Colorado Pontoon Boat Review & Test from Classic Accessories - with River Test

[@FlyFishDan]

Here is a link to the Colorado Pontoon Boat from Classic - best price is here: amzn.to/34qie5W

[@mt.hoodangler]

There out of stock!😞

[@FlyFishDan]

@@mt.hoodangler seems to be the case in most things these days. Sorry to hear that!

[@andystewart581]

$648 from Amazon. 3 to 5 week delivery time. $519 through Cabela's, one week delivery .

[@FlyFishDan]

@@andystewart581 like everything else these days - price went up!

[@jiujitsujerry5767]

if you're getting a 30 lb trust motor please you have to upgrade the seat to 360 swivel seat 👍👍👍

[@zachnar0125]

REALLY appreciate you posting this video. Im on the brink of choosing this or another one and i think this will be the one!

[@FlyFishDan]

Glad I could help - cheers!

[@charlesxavier6785]

I have one of those, got a 30 lb trolling motor for it, bought an extra rod holder, it’s fun and I’ve been using it for years

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice!

[@joeycline907]

How is the durability on the pontoons themselves? I’d be afraid of popping one on a stick or something like that

[@charlesxavier6785]

@@joeycline907 bro I have hit rocks, big branches, I hit a tree just under the surface, I’ve run over a turtle, no leaks and they’re 3 years old. There’s a canvas sheath and the bottom is pretty durable rubber. The PVC bladder is inside, it’s pretty well protected, I wouldn’t take it on white water, but just your average whoops moment won’t hurt it.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Twice I’ve pulled a $30 walmart dinghy that had a bucket and two box crabs traps that sit on a piece of plywood lashed to the thing. Tow it out behind the pontoon boat when the water is calm here in Victoria, BC. Great to snorkel off of as well. Hang a stir-up under the seat frame and step in and out easily. Cheers.

[@FlyFishDan]

Now that is getting some use out of your pontoon boat! Very cool!

[@felixandrade9387]

Rewatching this video because I bought it on sale from Amazon for 388$! Really looking forward to it

[@FlyFishDan]

Sweet! That’s a heck of a deal - you’ll love this boat!

[@flynnster1991]

Haha I got one from Amazon also 388

[@FlyFishDan]

@@flynnster1991 Nice! Just used the pontoon boat this weekend, drug it over 6 different sweepers with no issues (or punctures).

[@flynnster1991]

@@FlyFishDan looks like I jumped on this quick then Cabela's has it even higher price

[@FlyFishDan]

@@flynnster1991 Nice job!

[@motorcitybuds2117]

This is the best review I have seen so far about this boat thank you.

[@FlyFishDan]

My pleasure, thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@hhal2065]

Nice review. Very thorough. Looks pretty stable even for a big guy.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! 👍 It was certainly stable - managed the river very well!

[@geneclow3297]

Regarding the Rod holder. Agree with your assesment. we were on the St. Joe in September. A Colorado XTS owner is using the upper section from Scotty Rod holders, purchased longer bolts and runs them through the available holes on the forward uprights and the holes on the rod holders utilized for adjusting the angle of the holder. Brilliant and superb installation and product. You obviously don't need and can't use the Scotty base systems.

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome - much appreciated! I will be sure to take a closer look!

[@bretsnipes8375]

I bought 2 bro raft pontoon boat rod holders for $25ea. I did some modification to prevent loosing the rod holder itself but they work great

[@JaredChampionPicks]

Awesome Review, you made my mind up. I would try using locktite on the threads of the thumb screws on the seat, should keep them in.

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome - a great idea. And I’m glad this review helped!

[@HugDeeznueces]

Awesome 🎉 just bought the XTS version.

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice!

[@ryanward58]

always wanted one.... good review FlyFishDan. Very informative

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! Glad you thought so :)). I appreciate the comment.

[@kevinmcphee7922]

Nice! I picked up one of these used years ago… also to fish the Yakima. I think you are on the money. Functions and floats great, good construction for the $$$. And you’re right on about the rod holder, could be better- be interested to see what you replace with. Also the storage… a bunch of small pockets, like you said. I’d spend all day packing if I split my gear up into the pockets. I see you had the flippers on… do you have much luck with fishing while floating? Never had much luck with that - always just pull over and wade. If you have a good method feel free to share it Thanks Kevin

[@riverrightoutdoors]

Very nice review 👍

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you!

[@Inspiredlaserengraving]

Had one. But had issues with it staying aired up. Love it in rapids and lakes. It a great boat to have. Just had that air issue. So I got rid of it. Probably could have called them about it. 😂😂

[@FlyFishDan]

So far so good for me - I abused it pretty good on a long weekend and she held together pretty well...minus a few bolts and nuts...Lol

[@johnarguelles4737]

Good review! Well done!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks John! :))

[@felixandrade9387]

Very informative! Thank you !

[@FlyFishDan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@f.b.i7334]

Probably gonna grab one of these and modify it to add a footwell so thanks for the video, and GO COUGS!

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome! GO COUGS indeed!

[@Steve-sv3ln]

Nice review...ty! Do you think it's feasible to deflate and inflate every trip detaching the pontoons from the main body to save space in a small vehicle that I have?

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Steve! I completely disassemble and deflate every trip. It’s about a 15 minute tear down and 20 minutes set up. Fits in the trunk of my sedan. Totally doable - cheers!

[@Steve-sv3ln]

@@FlyFishDan Very nice! Ty for the reply friend! The Gospel of John, sooner than later.❤️

[@chickconte]

Nice bike in the background!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks!

[@steveloudon7491]

Hello. Thanks for the video. Can you tell me what pump you use to inflate the pontoons. Thanks.

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet! I use an electric pump from Aqua Glide - makes my life a lot easier!

[@jiujitsujerry5767]

i got this about 4yr ago when it was $350 i deck mine out i put a 360 swivel seat on it with a fish finder and a 30lb trust motor😎😎😎👍👍5mph 15mph in the water highly recommend

[@Hawkeye_77]

Great video, go Cougs!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! Go Cougs indeed!

[@martinludvik8361]

Heeeey Dan,now that's a thing.🤗🤗🤗👀👀👀🙄🙄🙄 Fish on.🤠🤠🤠

[@ScottKeith-j8t]

When fishing the Yakima do you fish from the boat or stop and wade in different spots? Have you used it during summer on the Yakima in high flows? Hope to run into you some time. I’m in the south sound too.

[@FlyFishDan]

I mostly use my pontoon boat for transportation down the river, stopping at each place that looks fishy.

[@bubbag1569]

Question....where can buy replacement parts for your pontoon boat ?

[@FlyFishDan]

Great question - I would guess reaching out to the manufacture directly. Let me know what you find out!

[@bubbag1569]

@@FlyFishDan I call the people who make them and every replacement part was out of stock

[@toolman.dustin]

Great video, thanks for the review. Very thorough. Thanks for listing the various products you use. At 2:58 we get a glimpse of the boots and fins you are using. Is this a separate fin & boot or a single product? Booties? Shoes? Fins? If these are the Korker boots, do they shrink when they dry?

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Dustin - the fins I had on this day are just a crappy plastic strap on set...last time I went out, I didn't use them as with rivers...it's just too much of a pain taking them on and off. I wear a U.S. diver fin for lakes. The boots are Korkers - best wading boot I've ever owned and no shrinking after they dry. Here is a link to the one's I have: Korkers Wading Boots: alnk.to/5F6UL4K

[@richardwalker1245]

Could you do a pontoon vs float tube pros and cons video?

[@Hondeer]

Yakima River! I started fly fishing there at CWU. Would get up at 5, be in the water at 6. Ice on the tips, standing in nothing but flip flops and board shorts up to my thighs. haha Looks like a great little boat, looking for something to do steelhead/salmon work. :)

[@FlyFishDan]

Great boat for sure - love the Yakima!

[@michaellyne7496]

Review the m29 weasel

[@jackpine7592]

I've had mine for a while. I found your video searching for using the pontoon on a river. Wondering how to maneuver it in current. Wondering if I should try and paddle it or use the oars. Seems like the oars make the total footprint really big. I might need to get through tighter spots.

[@FlyFishDan]

You definitely will want to stay on the oars if you are in a river (safety), unless it's a very slow, near zero current. By maneuvering the oars around you can stay nimble on the river.

[@davidbitner8129]

How long to take down and put back together? If I were to partially take apart and put it in my trunk?

[@FlyFishDan]

It comes a part super quick, maybe 10 minutes and it's packed. The put together usually takes about 20 minutes, mostly because I put a piece on backwards and have to start over...Lol. Super easy though. Cheers!

[@No3Jacks]

Question. I just purchased one of these boats. Found out later that they are no longer in production and replacement parts are limited to what’s on hand😢. That’s not my question 😅. If you’re not going to use your boat for 3-5 days, should you let some of the air out?

[@FlyFishDan]

Yes, I generally keep them about half pressure in storage.

[@aNuthaRedneck]

I'm very interested in one if these I've found used. I don't like the idea of my feet dangling in the water or having to use my feet to maneuver it around. What do you think about adding a net and or tarp between the seat and foot rests to keep feet dry? It could also double as a "catch-all" when bait or tackle ...or fish... is dropped.

[@FlyFishDan]

There are foot stirrups to keep your feet dry - you can add a platform, just makes it more difficult to get in and out.

[@fmbjay0166]

Hi what type of air valve and pump can you use?

[@FlyFishDan]

It's a wide mouth valve with an automatic shutoff valve - you can use a hand pump or electric pump. Both work great!

[@Michael-wy6fh]

hell yeah, i work for them 😂

[@FlyFishDan]

Well that’s pretty cool! Feel free to share this with your colleagues! Cheers!

[@omarelgardaoui2551]

Halow, it is adaptable for the sea too ? thank you

[@FlyFishDan]

I suppose it would do great in an inland sea setting - I would keep it out of the ocean though. Cheers!

[@omarelgardaoui2551]

@@FlyFishDan thanks for information

[@papichulo1843]

Dude I swear I’ve seen you in the FFW Facebook page

[@FlyFishDan]

Yes you have :))

[@kenlaliberte7905]

Does the seat swivel?

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks for watching Ken - it does not...it's fixed.

[@josephlarocque5786]

Never any problems with hooks and the inflatable rafts?

[@FlyFishDan]

I have never had an issue - pretty tough bladders on these boats.

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Dec. 12, 2020----Reno, Nev. here and thanks for the review. There's a Cabela's on the far west side of town and I've been looking at the 2 different boats they offer, but don't remember who makes them. One thing I didn't see or hear is weight capacity. One of Cabela's has a weight limit of 250 pounds and I run 240-250 weight wise. Then add 20 pounds for gear and an anchor, how does it affect the boats handling capability? I noticed you're wearing chest waders.....what's the chance of the boat flipping in deep water and you getting to the surface now that your waders are full of water? Especially during winter time. Thanks for the video.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello! According to the sticker on the pontoon; the capacity is 400 pounds with person + gear. I had mine weighted down with myself at 230 pounds and probably 50 pounds of gear (including my 5 pound anchor)...had no trouble at all. The boat handled great, even loaded down. I have a pretty stout wading belt that would keep water out for a time (hopefully long enough for me to swim to shore) if disaster struck. Hope that helps! Cheers!

[@helidoc21121]

Going to the Henry’s fork in June Was thinking about picking one of these up Would this work?

[@FlyFishDan]

Totally - it's good up to about class 2. Just be sure to wear you PFD

[@senpailogic913]

Just curious I'm thinking about getting one of these. A year later how is it holding up and how much did it cost you?

[@FlyFishDan]

It’s holding up pretty well - when I purchased it I spent about $400. The only bummer is a little rust on the frame, and you have to keep an eye on the nuts that hold on the trolling plate (they loosen over time)…other than that it’s been rock solid.

[@bretsnipes8375]

Replace bolts and wing nut with nuts that have a nylon insert that keeps them from loosing

[@stevec5576]

The outcast 10 ft is 4 times the boat , good for 500 lbs. of person & gear .10 out of 10

[@Wildcamping123]

How much does it cost ? And where can I get one from ? Thanks Paul

[@FlyFishDan]

Hi Paul - I left the link in the description of the video. Right now they are running $522 and there are only two left (like everything else...they seem to be in limited supply). Good luck and thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@neilspringman910]

What do you think your entire weight load was? The original outlander said 350 and the cat says 400. Trying to figure out the performance on max or above max load

[@neilspringman910]

Colorado my fault

[@FlyFishDan]

With myself, I have loaded this down over 300 pounds with no issues. I am 240, gear around 80 pounds.

[@andreal3535]

This might sounds dumb, but let's say I'm fishing with some friends and they somehow hook the inflatable part, do you think it'll pop? Or is the material thick and durable that a hook might not even pierce it?

[@FlyFishDan]

Nope! It has very durable inside and outside membrane.

[@nagunaks2222]

Winning!

[@WhatSetsMeFree]

Hi there and good morning from San Bernardino, CA. I just recently picked this boat up. I’ve seen many people using flippers with these style of boats. Why is that?

[@FlyFishDan]

It’s light enough that you can use flippers to navigate around both a lake or river with ease. Having that mobility kept me in the fishing zone during my free flows down river. The only pain in the butt was taking them off each time I wanted to fish a spot off the boat.

[@WhatSetsMeFree]

@William James The not knowing why they were using flippers who’s not gonna stop me from purchasing my pontoon boat, it wouldn’t have mattered to me either way! They’re just flippers, not a high dollar Pro-Fishing Boat, Lol! As to watching videos for the know how, that’s how you found me here! I’ve watched my fair share of videos, but no one was mentioning the reason why they were using flippers. I just took a wild guess as to the reason why, and I was pretty spot on. I’ve heard a lot of people complain about taking them off and on, which is why I just decided stick with my trolling motor and Oras. Thanks for the heads up, it’s very much appreciated! 🤙🏼 🙏🏼 🙌🏼

[@kennystephens1516]

Are these type of boats easy to deflate and put in back of SUV?

[@FlyFishDan]

Not too bad at all...in fact, I did just that over the weekend! Very easy to deconstruct, deflate, pack in the back of my Jeep and put back together when I get to the river.

[@kennystephens1516]

@@FlyFishDan thanks for getting back with me

[@LouisianaBlackwaterFlyFishing]

man I had one of those and after a 12ft gator following my grunting, I sold it..

[@FlyFishDan]

YIKES!!

[@anythingadrenaline4515]

What's the difference between this model and the XT model?

[@FlyFishDan]

XT is a bit larger, more storages and capacity. It’s also heavier - hope that helps!

[@anythingadrenaline4515]

@@FlyFishDan Are they all the same material?

[@FlyFishDan]

@@anythingadrenaline4515 pretty much - yes. Colors vary though between some models

[@mt.hoodangler]

You have an Instagram?? Is it better then a fish catt 9? Wondering if it can handle deshutts and clack. Want something worht it!🙏

[@FlyFishDan]

It can handle up to class one rapids. It’s been a good watercraft up to this point, my only challenge is that the frame has a tendency to rust in places (which is a bummer)

[@thomasstripes9169]

I clicked on this because I bought one and was thinking of floating the yak.

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice - I have several video's of fly fishing the Yakima River on the channel. Feel free to have a look! Cheers!

[@johnwang9409]

Nice review. I’m just wondering instead collapsing the whole thing down every time, are you able to keep most of the frame assembled in your trunk and then just attach them to the inflatables once pumped up? I feel that would save a whole lot of time.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! The frame is just too large when fully assembled to keep in your trunk...it won't even fit in the back of my Jeep full assembled (too wide). I have recently bought a trailer and keep the pontoon boat winched up to the ceiling of the garage (fully assembled) ...then plop it down on a trailer when I want to use it. Not the most convenient, but it's working for me. Thanks for taking the time to watch! Cheers!

[@bretsnipes8375]

I have a Subaru Outback that I load it up in. I keep the pontoons connected to the frame and separate from the frame that holds the seat from the pontoons. I deflate the pontoons then just fold the ends toward the center and load up. Having a battery powered pump is a life saver. Takes about 20-30 min to get setup.

[@roderickk69]

I think you have the foot posts upside down, there supposed to point down..

[@FlyFishDan]

I like them up - keeps my feet up and out of the water :))

[@megamilyon6111]

Why were you wearing fins ? I thought movement is all by oars ? Also, dont the find prohibit your ability to walk ?

[@FlyFishDan]

Yes, I tried to use fins so I could still fish during the float...impossible to get out and walk when you do that though. I need a fin designed that I can walk with!

[@megamilyon6111]

@@FlyFishDan thanks for the reply. i am considering getting a pontoon this summer and I hadnt seen anyone wearing fins with these. so, normally people wear shoes right ?

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet! Typically anglers will wear a wading shoe/boot with a traction sole (felt or spikes) to keep yourself upright when fishing slippery bottoms.

[@fishgod20]

Anybody have issues with rust??

[@FlyFishDan]

Yup - starting to on mine which is a bit disappointing

[@fishgod20]

Yup. I had it out 5 times ...short 2-3 hr trips... rusted ...they did send a replacement frame ...

[@FlyFishDan]

@@fishgod20 nice they did that - I’ll have to keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing!

[@Martinroadsguy]

I thought not needing a trailer to haul it was the whole point of an inflatable.

[@FlyFishDan]

It can be stuffed in the trunk - but hauling it via trailer is that it's all put together and ready to go!

[@Martinroadsguy]

@@FlyFishDan I've got an Intex raft and a plywood deck I made for it. It's not as easy to pack up and take home from the lake as I thought it would be lol

[@jacemcfarland3009]

A lot of comments in the car. What does that prove?

[@FlyFishDan]

I don’t understand your question?

[@jacemcfarland3009]

@@FlyFishDan you posted the majority of your comments while sitting in a car. Sell the product, not the inside of a car.

[@FlyFishDan]

@@jacemcfarland3009 can’t please everyone I suppose - cheers!

[@Nickdagoat420]

Are you In Tumwater WA? I recognize those apartments in the back from the time I lived there lol

[@FlyFishDan]

This was filmed up in Seattle :))