Colorado XT Modifications

[@chub7387]

This is a step up on Nate D . I'd love to use this for my Wilderness. I have a 2.5 Hp 4 stroke for the back side and a 40 Lb thrust Minn Kota for the front side to troll with. So inspiring ; the both of you !!

[@mikec3605]

Mike Kelly thanks for the positive feedback! Nate D is owed the credit. Please post the next evolution.

[@chub7387]

Yup; I viewed the two Vids. Both were great and I'll pick a bit from them both to mod my Toon with. keep up the great work. ;-A~~

[@titanpredatorwolf7653]

Awesome mods Mike, I used both yours and Nate D's. ideas on mine, took it out Labor Day weekend and even though I didn't catch anything I had a blast on this little boat whizzing up and down the lake. I added two rod holders but took them off as the were in the way. 100% credit to you and Nate D for your creativity, thank you sir.

[@mikec3605]

That's great! Glad it worked for you. These boats are a lot of fun.

[@scouter6926]

Just unpackaging and assembling my second pontoon boat , Outcast) and unpacking a newly purchased pontoon boat. I will copy your modifications as the modifications as when I did on my first boat as there was a lot of trials and even more errors. Tight lines👍👍 Tight lines

[@AndreasUnderwood-em1bg]

Great motor pushed my 14 foot boat with no problem iam a big guy would recommend this to my friends

[@darylwardell4909]

Thanks Mike. Loved the ideas and the video. I've had this pontoon for years and yet to use it.

[@mikec3605]

That's really sad. Get it on the water asap, then you'll have a happy story!

[@ibuiltit4u]

Thanks. Love the mods. And look at all the rod holders. Great idea on the seat ones.

[@mikec3605]

Thank for the positive feedback! I love this boat after the mods. The seat really is the the most important mod if you're going to use it for lake fishing. Even anchored, the wind blows you all around. Swivel seat makes that a non-issue.

[@marcarnold5151]

Looks great. I just got mine and am going to incorporate the motor mount mod, seat with the pole holders, and the side pole mounts. I am thinking about locating those lower down using the existing holes. I'm thinking that it might allow me to keep the oars on the boat while still giving me the side rod holders. If it works, I will post a few pics.

[@mikec3605]

+Marc Arnold Awesome! How did the rod holders work out? Once I mounted the trolling motor, I never used the oars again, but I only fished lakes...

[@justinbearce9797]

Great ideas on this boat! I do just want to make one comment though. It appears you have the power coming from the battery going into the male side of the connector? This is generally a bad idea. That means you have power going to exposed conductors so if something conductive brushes up against the prongs you are shorting the battery. A good rule of thumb is to always have the power side of a connector be female so you don’t risk shorting it out or shocking yourself. 12v battery isn’t really going to do much to you it doesn’t have enough potential but if you short out the battery that could make for a bad time. If I saw that wrong I apologize. I am an electrical engineer so that’s something I always have to pay attention to when I’m designing something. Just wanted to pass along the information.

[@johnarcher9480]

Nicely done! Have you ever attempted a re-entry with the casting deck on?

[@RickLovesBacon]

Nice job on the mods. I have been looking at these. F1 Racing in the background sounds cool. We are almost neighbors.

[@mikec3605]

Awesome! Give me a shout if you wanna go fishing.

[@RickLovesBacon]

Mike C Will Do I normally go fishing at Walter E Long Lake and Webberville.

[@stevegate2652]

Hi Mike, I like the idea of connect/disconnect power so much. I've looking around for the receptacle but haven't success. Could you please share where you get it? Thanks a lot Mike.

[@raywilliamson9396]

Please do a video on the construction of your trailer. Looks perfect to haul your float boat.

[@mikec3605]

It's a small boat trailer I modified. I'll upload a video with some close ups of what I did. It works well

[@mikec3605]

Sorry I never posted on the trailer. Sold the pontoons and trailer. Honestly, the trailer was kind of heavy, but got it for free, so it worked.

[@scottallen3502]

Look cool. How u get off when u landing?

[@freedomfitmind]

Thanks for posting Mike & Nate, very cool and useful. I was wondering if anyone considered putting the battery up front, instead of the trolling motor. It seems that although the handle is easier to get to, it is somewhat in the way for casting and such. Just a thought thanks again for posting, I hope to buy my xt soon:)

[@mikec3605]

Thanks for the reply. Seems like a viable solution. Please post videos of what you come up with.

[@dustinetokiko]

Hi Mike, great set-up. I'm new to the world of pontoon boats. Can you tell me the size of the PVC components for the rod holders on the seat back? Also, what is the length of each holder you used? Thanks so much!!! Did you ever post something about your trailer modifications? I just bought a used Harbor Freight folding trailer and the width is only 4' so I need to make a platform at least 6' wide.

[@mikec3605]

I used 1 1/4” pvc for everything. Just cut to fit.

[@zlwebb1989]

You dont need the motor in the front people! You need to get the toons up to 2.0-2.5 psi! I have a group 27 batter and a 55lb thrust trolling motor in the back and I have 0 sag. Use an electric pump to quickly get it inflated then use a dual action hand pump with as gauge attachment to reach the proper psi

[@zoffinger]

That's pretty slick.

[@mikec3605]

Thanks!

[@mikec3605]

Holy Crap! I just noticed 3 years later that Zoffinger posted on my one video channel. LOL. Love your videos and wish you the best on your new location. I have no doubts you're gonna succeed.

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike d you remember the length of the spacer between the 3 way and 4 way on the motor mount. Has to be more than what Nate used , looks longer maybe 4" s.

[@edheinlein3747]

Hey Mike, you and others here are referencing "Nate D.". Could you possibly provide a link to his youtube so we can easily find his contributions? Thanks in advance!

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike do you have a video that shows the added dimensions and added materials? your mods really look great

[@mikec3605]

Ray Williamson Thanks. Didn't really get into a lot of measurements on this. Just enough to make sure it fit. This video is as detailed as I got, but "NateD" has very specific details on KZbin

[@raywilliamson9396]

Thanks. The idea is what I'm working. Great job tho. I might change the pole holders some

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike just looking at the front end/transom it would appear to be approx 20" wide, just the tubing length. I like your design more than Mike D's. Much stronger and supportive of the motor. the boards appear to be maybe 1 x 8...?? Just a really strong set up.

[@BeachWalker66]

Mike can you tell more about your trailer that you made.Thank You John

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike the Minkota trolling motor carries 42 amps. Did you use a 50 amp fuse block ( inline fuse) with your motor

[@frenchbrit5098]

I am not a fan of having a front mount trolling motor because of prop injury to leg or foot. I get everyone's concern about weight in the back. I attached 2 boat bumpers to the bottom of the basket and it helped greatly in keeping the rear of the pontoon up with about 80 lbs of battery and motor. I also moved the seat all the way forward for better weight distribution and keep the pontoons inflated to 2.5 lbs

[@waynegriffith6206]

How do you check the PSI when inflating I’m having a problem with finding a good reliable gauge. Thanks

[@ChubbyThunder69]

So you don't use the ore's anymore?

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike do you ever experience issues with the wind pushing you where the motor can't control the direction. Not a hard wind but more of a breeze. What pressure do you inflate you boat to. Drum tight or some what soft.

[@rodwesling8660]

Love your set up! I have a Quad inflatable with the motor on the rear! The reason I mounted it on the rear is that it`s really hard to step over the two pontoons when the motor is on the front! I`m looking at seting it up so I don`t have to turn around to steer it! Is the seat mounted on the ball bearing plate that can be bought seperately for the seat? What are you using for the stem that the seat pivots on? Thanks Rod.

[@mikec3605]

Hello Rod. I bought the extended seat swivel years ago at academy. The base plate mounted to the frame and the extended rod slides into it. 5” seemed to be the perfect height. Search amazon or a local sports store. I would send a pic, but I don’t have the pontoons anymore.

[@waynewauters939]

I would like to see more about the Trailer as well

[@mikec3605]

Wayne Wauters I still plan on posting, but been too busy.

[@geneclover]

Mike, these are awesome mods. I live in Austin as well and could use some help with some of these mods.

[@mikec3605]

Give me a shout. Happy to spread the fun

[@playinghookywithdavidchapa387]

F1… so youre in the austin area? Im in south texas myself… have you tried this in salt water?

[@michaelhoggatt3051]

I want to know more about the trailer you have it on.

[@denniskane3460]

hey mike how do get on your pontoon with all the stuff mounted on the front ? great set-up though like the trailer to thanks

[@mikec3605]

Thanks Dennis. Gotta get your feet wet unless you wear some wading boots. Just step over the motor on either side close to the pontoon. Now you will be standing between the seat and motor. Push the boat just far enough so it’s floating and slide on the seat. Don’t go deep before getting on the seat. Easier than it looks or sounds.

[@mikec3605]

Step over Motor mount, not the motor...

[@Arawn777]

mike, i live in berdoll farms and just bought the Colorado a few weeks ago. perhaps we could hit a lake soon. im Arawn on the book of faces!

[@mikec3605]

Steve, Sorry I missed your post! I am terrible at social media :-/ Would love to go fishing

[@scottsears5685]

Hey Mike, Great video. Between you and Nat D, convinced me to purchase the Colorado XT. It will be delivered later this week. You mentioned that you were in TX as I am. When you registered your boat, were you required to put the registration letters and numbers on it? How did you go about putting them on? Any information you can provide on this would be helpful. Thanks

[@mikec3605]

If you mount a motor of any type, it must be registered with the registration letters on the boat. I originally spray painted them onto a piece of cedar and zip-tied them on the frame on either side. Later I Sharpied them on to the tube. You'll see tape covering my registration on the video. Hope you enjoy the boat!

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike are you running the motor in reverse as mounted. Saw another video where that is the case and they claimed the boat ran faster.

[@mikec3605]

Try it both ways. The best way is the way that works for you.

[@fernandogarnica645]

What’s Nate D’s website?

[@raywilliamson9396]

Mike what gauge wire are you running from the battery to the motor? the motor has 8 or 10 gauge wire on it.

[@xjonathanx79]

Thank you for the vid. What do you recommend to charge your battery: any brand you like

[@mikec3605]

I just grabbed one from auto zone

[@ltcamay]

Great video and ideas thanks for sharing!

[@mikec3605]

Corey May Thanks

[@kbbgood]

What model number is your motor. Looks to be a shorter shaft then most.

[@dealerslicenseops]

links to buy those mods?

[@shawnwaterman]

Hi Mike you and Nate did a great job on the Vids. where did you get your seat?

[@mikec3605]

yakfisher bass Thanks! Got it at Cabelas. Paid a little more for a nice seat. Makes a big difference in all day comfort.

[@dannydelarosa6375]

Mike, what connectors did you use? Are they 20amp?

[@raywilliamson9396]

I think I can figure it out by assembling by setting the 2x4 on the 19" cross member with the 3 way installed not fastened. I really like you method and am trying to copy it with little mods. How well does you XT tow with the motor installed or do you remove it when towing

[@mikec3605]

That's how I got the fit right. I always removed the motor for peace of mind.

[@a1930ford]

Where do you register a motorized pontoon boat in Texas? If you build it yourself and put a trolling motor on it, are there any restrictions besides the red/green light and white light? Nice video and nice mods.

[@mikec3605]

All boats are registered through Texas Parks and Wildlife www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/ Go to their website for more information or give them a call. Thanks for the comments on the video.

[@4xangler505]

Great vid and mods! 1 question though, do you need to have a raised swivel base or will a flat swivel base allow you to turn without hitting the metal basket behind the seat? I'd like to keep a low center of gravity as possible.

[@mikec3605]

The raised will allow 360. Gonna have issues without it, not to mention the comfort. Been in some rough stuff (unexpected storm) and had no issues with stability. Try it both ways and see what works for you. Not an expensive mod if you don't like it.

[@dune32]

This is amazing 😁

[@EddieWilson92438]

Mike C and Nate D have done great jobs. What trolling motors are you using?

[@lydicjc]

I know you are selling these but do you know where you got the 5" seat pedastal? Can't seem to find one that small.

[@QE434245RYUFHJ]

+Jerrami Lydic the pedestal mount can be had at any BassProShop,they have the flat seat swivel also

[@zafarzafarjon4687]

have you taken them to Corpus Christi flats? is it OK to use them on salt water?

[@mikec3605]

Unfortunately they are not rated for saltwater. The metal frame would corrode.

[@TheMrg39914]

what about the capacity of the pontoon. what is the max on this i have the blue one.

[@chesterdonahou8294]

I just bought one of these and a fisher cat streamer xl got them both for 400 not bad price at all for two boats i am going to set them both up a lot like this when i am done i will post a video for you and one thing i did notice on your's your motor is not deep enough and that will cause the handling you talked about they will not respond like you want them too :)

[@mikec3605]

Did you ever set them up? Didn't see a video.

[@flushot6513]

I dig it but the balance thing i dont carry much one small tackle box and 2 rods should be more stable than feeling like your gonna tip like in a kayak

[@chrisb.4879]

What size thrust trolling motor do you use on your colorado xt? And what is the shaft length? Thanks

[@mikec3605]

30lb Minnkota. Basically the cheapest one I could get. It does the job but, I think a 40lb would scoot along nicely...

[@nigelallum4650]

Hi Mike have you ever seen a xt with a floor/leaning post? is it possible ?.I have followed your motor mount video and it works well.But I must say the steering was quite erratic,I did rotate the head 180 degrees would that be why it is skittish? I have purchased.Bullnose Rudder but have not had time to try it out yet..Any help would be greatly recieved. I would really like to fit a floor and leaning post for Pike fly fishing Cheers an Tightlines

[@mikec3605]

Hello Nigel. The motor should mount and orient just like the video. Does the motor push the boat, or pull the boat towards it? It should push the boat away from it, otherwise steering is ridiculously slow and frustrating. The bow becomes the stern when traveling. With that being said, I would never consider tracking a better quality of this boat. You will greatly improve speed and response by doing it this way, but it takes a little finesse to keep a straight line. Try adjusting the locking cam so the motor requires some pressure to turn it. Make minor steering adjustments when at speed and that should help. I have fished standing by placing my feet on the frame, so a platform may be possible. I thought about it, but didn't wan't to add weight, set-up time... Also, a platform would make entry and exit more difficult. The seat was so comfy, I didn't want to stand! Let me know if this helps. Now go get bit

[@nigelallum4650]

Hi Mike Thanks for the advise.I turned the motor head 180degs by removing the locating screws.I'm in the US for another 5/6 weeks when I get home I will work it out.As the platform.One of the reasons I thought/think it might help is that with river launching from a built up bank ,It is hard to get in to the toon.And being 280lb 6'1'' and as near as dam it 65 i thought a step on approach would suit me better,also better to cast a fly from.I would see if it was feasible to have it drop on by the way of upturned U shaped brackets.So if launching from a sloping bank i could walk in and the drop the small platform into potion.Thaks for the advice will keep you posted.Cheers and tight lines.PS got bit yesterday 17lb Steelhead plus a8 and 7lb plus lost the biggest of the day on a drift boat on the Wynoochee in WA buzzing!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikec3605]

Sweet!

[@1515chollins]

Hi mike. With the raised seats, would that be a problem with using the oars at your current seat height?

[@mikec3605]

I never used the oars after the mod. It will change the dynamics. Depends on what you your intentions are for the boat. If mostly trolling, not a big deal. If mostly rowing, might not work for you. But that depends. Are you using oars to direct down river, and troll on larger portions? It is really a matter of comfort verses efficiency. I used the boat on lakes only. Rowing was arduous at best in good conditions. It's really designed to float down a river. God forbid you get a headwind and no current.

[@1515chollins]

Got it. I use my oars quite a bit so I probably need to use low. I wanted to upgrade my seat from the padded plastic but wasn't sure my options. I read the boat seats like yours hold water hence why I was interested in raising the seat. I guess back to the drawing board. I've looked on the forums and KZbin but not much info on seat upgrades and the few all have raised seats.

[@taylorcurtis1009]

hey mike, working on getting my colorado setup. what Kind of battery are you using? and what is the weight of the battery do you think?

[@raywilliamson9396]

That is a descent trailer would you like to share some dimensions and axle type.

[@cheevue9670]

hey mike where can i get the trolling motor upgrades and where can i buy direct

[@mikec3605]

I just went to Academy. Honestly, I'm disappointed with the connector I used. Advise looking for a 2 pin adapter.

[@dbomber69]

Any one try putting the motor mount assembly and putting the whole thing in the holes for the foot rests? A welder could weld brackets for the battery rack to the foot rest tubes so you put the rack in front too so you could stand. Maybe weld up a new battery holder to fit in the tubes where the rack used to go in back.

[@jandblawncare8570]

Does that stripping apron slide forward or can it be positioned differently, it's kind of pointless being under the seat. I know you didnt put it there but their web site doesnt say anything about it and im a fly fisher.

[@mikec3605]

There is a stripping basket that mounts on either side in place of one of the tackle bags. I don't use it so just mount both tackle bags. The net below the seat has saved more than one dropped item and is really all its for.

[@raywilliamson9396]

The tubing looks to be 20" actual width is much wider.

[@gradycarter354]

How do you think an 8 inch seat pedestal would work

[@mikec3605]

Sorry I didn't see your post. Did you add an 8" pedestal? I would think that would be a little too high?

[@KellyBellCuriosities]

Im disabled and in my 50s and have just purchased this to get out on the water with my friend who like to kayak Is there any way one could make a conopy for this little boat?

[@mikec3605]

You could rig something up with PVC and shade screen, but some good fishing clothes, hat and buff would be a better bet.

[@wyldbill100]

Go to one of the home improvement centers and buy a riding lawn mower sun "umbrella" and mount it to your boat's chair. EASY!

[@NikkiPage]

Hey Mike! Beautiful rig! I ordered my XT and will arrive in the next few days. I will be adding a trolling motor and front mount. What battery do you recommend? My local pond is Lake Erie and drifting in the bays you can cover some serious distance. I want to be sure that I can get back to the dock :) Thanks in advance!

[@mikec3605]

Congrats! That's a pretty decent sized pond!!! You can buy a battery monitor that lets you know the charge. Get a "Deep Cycle" battery and maintain the charge when stored. Check the reserve capacity and plan your trips accordingly. I think mine was 175 min @ 25 amps. Don't run the troll on max. I usually kept mine on 3 when travelling with a 30lb Minkota. Use the wind to your advantage. Always troll upwind to start if possible. And ALWAYS take your oars just in case. Have Fun!

[@raywilliamson9396]

What air pump do you use that fits the 1 1/4 tubing

[@mikec3605]

I got a 2 way pump from academy sports. It's made for inflating air mattresses. By 2 way I mean it pushes air when you push and when you pull the handle.

[@raywilliamson9396]

Thanks that saves room

[@Hoss_1966]

I still am unclear as to why you mount the motor on the front, you say for balance, but you then said the front now is the back of the boat. So you reversed it, so could you just have mounted the battery on the front, and then all else remains stock. You would end up with the same result. Or am I missing something, thx

[@premiumgifts]

Hello.... I can tell you back years ago when the motor was front mounted was mainly so you didn't have to reach behind you to control the motor...

[@gt-yr5sn]

-why don't you spin the control head around so your not running the motor in reverse?

[@mikec3605]

g t it runs fwd. I made the the front of the boat the back when going from spot to spot. Also offsets the weight of the battery

[@gunbunny2003]

why don't you just loosen the mounting bolts on the head of the motor (where the handle is) and turn it around allowing the props to face the right direction and letting you use the bow as the bow and make steering easier?

[@mikec3605]

I did that at first, but the water flow pushing into the pontoons has an opposing effect on your direction.

[@gunbunny2003]

Mike C I see what you're saying now, you should be able to thwart that by adjusting the trim of the motor. Tilt the upper part of the unit more into the cabin of the boat. This will make the prop point more downward into the water creating a lift on the front of the boat. In turn, it will make the pontoons' draft more shallow and allow for forward propulsion comparable to a rear mounted motor.

[@mikec3605]

William Woofter I'll try that and measure the results. 2 concerns I have is 1. How much energy will be diverted from propulsion to lift and will the trade off be worth it? 30lbs thrust... 2. Will the motor be in the way when the seat is spun? Will let you know when I get back on the lake!

[@gunbunny2003]

Mike C sounds good Mike. good luck and have fun.

[@victorbloom8286]

I haven't watched Formula 1 since Nigle Mansell

RESPEKT 💪😉👍

[@raywilliamson9396]

Where did you find the 5" swivel base. Everything I find is like 11"

[@mikec3605]

Academy Sports

[@reelphatties6426]

Bad ass rig

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

This is so freekin lame! Just buy a bass boat. Rowing on lakes, drifting on rivers and stealth finning is what makes tooning a great sport. What is wrong with a little exercise. "Put in" where you want to fish...oh well..no offense. Leave it to a spinning rod bass fisherman to have 14 rods, 6 nets, 3 bait boxes, 600 lures, 4 ice chest full of beer ( I only have 2, Ha!), 3 fish finders, an underwater video cam, 100lbs of video equipment, including drone, raingear, camping equipment, 4 different motors, does that ABS plumbing system go to an onboard toilet? Ha! Hope you can take a little ribbing.... Fishing is great whatever your style....Good luck...

[@mikec3605]

None taken. Actually pretty funny and a little bit true!

[@raywilliamson9396]

You are a moron.......simple.