COLORADO XT (Wilderness SE) Pontoon mod overview!

[@willritter]

Hey y'all, I posted several more videos on the different mods I've made to my PONTOON! Check them out on my channel and consider subscribing!

[@willritter]

@Ironmonkey103 I can go all day, but I have a very large battery.

[@bigdoggstatus99]

The kids are wrong. Can't wait to see what a 60lb thrust will do on the back of mine, when I get one. You were moving along very well. Since you were helpful, I'll return the favor. I don't know why you haven't done this but, in case you think about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWnEhplumKaYnpI

[@stevec5576]

The 10 ft. Outcast with 8 ft. Oars tracks good.

[@ThePorpoisepower]

That bungee hack for the seat/trolling motor is genius... Gonna have to do that when I get a trolling motor for mine!

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Got my Colorado Classic today...it only cost me $295.00 plus Free Shipping from Amazon on Memorial Day weekend. Removed it from the boxes and it fit nicely into the trunk of my old VW Jetta TDI. Naturally, it is supposed to rain for the next four days or so but I'm gonna do a few mods before I take her out on her Maiden Voyage here in Central Oregon !

[@king4brisbane]

Grabbed one myself at that price. Now they're $500.

[@boblove6865]

That bungee hack!!! Fellas always have your oars on board regardless of how well your motor works!

[@stuntznfx2000]

That is awesome brother! Completely genius idea with the seat and trolling motor!!! Subscribed...tell your kids you're a cool dad! Tight Lines!

[@willritter]

Thanks! I will definitely tell them!

[@ttttenney]

Enjoyable video and your buddy was right, my 30lb trolling motor felt like I was on an ice zamboni, until I added the rudder and now it tracks like a champ. It's a must have in my book.

[@inannashu689]

Good idea on the paddles as a rudder,I bought a rudder but wish I had seen this first.

[@solid_fsg_4874]

I have a 04 Chevy S10 4door so I have a very small bed on my truck but I figured out if I let out about a 3rd of the air out of each pontoon that I can get it to slide and fit into my truck bed 👍👍 so much better than doing it all bfore you hit the water

[@mattcittadino]

Cool stuff ! I do however use flippers on my xt..often times just put her in reverse at slow speed and lightly kick and steer with my feet..if it’s dead calm you can easily may ever that boat with your feet..just some food for thought!

[@muddybuddy90]

Great ideas for my XT! I appreciate your real approach to the pro's and con's of your mods. You are the FIRST one I've seen address the tracking issue! I'll over the oars concept. They otherwise seem to be in the way when not used. I have yet to mount my Minn Kota. And I've literally been blown off of a lake in western WA, while trying to row!!!! Absolutely zero control. I've tried to envision a retractable keel design but have other projects to finish first. As far as transport and set up goes. Mine slides right into my pickup bed fully inflated. Most of my gear fits behind the seat in my extended cab. As long as I can back up close to the water to launch, it's a slam dunk! (Pun intended).

[@willritter]

I have a full size chevy so I'm going to try to load it fully in that. Man I hate the wind!

[@kevinjean5806]

I need all of these videos. I have dumb ideas, you already did them.

[@willritter]

and there are so many more... :)

[@79kcaton]

If you leave the pontoons inflated and only take apart the seat section of the frame and also leave the pontoons strapped to the outer frame it cuts the setup time by like 90%. I have a small/midsized suv and I toss the pontoons on the top and the rest of the frame in the back without having to lay the rear seat down. Rods and gear do in the back seat and I'm ready to float 20 minutes after I show up to the water. I also put a standing platform on mine and clamp the trolling motor to the front so I wouldn't have to deal with setting up any steering mechanism. Take 3 minutes to set up the trolling motor.

[@t.c.2776]

Do what I did... buy a used small utility trailer and convert it to a boat trailer and keep your XT semi-inflated and "ready to go"... saves hours and the hassles

[@KidBako]

Came across your channel and have enjoyed it and your enthusiasm! Keep 'em coming. If I may, here is an idea to help make your time arriving to the water and into it much quicker. I have two ways of doing this. First, I place my 90% assembled 9' Outcast on top of the my pickup beds BakFlip cover (it is a short bed). I see your pickup does not have a cover, so just use you skills to make a simple cover of sorts with 2x4's and plywood. Slide your boat on, minus the heavier gear, and strap it down. Saves a ton of time; only one year instead of a thousand! LOL. Second, I have an aluminum trailer I haul my Polaris Ranger around I also use to haul my boat and my buddies pontoon as well. (See the very end of my latest KZbin video.) The second boat sits above on supports from the trailers stack holes. I am also a kayaker and run a small trolling motor through the peddle drive hole. If you search KZbin, you will see many have used inexpensive Harbor Freight trailers to haul their kayaks. Others find a used trailer and rig it up accordingly. I hope you or your views will find value in these ideas. I'm all about getting into the water and not spending time setting up. Good luck and tight lines - Cheers!

[@willritter]

Thanks so much and nice crappie! I was thinking about building a bed platform this spring so you are my confirmation! Thanks for taking the time!

[@arnisribalovka9756]

Great stuff dude - use your ideas at mine pantoon thanks from other side of the world

[@willritter]

Happy to help!

[@nickmasterson4154]

cool man I sold a motorhome i had parked in athol id. and bought a pontoon in manteca ca. now i just need to get back up in the panhandle with mine. i love it . it is a pain in the ass to transport.

[@willritter]

A huge pain for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@robertbaker231]

Mine isn't a huge pain you guys are killing yourselves I use a flat trailer and slide it right off into the water

[@dickricherd3520]

You sir are brilliant thank you for the video

[@frankgalusha8365]

Thanks for the great tutorials.

[@willritter]

Glad you like them!

[@keithgoerz7677]

you can put trolling motors and steering systems on a kayak

[@RobBastien]

I hope you figured out how to solve the slow setup process, I have a SUV and can put everything together in 3:15 seconds.

[@TheMityquin]

The Sea Eagle 285 looks a little like it, but it has a floor so you could also stand. You should do a comparison. I’m sure you’ll like the Sea Eagle better. It’s very stable.

[@bigdoggstatus99]

Or 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWnEhplumKaYnpI

[@darhlvercaigne8795]

Really enjoyed this. Chimo

[@willritter]

Thanks so much!

[@thomaskass6668]

Keep your pontoons hooked up to frame that straps on. Fold the ends up an store.when your ready to use. Pull out an unfold and blow up.frame and straps will be perfect. Blow them up at home with air compressor and load in truck. No more pumping up at lake. These two things will save you a lot a time. Keep all your lures fish Finder and what ever else you need in bags on toons when you store them. Everything Will be ready to go next time you go fishing

[@willritter]

Great tip!

[@thomaskass6668]

If your using a trolling motor. I drilled a hole low on the front of my oar frame and slid bolt threw. Then drilled hole through top of oar. Make sure your oar blade is straight up and down when you drill whole. Put on nut to hold on. Oar should be going down the outside of your toon with blade going out back. I use a strap to the frame in the back to keep blade in position just under warter. Do both oars like this. Keeps oars out of the way. Takes a few minutes to hook up. And your toon will track like a dream

[@willritter]

@@thomaskass6668 brilliant

[@lngbmb]

How did you center mount your motor?

[@willritter]

I used some plywood and the existing holes to make a custom mount

[@nagunaks2222]

That's so rad!

[@scottryan8503]

I have a Colorado xt pontoon. I like it. I need to get a fish finder. Which one did you get ? Can you see the video on it please, and thank you

[@willritter]

Hopefully you found my review of my Garmin

[@frankgalusha8365]

Hi from Northern CA. On your steering system: 1) is it better to have the motor backwards and use reverse with the PWM? 2) is it better to use flat bungees than round ones? 3) I used a U-bolt with shackle but I thought I got some slippage so I'm thinking to use just the U-bolt. Didn't want to overtighten and damage the shaft on the Endura 40. No fishing trips yet but I'm thinking the Colorado Wilderness with your mods (and more) is going to be lots of fun on small lakes. Thanks, Frank

[@willritter]

Use the forward speed. I believe the windings are different and you won't be able to go as fast. You can take out the one bolt that attaches the head to the shaft, turn it backwards, and then reattach. 2. Doubt it matters on the bungees. I chose those because they had plastic hooks instead of metal ones. The shaft is pretty thick, as long as your ubolt is the proper size, you should be able to crank down enough to keep it from slipping. The wood helped mine too grip well. Have a great time!!!

[@mlandher]

Can you detail how you added the seat swivel? I purchased the swivel you recommended. However the bolts are too short to reach through the swivel and the raft frame. I’m having a hard time figuring out to replace with longer bolts. Thank you

[@willritter]

Hi, I bought some STAINLESS machine bolts, nuts, washers, from the hardware store.

[@johncross337]

I was not able to see your pvc rod holder very well. Could you show a close up? thanks. Great vid by the way.

[@willritter]

Hey John, you can get a better view on this video. It's meant to hold my 10ft sturgeon rod unlike a normal rod holder. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3-uoGawmtiInas

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

I bought a Clark Fork yesterday. When I got home I wanted to see how long it would take me to get it set up and ready to use. It took me all of 15 minutes. It takes you so long to set yours up because you have all that crap on it.

[@lotsofducks6234]

This is awesome, looking at a pontoon option right now since I didn't want to drop 2000 dollars on a hobie. If I'm buying used what would be some red flags or just general tips you'd give when looking?

[@willritter]

Faded material (uv damage), check where the straps anchor into the material for tearing, the metal is steel so if the powder coat chips off, it can rust from the inside. Hope this helps

[@lotsofducks6234]

@@willritter thanks! heading out to take look on the weekend I'll keep this in mind!

[@Northeasy_Iowa_Outdoors]

I have one for sale in Iowa if you're interested. It's only been in the water 2x.

[@lotsofducks6234]

​@@Northeasy_Iowa_Outdoors Thanks, though I already purchased one. High demand for one that new so I'm sure it'll sell quick

[@TheMityquin]

Sea Eagle 285. Check it out!

[@losfreddy]

Is it easy to break down and travel with or is a truck pretty much a requirement? I've been using inflatables and I was thinking of adding one of these to my fleet if I could tuck it in the trunk of my Prius

[@willritter]

The frame is held together with removable pins, so it can be broken down much farther, but with the amount of accessories I have (like a fish finder) taking it all the way apart is not realistic for me.

[@ivermectin3191]

If you could only buy one , would it be the pontoon or the fishing tube?

[@willritter]

pontoon no doubt

[@Gremlinslittlefriend]

What kind of pump do you use to fill your pontoons? How do you know when they're full enough? Last time I went out I brought my trolling motor and battery and it was bogging down the back quite a bit. I even had the battery next to me to distribute the weight better. I'm like 130lbs myself. what am I doing wrong??? More air?

[@willritter]

Hi Josh, I use a cheap double action pump from Walmart. Your pontoon should be tight as a drum. They make a gauge for it, and the psi is listed on the boat.

[@Gremlinslittlefriend]

@@willritter Awesome, thank you! I suppose it would be hard to over inflate these with a hand pump? Over inflation was my initial worry not having a gauge but they were certainly not tight as a drum when I went out. 😅

[@willritter]

Let me know how it went with the pressure increase!

[@jedibill111]

First, love the hands free idea. Couple of questions, what thrust do you recommend that I get for my trolling motor. I was thinking about the minn kota traxxis 45 transom mount. Also, are you using a bow mount motor, and if so how do you control the speed or stop if you have too? My Colorado should be here next week and I am stoked to finally get offshore. Great vid, subbed and liked.

[@willritter]

I have the 30, but a tad bigger would have been the ticket. Make sure it has a longer shaft than Minn Kota 30lb. Mine sucks air if the weight isn't just right. Speed: Check out a quick video on my channel on the controller I rigged up. It's a sweet setup that will save you a ton of battery and gives a ton of flexibility on speed. Plus no turning in my seat to throttle or stop.

[@jedibill111]

@@willritter Just checked and the 45 only comes with a 36" shaft. The 55 comes with a 42" shaft. Would the 36" be enough or should I go for the 55lb. 42"? Do you think that would be too much for the boat?

[@jedibill111]

@@willritter I just checked again and see the 30 has a 30" shaft so I'm guessing that 36" would be good. Thanks for the heads up man.

[@gordonmcds]

I bought a Kayak first, then sold it to buy a Colorado. So glad I did! I'm definitely interested in the sonar mount for the Garmin. Mine is attached to the trolling motor. I was going to buy the rudder, but after seeing your idea with the oars, I'm going to try that first. I also just bought a PVM to adjust my trolling speed and get more life out of my battery. Your seat steering is great! How did you attach to the motor shaft? Thanks for the video!

[@willritter]

I'll make another video in a couple weeks explaining the specifics you mentioned. Video is worth a million words. Might want to buy two of the pvm. They are SUPER cheap. My first one broke immediately. So, be very gentle with it!

[@willritter]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHvEXmylfM53gpo

[@rainwheeler4010]

How do you mount your transducer? I would really appreciate the help

[@willritter]

hi, check my channel, it's on there

[@raylingard2787]

Do you have a video on setting up the speed control

[@willritter]

I'll get one out for you

[@willritter]

It's up if you hadn't seen it yet!

[@49ers49ers]

Where or how did you make pole holders?

[@willritter]

Hi Paul, I have several video that address most your questions. I haven't tried a lighter lithium battery. Blessings!

[@bubbag1569]

Hello where can you find replacement parts ?

[@willritter]

Hi Bubba, not sure about that. I would google it

[@mt.hoodangler]

What's better a colorado xt, or the fish cats???

[@willritter]

I only have experience with the Colorado xt. I made my decision based on the rack (needed heavy duty rack for the big battery, etc) and storage options. Maybe that helps?

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

I would never do any mod that takes away finning and hands free fishing. That is what makes toons special. I think the author said this as well.

[@donaldoakley7398]

What size motor do you have?

[@willritter]

I have a 30lb. Make sure you get one with a longer shaft. If you get the shorter one (the cheaper one), it will suck air and cavitate. Super annoying.

[@Exploer8591]

Why does it take so long to get it ready? Do you have any videos on the process of making it ready?

[@willritter]

Kevin, the real key is the inflating. I through up a video a couple months ago and the new inflator is a GAME CHANGER

[@toomanyinconsistencies851]

Can this go in saltwater

[@ReflectivitytivitcelfeR]

A little late to the party, but what is the weight capacity?

[@Snailmailtrucker]

400 lbs.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

How do you totate motor 90 deg? I find I have to do this a lot to maneuver in my xt, especially in wind. The oars help track, yes, but only modestly, they are always in the way, imo. They also cause drag to a range that is minimal. Here is a novel idea, drift downstream and then take out or find a river that is not a lake in disquise. I had Lowrance sidescan on xt as well. Probably will mount on kayak. Fish finders are not necessary on rivers. Read the river. Sorry man, nice presentation, no offense. Just trying to save people some expense. Been ther done that. This is what google comments are for, sayeth some dude, somewhere.

[@jabbo59]

got it

[@jerryguerrero8837]

Awesome thank you

[@willritter]

Thanks Jerry, make sure to subscribe!

[@edouardbrouillette3799]

How long does I take for you to build and inflate it

[@willritter]

Way to long!!! 10-15 minutes realistically

[@FGQuinto]

Two years ago i copied you.. thanks for the info.. the problem i had is with the wires to the pwm are too small so they got super hot and i used wire for the seat stearing connection. i don't recommend that. this year i'm going to use bungee and see if it's better.

[@Dsmuyt]

Why the Colorado ? And not the Roanoke ?

[@willritter]

Hey Dino, I don't have any experience with the Roanoke pontoons, but I will tell you I chose the Colorado because of the rack design and the storage solutions. Hope that helps. Blessings

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Toons really are designed to be single-hand drift boats. They will do everything a guide drifter will do, in addition to finning and hands free fishing, which makes them better. On stillwater, they are basically a float tube with oars, subject to all of the issues of float tubing. Get a paddle, pedal or motorized kayak for still water, I have both. You will be much happier. No offense.

[@seandozois]

I own a job boat, pontoons and fishing kayaks. Honestly it take about the same to set up a kayak and pontoon. Not much difference in setting up

[@jabbo59]

how do i subscribe

[@robertbaker231]

Dude you don't have to set it up every time I've had mine blown up and together for over 5 years use it about every weekend it's way better than a stupid fish scaring kayak I catch a lot of fish on one of these I don't think the fish can see this boat

[@DaBirdman1989]

any fears of hitting a nasty branch or rock and it deflating? these things just bleed cool but my dumbass is afraid of nature seeking its revenge against me lol.

[@willritter]

hahahaha! Well, the cover is pretty tough but nothing is forever

[@robertbaker231]

You don't need a fish finder if you already know where the fish are lol

[@nicholasurias2172]

Dont take that long to set up.

[@willritter]

it was significantly easier with the right inflating devise. Thanks for watching!

[@darrenhardaway7770]

No need to take it all apart. I've never taken one apart in the 23 yrs of owning them

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

I have electric trolling motor for sale. I did this to xt. Not wortht it, unless you spend 500 on lithium/ion battery. The range is poor and these boats don't track well in wind. Awkwark reaching back to steer. As soon as you junk up these cool toons you need a trailer. Which I have because i don't like to break down boat either. Most states require registration for motorized. PITA. Become an expert oarsman/finner and stick to drifting. No offense.

[@stevec5576]

Outcast never learned how to market there products , why ? Lazy ? Bad mgt. ?