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.

Outdoor eng versa vesal :-) They are light,have an excelent draft,ect...every thing about them rocks!They are a bit pricey but it will be the last kickboat you'll ever buy.(imho)
Swampy

This topic comes up once in a while,you should try and search the archives for it and you will get a ton of usefull info :)

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!

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?

Another option is always the bucks bag. I would say it is the in between of the two. I weigh 210lb and it carrys me fine. I finded I can mover very well and if your only going on lakes and not ocean or rivers for the price its great. It also weighs in a lot lighter i believe. Thats my 2 sence

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 ".

Wind is what it is. Over 15 mph tends to make things more difficult. But over 15 mph blows a float tube also. BUT you can kick (or row)a Pontoon boat in the wind easier than a float tube. Over 20 mph, good luck.

I realize you've seem to have probably made a decision on the VV which I agree is a great boat but do know more than one who has had a leak and had to prematurely end a day of fishing. They are lighter than the Buck's Bag Bronco or Southfork but if you want the most durable and one of the safest on the market the Bronco with the double bladders (VV does not have a bladder) are the way to go. As a great example, I had two Bronco's in my truck with one deflated. I didn't strap it in very well and as I was driving noticed sparks coming from the back of my vehicle. To make a long story short, it was my buddies Bronco and a hole the size of a basketball had shredded the pontoon along with one bladder. Mind you we were going to the BnT Open for a two day event. Anyway, with a little duct tape, my buddy fished the entire two days without a problem. Not that you want this to ever happen but it really can save a trip.

Also, the Bronco's outer shell is a PVC coated material which hook points do not punture! I know of at least one VV who had multiple hook holes in them...

The drawback again is the weight as it is about 10-15lbs heavier than the VV but it is EXTREMELY durable and can take up to Class III rapids. Not that I would ever do THAT but at least you know it can!

Oh, did I mention SCBBBC (via our President) can get you a serious discount on it????

VV fans, let's not start anything here, you know I love you guys and if you need to express a specific opinion please drop me an e-mail at iamdot@yahoo.com

Todd
http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/toddiwamoto.htm

I agree with Todd ..in that you need to shop around and check out ALL the pontoon boats out there that fit your budget. Shop around and buy one that will fit your application / needs.

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.

I use Force Fins in my 9 foot Water Skeeter and can spin round and round in place. My boat does have a rocker design to the pontoons but I don't think that makes much difference. I think the short V shape of the Force Fins makes them more suited to maneuvering than the longer scuba fins. They cost a little more but are well worth it in my opinion. Get a Versa Vessel and some Force Fins and you will be a happy kickboater. :-)

Doug