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turpentinedog | Thu Feb-08-07 06:52 PM |
Member since Feb 08th 2007
3 posts
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#35918, "best kickboat?"
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I've always used float tubes but I am thinking of upgrading to a pontoon/kickboat. There are so many different models available and I'm having a hard time finding reviews on them all. I want to be able to row and/or kick. Most of the time I will be kicking while fishing. I also would prefer a fairly low profile; I don't want the wind to be blowing me all over the place...I would like it to track fairly straight, without being blown sideways. It must be manageable just using the feet, with flippers. It should be durable, but easily assembled/dissambled as necessary to fit into a full size suburban. I will be using it predominately on lakes.
I would appreciate anyone's expereinces and inputs as what models you all prefer and why. Thanks in advance.
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RE: best kickboat?,
swampy,
Feb 08th 2007, #1
RE: best kickboat?,
Bassin,
Feb 09th 2007, #2
RE: best kickboat?,
turpentinedog,
Feb 09th 2007, #3
RE: best kickboat?,
Dale,
Feb 10th 2007, #4
RE: best kickboat?,
IFISH,
Feb 10th 2007, #5
RE: best kickboat?,
FshBills,
Feb 10th 2007, #6
RE: best kickboat?,
Samurai TI,
Feb 11th 2007, #7
RE: best kickboat?,
BASSCAT,
Feb 15th 2007, #8
RE: best kickboat?,
turpentinedog,
Feb 16th 2007, #9
RE: best kickboat?,
Doug T,
Feb 16th 2007, #10
RE: best kickboat?,
bassinzink,
Feb 16th 2007, #11
Gotta put in a good word for OUTCAST!,
jsmith,
Feb 16th 2007, #12
RE: best kickboat?,
CAUGHTEMCARO,
Mar 12th 2007, #13
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Bassin | Fri Feb-09-07 11:54 AM |
Member since Feb 18th 2003
1214 posts
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#35932, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 0
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I own a waterskeeter. I have used this kickboat for 3-4 years now and never had any troubles with the pontoons or the frame. BUT, I must say that there are issues with this boat compared to a Versa Vessel. First I have to say I have never owned a Versa Vessel, but I have fished with a bunch of the guys in Bass-n-tubes that own them and that is where I get my experience of them from. There are two major differences that I know of, one: The frame on a waterskeeter is metal, compared to the aluminum frame of the VV. VV is much lighter. Second: On a waterskeeter you are limited to the amount of wieght you carry, meaning the livewell wieght. this is mostly due to the lack of being able to adjust the position of the frame on the pontoons. On the VV you are able to move the center of gravity and in turn adjust the carrying load(livewell)on the pontoons. Where as with a waterskeeter, you can carry a livewell, but what happens is once you get enough water in the livewell the back of the boat sinks low into the water and makes it hard to paddle. VV doesn't have this problem because of the adjusting of the center of gravity and also because the pontoons are larger in Diameter.
A plus for the Waterskeeter is that it is cheaper $$. $400.00 compared to $800.00 for a VV.
Bryan Vogt To fish is to live!
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turpentinedog | Fri Feb-09-07 04:07 PM |
Member since Feb 08th 2007
3 posts
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#35933, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 2
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Thanks, I kind of have it narrowed down to the VV expedition 8ft. It sounds like it folds up (or something) so that it might quickly and easily fit into my suburban for a quick location change. I'm sure it will also go on top of my racks. The fold up deal sounds very appealing, especially with the pack and straps for some hiking action. Does this VV sit so high in the water that the wind will blow it around and it won't track? I weigh 180 lbs and don't carry alot of gear...fly fishing stuff. Great board here, thanks for the advice. why invent the wheel when others already have?
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IFISH | Sat Feb-10-07 10:14 AM |
Member since Jan 24th 2002
1116 posts
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#35940, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 3
Sat Feb-10-07 10:17 AM by IFISH
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IFISH say's,
Hey Turpintinedog, the V.V. is the way to go IMO. But for your particular situation, the V.V. will totally fit in your suburban. As a matter of fact, another club member by the name of " CZ " aka " bassinzink ", has a ford explorer and he takes the pontoons off, puts them in the back, and just puts the frame on his roof rack that came stock on the ford. I think you'll have no trouble doing this with the vehicle you have.
My very fisrt kickboat was a Buck's Bag's and while it was a great starter boat, it was heavy, and you couldn't adjust the pontoons. The Versa Vessel is the complete package. I bought mine years ago and haven't even considered a new boat and probably won't for many, many more years to come. Good luck in your decision and hope to hear you went V.V. someday. One of us, one of us..........:+
IFISH
P.S. - Ask John Lake to about his V.V. That boat has been through soo much, it should be bronzed and put into the hall of fame ! His boat defines the word " Sturdy ".
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turpentinedog | Fri Feb-16-07 01:31 PM |
Member since Feb 08th 2007
3 posts
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#36009, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 8
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Thanks for all the info. I have another question. My buddy has a fish cat panther and he doesn't really like it...he says that he can't turn it using his fins, that he has to use the oars. He thinks the pontoons are too big and long without enough rocker. Am I correct in assuming the VV expedition will handle well just using fins? I would like to use oars when I want to cover a lot of ground, but then use fins when actually fishing. I'm leaning toward the VV expedition; the weight issue is an important one for me as I will pack it once in a while. I plan on using it for lakes & rivers. Thanks again for the help.
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bassinzink | Fri Feb-16-07 05:29 PM |
Member since Jan 11th 2003
968 posts
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#36011, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 9
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I can move extremely well with just fins in my VV. I've sat there and done 360's in my boat keeping a big fish moving the same direction till I was ready to land it.
There is an upgrade for the pontoons if you want the extra pvc coating you can get it, but the normal pvc coating does just fine, have i put holes in my VV, yeah, but I beat the crap out of my gear and a little hole never took me off the water early, ive lost air but the pontoons seem to equal out and can keep on rocking.
Get the VV and you will never regret your purchase they are the only kickboat that can be customized into a cadillac like Joe Castro's VV. They are the ultimate kickboat, just my opinion, but I know I'm not alone. cz
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CAUGHTEMCARO | Mon Mar-12-07 06:02 PM |
Member since Jan 29th 2006
136 posts
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#36254, "RE: best kickboat?"
In response to Reply # 0
Mon Mar-12-07 07:33 PM by CAUGHTEMCARO
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All three of the kick boats mentioned are great boats to fish out of. If you get a chace go out and try some of the different models. I can save you some money on a Bucksbag, but you really shouldn't worry about the one time investment in a product thats going to last you a long time. The VV is a great boat as are the Bucksbag. The water skeeter is a great entry level craft for a low price. The water skeeter will get you on fish and you'll have a great day floating around in one, I did for a while.
The VV is totally light weight and very durable and you can totally trick them out as Joe did. Check out Mr Lakes, that things a battle ship from what I hear. Im not sure how much they cost, but I have floated around in one and they're sweet. The magority of the B-N-T members have VV for a very good reason, they work great.
Then there's the Southfork 8' kick boat made by Bucksbag. It's the most rugged and stylish 8' pontoon boat on the market today! It is designed with both performance and economy in mind. From day trips down your favorite trout stream to fishing a mountain lake, these boats cover it all. The rotary-welded pontoon covers have 18oz.PVC coated polyester on top and 22oz. material on the bottom where most abrasions occur. The bladder is 100% polyurethane. The stainless frame is amazingly strong and corrosion resistant and offers adjustable footrest's and oar placement. They come standard with 6' aluminum breakdown oars with molded rubber oar stops, roomy weatherproof storage pockets, a large rear cargo deck. I also supple custom made alum diamond plate decks made to your spec's. They have a 5 year warranty. I have been using Bucksbag round tubes for 23 years and their float tubes stand above the rest. Now Im no kick boat expert as Iv'e only been using them for a few years now, but the VV and the Bucksbag really are top notch boat that will give you years of enjoyment on the water. If you would like I can take you out in a waterskeeter and a Bucksbag and let you really feel the difference between the two. I bet you'll pick the Bucksbag in a heart beat over the skeeter. One stroke of the oars and while you glide straight for an extended 4' to 6' in between each efortless stoke of the oars you'll see why almost 50% of the Sonoma County Belly Boat Bass Club has traded in all there other brands of kick boats for Bucksbag Southforks and Bronco's. Let me know if your interested and I'll shoot you some prices.
Rich
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