10-27-2011, 01:09 AM
[quote jer_fishes]First off...I try to get out on the water at least once a week. Preferably more, but life happens[
] That being said let's talk about wear and tear and how quickly these things break down.
Frames:
I understand that steel will rust the quickest. What about the stainless steel? I assume it doesn't rust the same, but it is still heavier than the aluminum? Which is better stainless steel or aluminum? With the amount I go fishing should I worry about rust or will it be minimal?
Rust can happen by using once. I can only answer my choice and that is hands down Aluminum. Much lighter and just as dependable as stainless. The more you have to move it, the more you will appreciate that.
Bladders:
I've read a couple posts talking about how polyurethane is better than vinyl. If someone could explain why I'd appreciate it. With the amount I fish, how soon would the vinyl wear out?
Urethane will last longer and is much lighter, plus less effected by temperature and altitude. Vinyl can get crack after time. Advisable to roll vinyl and not fold.
Vinyl could last you for many years if handled right.
Oars:
Some models come with 6' and some with 7'. I would assume the advantage to be with the 7'.
The longer the oar the better, but it depends on the boat. A narrower boat could need shorter oars/
Valves:
I had a creek company tube with some crappy valves. I've used an Outcast tube and the valves seemed fine. I guess my question is which company's valves hold up and don't leak? I've read that the colorado has had problems in this area, but they've fixed em TD?
Halkey and Boston are probably the most used and well known, there is also Summit. I would pick Halkey Roberts.
Seams:
Someone please explain to me what welded seam construction and sewn seam construction mean[
]
That is pretty much self explanatory. I would rather a welded seam as thread can break or wear out.
Finally, say I get something like the Southfork. Would putting the motor on it make the balance all out of wack? Would it be smoother to put on a 9' or can an 8' handle it?
Again, I had a #27 (the BIG battery) on my 6' Alpine and it was just fine. You just need to slide the frame forward on the toons.
I don't think the ride would be that noticeable between an 8' or a 9'
Thanks for all your input[] I just might wait on buying and end up saving more $$$ while the water freezes up.[/quote]
Questions are good, and I hope they help. I can say, I have had several pontoons, but I only made a mistake once, buying what I thought I wanted. My other pontoons I had for over five years. The Alpine I had for 7 years, sold it to my Sister in-Law who still has it and still uses it. My Cardiac I had for 10 Years and it is still going.
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] That being said let's talk about wear and tear and how quickly these things break down.Frames:
I understand that steel will rust the quickest. What about the stainless steel? I assume it doesn't rust the same, but it is still heavier than the aluminum? Which is better stainless steel or aluminum? With the amount I go fishing should I worry about rust or will it be minimal?
Rust can happen by using once. I can only answer my choice and that is hands down Aluminum. Much lighter and just as dependable as stainless. The more you have to move it, the more you will appreciate that.
Bladders:
I've read a couple posts talking about how polyurethane is better than vinyl. If someone could explain why I'd appreciate it. With the amount I fish, how soon would the vinyl wear out?
Urethane will last longer and is much lighter, plus less effected by temperature and altitude. Vinyl can get crack after time. Advisable to roll vinyl and not fold.
Vinyl could last you for many years if handled right.
Oars:
Some models come with 6' and some with 7'. I would assume the advantage to be with the 7'.
The longer the oar the better, but it depends on the boat. A narrower boat could need shorter oars/
Valves:
I had a creek company tube with some crappy valves. I've used an Outcast tube and the valves seemed fine. I guess my question is which company's valves hold up and don't leak? I've read that the colorado has had problems in this area, but they've fixed em TD?
Halkey and Boston are probably the most used and well known, there is also Summit. I would pick Halkey Roberts.
Seams:
Someone please explain to me what welded seam construction and sewn seam construction mean[
]That is pretty much self explanatory. I would rather a welded seam as thread can break or wear out.
Finally, say I get something like the Southfork. Would putting the motor on it make the balance all out of wack? Would it be smoother to put on a 9' or can an 8' handle it?
Again, I had a #27 (the BIG battery) on my 6' Alpine and it was just fine. You just need to slide the frame forward on the toons.
I don't think the ride would be that noticeable between an 8' or a 9'
Thanks for all your input[
] I just might wait on buying and end up saving more $$$ while the water freezes up.[/quote]Questions are good, and I hope they help. I can say, I have had several pontoons, but I only made a mistake once, buying what I thought I wanted. My other pontoons I had for over five years. The Alpine I had for 7 years, sold it to my Sister in-Law who still has it and still uses it. My Cardiac I had for 10 Years and it is still going.
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