure that you clean out all pockets and even inside the sell around the bladders.
Dirt and sand can get into places you cannot see and if left there when folding your bladders up could cause some unseen damage.  This might lead to break down of and the need to replace your bladders.  The other important thing to do is to make sure all parts are completely dry after washing done and before storing.  Mildew is one of the worst things you can get on your float tubes and pontoons; it will eat away at your tubes and decrease the life of your boat.

     So from what I have read and looked into and had experienced the best idea and what most fisherman believe is leave you boats partially deflated for best storage.   Of course if

you don’t have the space to do this you can safely store your float tube, and not have to worry about too much.  Just make sure whatever you clean and dry your boats completely.  Weather it is hanging or lying flat and partially deflated or completely deflated and stored away, keeping it clean and dry is the best way to help your float tube last as long as possible.

Articles from: Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine: link below
 https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-1-issue-3/0081505001405147900

Classic Accessroies Colorado Pontoon Boat

   

      I had the pleasure of give one of these boats away on our Float Tube Fishing Forum just recently. We have a annual toy drive for the spark of love, and Classic Accessories has for the last 4 year donated to the cause.  I thought I would take a quick moment to give a small review about the Colorado Pontoon Boat.   To start after receiving the pontoon boat at home I decided to build it so that I could take proper pictures for our members to know what they were competing for.  

      It is a fairly easy boat to build as I was able to have it together in the my living room with in an hour.  Being the first Pontoon boat I had built I figure that is not to bad.  you start with the pontoons and inflate to almost full capacity.  The combination quick inflation/ deflation valves made inflation quick and simple these are a great improvement on the basic valves you still find on float tubes.  After the pontoons are inflated you then are able to add the mounting assembly to the pontoons  which is used to attach the seat to as well as to have have the pivot spot for the oars.  

      Next you add the seat assembly which is simple attached with pin system assembly which make it easy to assemble and disassemble.  Then you attach the back basket and anchor arm.  This piece has both a anchor pulley and a plate to mount a trolling motor to.  Finally you need to attach the foot resets and add the oars and you are ready to go.  Overall I believe this Pontoon boat is a great product from Classic Accessories.  If you are in the market for a 9' pontoon boat this is one you might want to look at.  Below is a list of spec's that  you might find helpful in making your discussions.    

Special Features 

• High storage capacity; includes 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets and two insulated drink holders
• Wire rear storage and battery platform
• Rod holder can be mounted in three different positions on each oar stand
• Anchor system with fillable mesh bag; cleat and pulley controls can fit on right or left side of boat
• Sturdy two position motor mount for trolling
• Detachable foam fly patch

Boat Specifications

• 9' pontoons
• 400 lb capacity
• River rating—Class 1
• Assembled size: 108"L 56"W 26"H
• Weight: 71.5 lbs

Comfort Features

• Three oar-lock positions
• Seat and footrests adjust to a wide range of leg lengths
• Padded fold-down plastic seat

Safety Features

• Safety labeling as per ABYC standards
• Rides high for improved visibility
• Unique dual-side stripping apron with fish ruler allows entry and exit without unclipping
• Non-slip footrests

Construction Features

• Heavy-duty pontoons with abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops
• Bronze oar-locks
• Powder-coated steel tube frame
• Rugged 7' two-piece aluminum oars
• Cold and heat-resistant bladders
• Combination quick inflation/ deflation valves