Thanks for that article, TD. Very thorough, and it’s comforting that you cover most of my questions or worries as a current “window shopper”. I especially appreciate your advice on the financial factors involved. I now plan to purchase a modest hand-me-down tube (eventually) to get the feel of the experience, resisting the urge to purchase a pontoon to begin with. My particular issue is that I’m thinking in twos. I normally fish with my 12 year old son, so I need something that will enrich this experience. Not sure if a pair of tubes would be better than a small jonboat-- I wonder if Hyrum could handle the learning curve of a tube without getting overly frustrated. I am doing my best to be slow, thorough, and deliberate in my decision making process.
To add to your confusion, if you are talking two, then I would recommend a tube of sorts for the boy but a pontoon for you. Something you can move fast if needed.
Float tubes don’t get blown around as much in wind, but they are also sluggish. Try kicking anywhere in the wind.
Where as a pontoon can cut through.
I’d be remiss for not pointing out that Lifetime Products now has their fishing kayaks on sale for about half price.
I know that confuses the issue, but many kayaks have enough room and capacity for a kid on the rear deck.
My daughter just turned 12 and she had been tubing with me the last two years. She loves it. She likes a tube but she also likes being in my wife’s kickboat. If I was you I would go with a pair of u shaped tubes for you and your boy to start out in. When you both fall in love with fishing this way (as um sure you both will) you can later upgrade to a kick boat.
Mark