Okay so I finally purchased a kickboat. I got a deal on a madison trout unlimited pontoon boat for like $100. I modified it by putting a back deck, rod holders, a new seat, and a motor mount for a 30lb thrust motor i bought. I took it out on a local river and it just sucked. Any part that was just a little shallow i had to stand and walk my boat down to where it looked a bit deeper. canoes were just ripping through most of these. Is this comon? I rowed untill i thought I was going to die. (i didn't bring the motor) Everyone in a canoe was already at the put in waiting for me. Just couldn't get the momentum. the worst part is that i took out and checked out the pontoon and i have at least one hole in the outter pontoon cover from the shallow rocks.

I was wondering if it is normal to not be able to get over SOME of those shallow areas. I can understand not being able to keep up with rowing alongside a caone. Also if there is any suggestions on mabye putting a stop bar or wheel to keep the boat from slamming into rocks (shallow). Do you think it is possible to coat a part of the pontoon with duraliner or something? I have never worked with that kind of stuff before and don't know how well it works.

Anyways I am really discouraged and you all have been a big help, just wondering what some of you all's input is.

thanks,
Andy

P.S.I did get alot of comments on the boat and caught about 15 fish.

I scrape bottom from time to time and if you're fishing a shallow river it's to be expected.I think pontoon shape has alot to do with it.I have a outdoor eng versa vessal and have done a few floats without any damage to the pontoons.If ya try and go against the flow you will just wear yourself out.We always have a couple trucks at the take out.
What river did ya float?I haven't done one this year(the flows were too high for most of the summer).
You should do the delta(you can go against the tide in most areas)it should start picking up real soon as well as the striper action.
Swampy

When going through the riffles you're going to drag. My Vessel has a very high bouyancy rating but when loaded even for just a float on the river, it will probably have at least a four to five inch draft. When approaching a shallow rocky area I slow down, put my feet down and walk the boat across the rocks to so there will be less weight and less chance to puncture a pontoon.

Slow down, enjoy the trip.


LzyFsh