05-21-2005, 06:48 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Welcome to our playroom. Sounds like you have already done some homework. I am still in the "codgertation" stage myself. I have also been back and forth between the Colorado and the Cougar (or the 9' Outcast Panther).[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I think the Colorado is set up better for a motor, if that is a definite on your part. If you are going to use it with only the oars, then the Cougar is a better ride. The flimsy metal platform behind the seat on the Cougar will bend under the weight of a deep cycle marine battery for an electric motor. The heavy duty and spacious basket on the Colorado is better for carrying a load...including a heavy battery. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The motor mount on the Colorado is adjustable laterally, whereas the one for the Outcast line is fixed, exactly in the center. That should be okay, but some guys like to change the location.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The covers for the air chambers on the Colorado is nylon, whereas the Outcast line is PVC coated. I have heard of potential problems with the exposed bottom seams on the Colorado showing wear when they are dragged on the ground.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The big difference in design is in the air chambers. Colorados have one large (wind-catching) air chamber on each side. Cougars (and Panthers) have two lower profile air chambers on each side. This decreases wind resistance and increases stability and flotation. The operator rides slightly lower to the water in the Cougar, which makes it easier to use fins for positioning and hands free fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I keep looking at both. The frame on the Colorado also seems to be more "TubeDude friendly". In other words, it seems to offer more options for attaching rod racks, sonar and other add-ons, without interfering with the oars...propelling or idle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news is that I have not heard a discouraging word from anyone who has purchased either. They are both good crafts and those who use them seem to be happy with their choices. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I think the Colorado is set up better for a motor, if that is a definite on your part. If you are going to use it with only the oars, then the Cougar is a better ride. The flimsy metal platform behind the seat on the Cougar will bend under the weight of a deep cycle marine battery for an electric motor. The heavy duty and spacious basket on the Colorado is better for carrying a load...including a heavy battery. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The motor mount on the Colorado is adjustable laterally, whereas the one for the Outcast line is fixed, exactly in the center. That should be okay, but some guys like to change the location.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The covers for the air chambers on the Colorado is nylon, whereas the Outcast line is PVC coated. I have heard of potential problems with the exposed bottom seams on the Colorado showing wear when they are dragged on the ground.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The big difference in design is in the air chambers. Colorados have one large (wind-catching) air chamber on each side. Cougars (and Panthers) have two lower profile air chambers on each side. This decreases wind resistance and increases stability and flotation. The operator rides slightly lower to the water in the Cougar, which makes it easier to use fins for positioning and hands free fishing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I keep looking at both. The frame on the Colorado also seems to be more "TubeDude friendly". In other words, it seems to offer more options for attaching rod racks, sonar and other add-ons, without interfering with the oars...propelling or idle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The good news is that I have not heard a discouraging word from anyone who has purchased either. They are both good crafts and those who use them seem to be happy with their choices. [/#0000ff]
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