03-18-2005, 01:46 PM
[cool][#0000ff]The main factors to consider in your search for a 'toon are your size and strength, what kind of fishing you will be doing, how will you be transporting it (vehicle), will you be adding a motor, etc.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are going to use it strictly on small lakes, and not rivers, you can get a smaller model, as long as it is big enough to float you and your gear. If you are going to float down the Green or other rivers, there are requirements for length (9 feet) and other things that will rate it as acceptable for river running.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you want to add a trolling motor, as a lot of Utah "tooners do, you want your craft to come with a motor mount build into the frame, and hopefully a sturdy platform behind the seat upon which you can secure a good heavy deep cycle battery. You will also need to register your craft, once it is motorized.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Look at the frame construction. Ideally, it will be sturdy, but easily dismantled for storage and assembly. Some are put together with nuts and bolts (time consuming) whereas others are put together with pins. With a good design, you do not sacrifice quality or stability with pins.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are differences in the air chambers and valves. Some are better and more reliable than others. The Outcast line actually has two air chambers on each side. This offers lower profile (less wind resistance) and greater security, in the event of a failure of an air chamber.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Make sure that the foot rest part of the frame is easily adjustable. You will use it a lot, whether rowing or running on an electric motor. It should allow your flippered feet to rest comfortably when not being used to maintain position while fishing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you have never owned a 'toon, see if you can talk your way into a demo or a test ride first. That is a great way to discover some of the "little things" you may not have considered before.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are on a budget, it is okay to buy used or less expensive craft to learn with. Once you know and can appreciate the differences in quality and price, you can usually recover most of your initial investment in a resale, if you have maintained your "starter kit" well. There are always new potential tubers and 'tooners out there who have the same questions and concerns you have right now, and who will appreciate being able to try it out without risking a divorce.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are going to use it strictly on small lakes, and not rivers, you can get a smaller model, as long as it is big enough to float you and your gear. If you are going to float down the Green or other rivers, there are requirements for length (9 feet) and other things that will rate it as acceptable for river running.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you want to add a trolling motor, as a lot of Utah "tooners do, you want your craft to come with a motor mount build into the frame, and hopefully a sturdy platform behind the seat upon which you can secure a good heavy deep cycle battery. You will also need to register your craft, once it is motorized.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Look at the frame construction. Ideally, it will be sturdy, but easily dismantled for storage and assembly. Some are put together with nuts and bolts (time consuming) whereas others are put together with pins. With a good design, you do not sacrifice quality or stability with pins.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are differences in the air chambers and valves. Some are better and more reliable than others. The Outcast line actually has two air chambers on each side. This offers lower profile (less wind resistance) and greater security, in the event of a failure of an air chamber.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Make sure that the foot rest part of the frame is easily adjustable. You will use it a lot, whether rowing or running on an electric motor. It should allow your flippered feet to rest comfortably when not being used to maintain position while fishing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you have never owned a 'toon, see if you can talk your way into a demo or a test ride first. That is a great way to discover some of the "little things" you may not have considered before.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are on a budget, it is okay to buy used or less expensive craft to learn with. Once you know and can appreciate the differences in quality and price, you can usually recover most of your initial investment in a resale, if you have maintained your "starter kit" well. There are always new potential tubers and 'tooners out there who have the same questions and concerns you have right now, and who will appreciate being able to try it out without risking a divorce.[/#0000ff]
[signature]