05-10-2010, 09:49 PM
[#000000]I recently bought the X5 and have had it out 8 times so far (5 lakes, 2 saltwater bays, and one river). It's my first pontoon (been tubing for 1-1/2 years) and have only been in one other pontoon (Fishcat Cougar) so my experience is limited.[/#000000]
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[#000000]I bought the carbon oars and put a 40# trolling motor on mine. Can’t say if the oars are worth it as I have little to compare them to but they do seem to have more surface area which should translate to more power. Even then, they are easier to pull than I thought.[/#000000]
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[#000000]I'm really enjoying it so far but I'm also still learning how to best take advantage of it. It's quite a bit different than my tube. I feel more susceptible to the wind but I think that’s the nature of pontoons. I can’t say if it’s more or less than other pontoons but the diameter seems bigger than others I’ve seen so I suspect it is more. On the plus side, the larger diameter worked great floating thru rapids due to the reduced draft and the oars or motor make it a lot easier to get back to the launch.[/#000000]
[#000000]It takes me about 20 minutes to set it up which is more than their new frameless models (which are attractive from that perspective) but still not bad. I leave the frame/bags assembled except for the lean bar. The frame fits nicely in the back of my mini-van. Inflate the pontoons (<1 minute per side with electric pump), strap on the frame (6 straps), attach the wheel, strap on the deck (3 straps), tie on the anchor, attach the lean bar and you’re ready to go. [/#000000]
[#000000]I love the casting platform and stand every chance I get. I weight 150# and feel very stable. It does create a “sail” effect when I’m standing in the wind. So far, I anchor up and fan cast an area, then lift the anchor and drift a little and repeat. I haven’t tried mounting the motor on the front of the platform yet but that would mimic the bass boats and might allow me to fish into the wind better while working the shore. I just bought a drift sock for the bay but have not tried it yet. On the river it was great drifting with a chain anchor dropped slightly into the water (not on the bottom) and firing streamers at the bank. The only one person pontoon that I’ve seen with the standing platform is the Fishcat 10-IR. I don’t know anyone that has one so nothing to report other than it is less expensive but the rocker looks less stable to me for standing.[/#000000]
[#000000]I went with the X5 over the Avenger since 98% of the time I’ll be by myself and the Avenger would add unnecessary weight and length (both to portability and wind resistance). After fishing the Green River last week and seeing several couples floating, I’ve been extolling the virtues of paddling to my wife and am considering a second frame. [/#000000]
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[#000000]I think the X5 can handle at least an 8 hp motor but call Dave Scadden to confirm. I just borrowed a 6hp motor to try out in the saltwater but haven’t done so yet. I added a small brace to my deck for the trolling motor.[/#000000]
[#000000]I had one part that was misdrilled when I first got it. They sent out a replacement right away. I’m also having a slight problem with the alignment of one of my anchor pulleys and am working with them on a solution. Dave usually answers the phone himself and I get a live person at least 80% of the time. I haven’t tried voicemail or email.[/#000000]
[#000000]A friend of mine just got the Rampage last week and we’ll be comparing boats this weekend.[/#000000]
[#000000]Jim[/#000000]
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[#000000]I bought the carbon oars and put a 40# trolling motor on mine. Can’t say if the oars are worth it as I have little to compare them to but they do seem to have more surface area which should translate to more power. Even then, they are easier to pull than I thought.[/#000000]
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[#000000]I'm really enjoying it so far but I'm also still learning how to best take advantage of it. It's quite a bit different than my tube. I feel more susceptible to the wind but I think that’s the nature of pontoons. I can’t say if it’s more or less than other pontoons but the diameter seems bigger than others I’ve seen so I suspect it is more. On the plus side, the larger diameter worked great floating thru rapids due to the reduced draft and the oars or motor make it a lot easier to get back to the launch.[/#000000]
[#000000]It takes me about 20 minutes to set it up which is more than their new frameless models (which are attractive from that perspective) but still not bad. I leave the frame/bags assembled except for the lean bar. The frame fits nicely in the back of my mini-van. Inflate the pontoons (<1 minute per side with electric pump), strap on the frame (6 straps), attach the wheel, strap on the deck (3 straps), tie on the anchor, attach the lean bar and you’re ready to go. [/#000000]
[#000000]I love the casting platform and stand every chance I get. I weight 150# and feel very stable. It does create a “sail” effect when I’m standing in the wind. So far, I anchor up and fan cast an area, then lift the anchor and drift a little and repeat. I haven’t tried mounting the motor on the front of the platform yet but that would mimic the bass boats and might allow me to fish into the wind better while working the shore. I just bought a drift sock for the bay but have not tried it yet. On the river it was great drifting with a chain anchor dropped slightly into the water (not on the bottom) and firing streamers at the bank. The only one person pontoon that I’ve seen with the standing platform is the Fishcat 10-IR. I don’t know anyone that has one so nothing to report other than it is less expensive but the rocker looks less stable to me for standing.[/#000000]
[#000000]I went with the X5 over the Avenger since 98% of the time I’ll be by myself and the Avenger would add unnecessary weight and length (both to portability and wind resistance). After fishing the Green River last week and seeing several couples floating, I’ve been extolling the virtues of paddling to my wife and am considering a second frame. [/#000000]
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[#000000]I think the X5 can handle at least an 8 hp motor but call Dave Scadden to confirm. I just borrowed a 6hp motor to try out in the saltwater but haven’t done so yet. I added a small brace to my deck for the trolling motor.[/#000000]
[#000000]I had one part that was misdrilled when I first got it. They sent out a replacement right away. I’m also having a slight problem with the alignment of one of my anchor pulleys and am working with them on a solution. Dave usually answers the phone himself and I get a live person at least 80% of the time. I haven’t tried voicemail or email.[/#000000]
[#000000]A friend of mine just got the Rampage last week and we’ll be comparing boats this weekend.[/#000000]
[#000000]Jim[/#000000]
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