Wilderness SE and Colorado XT Pontoon Modifications

[@frantisekjerabek4176]

*This makes my old motor look like a toy **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's well built. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I'm very sure it will perform just fine.*

[@ljhamhock436]

I've had the Colorado XT for a long time and have modded it in many ways without altering the frame. I have used the heck out of it and have never had any problems with it or had to repair it in any way. I take it on big lakes and down rivers with class 1-2 rapids. It's very versatile. The best thing I have done is to reinforce the transom to take a 3 hp outboard engine. Much lighter than a trolling motor with a longer range. I love your mods.

[@fosterit]

Great video and I love the mods!!! You gave me some really great ideas about how I want to do mine. I especially love how you added the plywood deck. Genius!!!

[@Baumrah]

I was on the fence about purchasing a Colorado Pontoon, but your stand-up mod looks like a game changer. I think I'm fully on board now!

[@FishandForage]

They're great little fishing rigs, even without the standing platform! Gets you off the bank and into water that's hard for other vessels to get to. :)

[@Baumrah]

@@FishandForage Thanks for the reply! I bought one last night with a seat lift, seat swivel, and an anchor! Hoping it comes in Friday! I really want to take it out on the lake this weekend. Planning on adding a strolling motor, platform, and some rod holders next.

[@FishandForage]

@@Baumrah Aw yeah! What are you goin for this weekend? Good luck!

[@Baumrah]

@@FishandForage Just some crappie and bass. We just cooked up a ton of fish tonight! Boat hasn't came in yet. Suppose to arrive back at home in another 20 min. I may be driving 3 hours home to get it and then back to the lake tomorrow.

[@FishandForage]

@@Baumrah can't let it sit for too long without use ;)

[@benriutta]

Thanks for this video! I used a few of your trucks same as the snap on fish finder mount, even ended up getting a striker 4 as well! I didn’t go a 1/2 Mile on my maiden voyage and caught a 26” Stealhead trolling a spinner. Good times and great Raft! However I mounted my motor on the bow and that was a game changer as well! No more reach around as and cramped neck/shoulders. Seat extension will be my next improvement and dual transport wheels. Thanks again!

[@Mandarin110631]

also did the platform. again i really appreciate the straightforward setup of these mods.

[@chrisbroe]

Thanks for this. I just ordered my XTS and I'm definitely going to be doing some of these mods.

[@Mandarin110631]

Hi there! Almost finished w mods. I did the pole holder standing platform and fish finder. Very excited. I have to do some detail work and finish the camera mount. Ill send pics when done. Thanks again!!

[@urbanbassslayers]

Great job. I have a bare one of these in my shed, Looks like I have a new spring project to do! Love all of the hand made pieces you made to modify it. Top notch work! Subbed!

[@FishandForage]

Thanks, man! It really turns this thing into a fishing battlestation. Good luck with your mods! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@paparoysworkshop]

I have one of these boats on order. When it arrives, I will also make similar modifications to hold my equipment. Nice video. You've given me many ideas. Thank you.

[@FishandForage]

You are very welcome! I am loving this thing. Let me know if you have any questions when you're making your mods!

[@dougsscalemodels]

I've had my Colorado XT for 3 years and I love it. They really are built to last. And they are very stable.

[@nagunaks2222]

Ingenuity at its finest! Simply being able to invision things and make improvements is a gift itself. Also there is wood treatment stuff called Rymar that you can coat the plywood in and then after drying you can apply some sort of top cover. Cheers!

[@FishandForage]

Thanks for the tip! When this plywood starts to look old, I plan on investigating some other materials for the platform, too!

[@coltonjones4266]

Thank you! This was amazing, I just got my first pontoon about a week ago and I will definitely be making these modifications, this video is greatly appreciated!

[@FishandForage]

Glad it will be helpful! I have some more in-depth how-to videos for the standing platform and rod holder in the description, too! Take some pics of your fish and send em to me over on IG if you can! Good luck!

[@randychappell5955]

I'm building a Colorado as week speak. Really good set up. I'll probably try to do it like yours. Very nice

[@BHZchowChow]

I'm looking to get one. Seeing all the work you have done has made me want to get one more. Nice job.

[@FishandForage]

I love mine. I'd buy it again. :)

[@danzbeard]

Legit setup! Just received a XT and can't wait to take it out!

[@FishandForage]

Hell yeah man! Take pics of your fish and show em to me!

[@ericschmidt3759]

Really cool ideas and nice rig, thank you for sharing!

[@KainOutdoors]

That is a great setup. Cant wait to see it on the water.

[@6ixtymiles]

That deck... Hell yeah. Thanks for sharing. 💪💪

[@michaelhelton4487]

Awesome video dude! Best one I’ve seen. Keep it up bro!

[@FishandForage]

I have more in-depth how-tos for each modification coming, too!

[@curtbrackenrich7883]

Very cool mods and you did a nice job explaining them too. Thanks for sharing.

[@FishandForage]

Thanks, glad it was helpful! I have a couple other more in-depth videos that go over the step-by-step creation for the standing platform and rod holders if you end up wanting to build them for yourself!

[@ichibangrom9735]

Excellent video. Thanks for all the tips. Exactly how I am going to set mine up. Good Job!!

[@paulie_mitts]

That casting stand is great! Going to build that asap. I used the front fork and tire from an old bike and a gridlock clamp to wheel mine around.

[@FishandForage]

Yeah I think that'd make a better tire. Something thinner to offer less resistance to rolling over rocks and whatnot! Good luck with the standing platform! I couldn't fish stillwater without it for sure. :)

[@freebassinwsteve5561]

I have a wilderness se! This was great, man. This is what I should be doing with my time.

[@FishandForage]

Yeah, now that we all got a bunch of time to not fish... :( Turn it into a one-man fishing battlestation!

[@joshbrinkley7349]

Just scored a CO xt and can't wait to slap a floor on it. Great idea. Thanks.

[@FishandForage]

My favorite mod for sure!

[@s0mdumb9uy]

Dope. I really want the modifications like yours.. That's so awesome

[@FishandForage]

I have a couple other videos with how-tos for the standing platform and rod holders! I did this all in my tiny apartment backyard with hand tools. Very easy to make!

[@EarlSwigert]

Modding stuff is so fun! Nice work.

[@FishandForage]

For sure! Love tinkering and breaking/fixing things. :)

[@APXVelkhana]

This is amazing! Just ordered the Colorado XTS and was looking for a good mod guide, this will work perfectly!

[@FishandForage]

Good to hear! If you have any questions along the way, let me know!

[@APXVelkhana]

Fish and Forage I do have one. What size trolling motor is that? I cant seem to find a definitive answer on the proper length. Also what thrust amount is it?

[@FishandForage]

It's 30lbs of thrust and has a 30 inch shaft. I actually have a link to the exact one I bought in the description, too! I will say it's a TINY bit short, but only an issue when I am standing on the platform and the weight is more forward, the rear end can lift a bit too high. When I'm sitting(Which I always am when the motor is running) the motor is far enough in the water no problem.

[@APXVelkhana]

Fish and Forage awesome. Last question: would it be bad do do a larger pedestal for the seat? 7 inches wouldn’t be terrible but I found some that are 11.5” and adjustable to even higher than that. Wasn’t sure if that would affect the weight distribution by a significant amount or not.

[@FishandForage]

@@APXVelkhana Could work? I wouldn't take any pedestal seat down a river with rapids or anything, but on a calm lake or pond I doubt you'd have any issues. It's pretty stable overall! Always be careful tho!

[@smithmax13]

Thanks for the great ideas and showing some creative solutions!

[@FishandForage]

Glad you enjoyed! Definitely let me know if you build any of these yourself! Or if you have questions or suggestions for me!

[@georgemeyer9309]

Love what you've done. This is great!

[@FishandForage]

Glad you like it!

[@daveversion2.2]

Nice work! Bought a used Water Skeeter pontoon this past summer that I will be doing mods on similar to yours. Thx!

[@FishandForage]

Nice man! Good luck!

[@evergreendreaming6130]

Right on,good job man. Saving this video for my pontoon

[@FishandForage]

Glad you enjoyed! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@Inspiredlaserengraving]

Great mods. I will have to take some of these and put them on my Colorado.

[@FishandForage]

Let me know how it goes!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Lots of mods. I bet that kept you busy for a long time. Good job, hope it works well!

[@FishandForage]

I've been out on it a couple times now. Really love it so far. Itching to get out again - Damn plague!

[@skotth2]

Nice work. Just ordered one of these so this is very helpful!

[@FishandForage]

Enjoy it! I have a couple other episodes with more detailed breakdowns of the standing platform and rod holders, too! Let me know if you run into any issues! Maybe I can help.

[@dcm6073]

Thank you for this video. You did an amazing job with the upgrades.

[@FishandForage]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed! Hope it was helpful :)

[@braydenhardcastle9425]

This is freakin sick dude !!!

[@vannakr25]

awesome engineering - add-on.

[@FishandForage]

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions about it! Hope this vid helps you out.

[@BC-ue3ku]

Nice work. I was looking for a way to secure the garmin on my pontoon. I think your idea will work great. I have some pvc on the back that I mounted the transducer to, your transducer setup is pretty slick, much sleeker design than mine😂.

[@FishandForage]

I love it! Easy to snap on and off if I want to use the fish finder on another boat!

[@stuntznfx2000]

That"s fantastic!!!

[@pdxfishing6840]

Awesome rig dude! I'm liking that dolly mod you did there, thinking about making one for my 12footer myself

[@FishandForage]

It's suuuper nice! How heavy is the 12 footer?

[@pdxfishing6840]

Fish and Forage 100, maybe 120 lbs

[@FishandForage]

Oh not too bad, wheels for that would be easy!

[@Elon_Trump]

I'm getting a colorado. thanks for the vid! tight lines!

[@FishandForage]

Nice! Should be a fish slaying machine!

[@MrSECRETasianMan007]

You are a smart guy! thanks!

[@FishandForage]

lol I don't think I'd go that far, but thank you. Hope the vid was helpful!

[@Mandarin110631]

Also did the pedestal extension and added front wheels. 2 just like the back. My neighbor welded on a bracket from stock I had lying around.

[@FishandForage]

4 wheels sounds really nice! One of my biggest issues with loading this thing down is the severely lowered mobility, even with the two tire mod!

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Wheels idea is great. The single wheel is a bit unstable from side to side. The single wheel also will ride in the water and create drag if placed in the up position. I rarely use wheel anymore. I purchased a very lightweight 400lb 5'x8' trailer from The Tractor Store ($750). XT fits near perfect. No more lifting toon on top of rack and dissasembly of rods etc. I just leave everything assembled, trailer, toon, rods, gear etc in garage and unhitch from 4 cylinder Sonoma truck. ( I think any passenger style 4 cyl will work. Requires a lightweight hitch system). This was a real game changer. Just pack a lunch the night before and away you go. Garage required. Most boat docks are free. If there is line of boats to launch you can always go back to wheel system and launch that way. Good luck.

[@FishandForage]

You can bet one of the first things I buy is a nice little utility trailer for this thing as soon as I get a garage :) As it stands now, I am forced to break down the pontoon each time I am off the water due to lack of space. There are a few lakes that are off the road a ways, too. The double wheel is really nice to get the toon down to those areas. I am actually setting up another one soon with the wheels wider apart. The one in this video is heaps better than a single wheel, but an even wider wheelbase will be nice. This one can still tip semi-easily.

[@ERone43]

Nice job man

[@tarlach1280x960]

Great job...

[@FishandForage]

Thanks! be on the look out for more in-depth videos soon! I'm currently editing them actually :)

[@williammiller7791]

I just picked one up for $150, an ex-outfitter boat, I like your mods, they are easy to follow, I'm too old and fat for most yaks, I'm used to row boats anyway, I think I am going to enjoy this thing.

[@FishandForage]

That's a good deal, man! Let me know if you have any questions about the mods! Good luck!

[@captainconnorsadventures6357]

Looks effective as hell 🎣💯 great job

[@FishandForage]

I got a couple videos in the works from it! Very effective so far!

[@captainconnorsadventures6357]

Fish and Forage can’t wait to watch buddy! Let’s collab after this state shutdown is all over 🎣🙏🏻

i just picked up a wilderness 13 for $50. barely used and complete with paperwork. i love your pedestal idea. pretty much love everything you did to this.

[@FishandForage]

Damn what a steal! Nice find! I would highly recommend the mods, too. Let me know if you have any issues or questions, man! Good luck on the water!

[@FishandForage]

@ you must have spent a lot of luck that day! Haha

[@joshlipe5657]

Awesome! I can’t even figure out how the hell to inflate mine 🤣

[@FishandForage]

It took me a while to find a replacement Halkey inflator honestly lol You got this!

[@joshlipe5657]

@@FishandForage Got it all figured out. Built myself a platform coated with black flex seal and tomorrow morning I’m building the rod holder. Hitting the water at sunrise Saturday morning here in the PNW. Thanks for the videos brother! Huge help 🤙

[@FishandForage]

@@joshlipe5657 Niiice! Good luck on the water!

[@710ladd]

Bike pump style would work just need right size hose haha

[@toddnicholas8945]

Nicely done 🎣🇺🇸

[@FishandForage]

Thanks! Now if only they'd open fishing back up so I can get out on the water on it again!

[@toddnicholas8945]

Fish and Forage no doubt I’m going nutts

[@mtate9160]

Great work.... very inspiring!

[@FishandForage]

Glad you enjoyed! Hope it was helpful

[@TheDevilguy04]

Need to put lean bar on and then I think you're golden. Good job on this looks good.

[@FishandForage]

I find I have the back or side of my legs against the seat at all times. I'd be worried about getting any more leverage towards the front. It's pretty stable, but with the proper leverage I could totally flip it lol

[@zates2272]

Very nice!

[@TINCH322]

I have the Colorado xt and I did some of these mods and love it. The main problem I have is drifting on it. Thinking of rigging some kind of fin underneath it

[@FishandForage]

I've seen someone do that! Let me know how it works if you do. I keep meaning to try some sort of drift anchor test myself.

[@igotthatbaby730]

Thanks for the video. Rly been looking into getting one, and now in sold lolz

[@FishandForage]

I love mine. Great little craft to explore more water!

[@derekwag1]

i want to see some fishing videos. great job on the mods. I would seal that standing platform so that you wont have to replace it.

[@FishandForage]

I have a couple on the way! Weird times with the fishing closures here in WA. :( And I thought about sealing it. I decided to wait a season and see how the board works out overall. Will likely buy a new one next season and seal it if it works out well.

[@derekwag1]

I got mine in this week. I’m in south Texas and everything is closed so I’m going to have to paddle it around small ponds for a while. As soon as I get it registered and everything set up, I’ll be taking it salt water fishing. Haven’t seen any videos of that up yet lol. May have to do some KZbin videos myself.

[@FishandForage]

@@derekwag1 THAT will be interesting! Fish enough for the both of us! What do you go for out in the salt in a one-man craft like that?

[@derekwag1]

Fish and Forage sea trout and Redfin. No idea if I will catch any moved over here from northern newmexico and have been itching to try though.

[@FishandForage]

@@derekwag1 I've seen some videos of kayakers recently in the gulf. Should be good!

[@OregonUnpaved]

Nice vid man! I’ve been thinking about a standing platform, like that!

[@FishandForage]

Standing platform is a must IMO for bass fishing soon... It came together really well. Would recommend!

[@OregonUnpaved]

Yep! I was thinking about it for spring chinook, the idea of falling in a 20’ hole doesn’t have me smiling. But it definitely would create more options!

[@FishandForage]

@@OregonUnpaved I haven't taken it down a river yet.. Will be interesting to see if I can fight a decent sized fish from it. I'd imagine I may need to pull over and fight from the bank.

[@OregonUnpaved]

Yea that works best. I’ve hooked fish floating and it’s a cluster lol.

[@tnhomestead]

Love the mods, be way too scared to stand in on one given my height but going to use the rest

[@FishandForage]

It's surprisingly stable! But maybe try it first on a nice warm day 🤣🤣

[@tnhomestead]

@@FishandForage Stable disappears when your 350! Lol

[@garcianet1]

Im have mobility issues and I was looking for this colorado for fresh and sea, obviously on calm bay waters and surroundings, but my concern was to be too low and unable to stand, but your development is GM, thanks.

[@dondyer8388]

I also have mobility issues and all I want to do is put a motor on and drive the boat with out having to reach behind me so far no one has been able to answer that question, lots of vids about modifatios but none answer that question.

[@johnthorburn1013]

Well done mate! Would you mind showing a few pictures or video on disassembling your boat and how long it takes. Thanks again Regards, John

[@FishandForage]

That is a great idea. Added to the list of vids! Keep an eye out for it soon hopefully :)

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Comments section is for personal opinion and to help people see all sides of ideas..right? .....so here ya go.....I see people standing up in pontoons and kayaks which might give them an advantage of 3'. Perhaps a better visual. Why not use a longer rod? I use Orvis 13.5' fly rod (with Skagit style cast) and a 11' spinning rod on my pontoon all the time. In this case, a standup platform (altho well built and designed) takes away from your ability to use fins to troll and maneuver, which is a non-starter for me. Trolling forward with a motor is a bit awkward looking back all the time (swivel seat helps a bit) Trolling backwards with fins is one of the big advantages of float tubes/toons. I would think seriously about stand up platform, unless you can remove it easily and put fins in water. Might as well get a Valco aluminum boat or kayak if you don;t want to take advantage of fins. No offense...

[@FishandForage]

No offense taken at all! Everyone's entitled to their opinion.... even if it's totally wrong... ;) J/K This standing platform is very easy to remove, though you'd likely want to remove it on shore because you do have to take off the foot pegs. Also I do a lot of bass fishing off this thing, and getting a higher vantage point as you drift towards cover is super handy. I can also turn 360 degrees and fish on all sides without worrying about turning the pontoon itself. VERY handy. Probably the biggest benefit of the standing platform honestly. I personally don't have fins, so my feet don't really need to be in the water at all for most of my fishing. The elevated seat also makes it hard to reach deep enough to kick with fins. The motor is mostly used for getting from fishing area to fishing area. I usually use the oars for trolling. Turning and going slow is nicer with the oars, and I could always use the exercise. I am also wary of mounting anything on the front, as it already feels like my fly line gets caught on the foot pegs and pontoons themselves enough haha let alone a whole motor up there. Thanks for the feedback, I do appreciate it!

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

@@FishandForage Yeah.. using your feet is the biggest advantage to toons. I guess the higher vantage is better. but I would not give up fins for that reason. Sounds to me like you need a regular bass boat. Seems like the wind would cause you a lot of grief standing up. What holds you in place over a marker in the wind? How do you reach and control trolling motor? Also hard to see fish finder... Just a few questions to answer for newbies to the sport before they go out and change the personality of their boat. Oh well good luck.

[@FishandForage]

@@DownTheRabbit-Hole Oh man I'd love a full bass boat(Or any boat for that matter) but I am stuck garage-less in an apartment for now. Another nice thing about all these mods is that they are cheap! Not too much investment if they end up not to your liking. To answer your practical questions - I normally have a small kayak anchor that can keep me in one spot easy enough. And it's true, the wind does suck. But wind sucks in any vessel honestly. I am seeing some new minn kotas in the works that include spot lock for kayaks and small craft! So maybe someday we can take advantage of that on out single-mans haha Take care, man!

[@tubejim101]

Nice.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Just picked up the Colorado XT. So excited to use it. I live on Vancouver island. Gonna try using it along with fishing to row out and launch my crab traps.

[@FishandForage]

That is awesome! I bet you could fit a crab trap or two on the back basket for sure.

[@ericpierce4510]

I realize this video is 4+ years old, but wondering if you still have this pontoon boat??? If you do, would you measure all the pieces of the fork for the wheel. I know the curved square is 1" square, but I need the length, and the length of the two flat bars. Also the distance from the ends to the bends. Classic Accessories has discontinued all of their watercraft sales and parts. Thank you. Love the ingenuity you have used in setting yours up...

[@danielbooker3508]

Great video!!!! Thinking about getting the Colorado XT and your mods are awesome, love the simplicity of them and easy installs. Would a swivel seat be possible to install and make it easier to steer. Also I live on a lake with numerous stumps just below the surface, does this ride deep or shallow? Subscribed.

[@FishandForage]

Glad you enjoyed! I'd definitely recommend the XT or the Wilderness. They are both great! And this does actually have the swivel seat. I've seen some folks tie on straps and attach them to the motor so when they turn the seat, the motor turns, too. This thing rides pretty shallow. I haven't had any situations where I couldn't get someplace I wanted to go because of water or structure depth.

[@glend4704]

Get the Wilderness at Costco and save yourself a few hundred dollars. I have the Wilderness and love it. It’s made by the same company as the Colorado with the same warranty.

[@kentmerrill8925]

This is great!

[@FishandForage]

Thanks, man! Glad you like it!

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Inflatable pontoons are the most versatile PERSONAL fish craft. I have had float tubes (no river running here) and pedal kayaks (hobie mirage, awkward in close quarters). They all have + and -'s. The real klincher for pontoons is that you can use your feet when landing fish and maneuvering. Kayaks are awkward when trying to maneuver while landing fish in close quarters. Do a river run in a pontoon and you will be hooked. The fishing style is very similar to running a river in a drift boat that guides often use. Backing plugs or fly fishing. Meandering rivers like Lower Owens in Bishop CA are perfect for my pontoon and no motor is needed, only oars and sometimes fins. I put in at Highway 6 and pull out at Line Street. I also use motor on lakes Silverwood and Havasu for striper. The electric trolling motor idea is ...OK. The problem is the weight of the battery and hauling it in and out. Most trolling motor and battery combos weigh in at 60-70 lbs minimum.This causes the boat to be bit tail-heavy. 2-3 hp 4-stroke gas outboard motors(with all in one tank) work much better. Drop them on mount and off you go. I never worry about range. My XT sits almost level and fairly high in water. They also weigh in at 30lbs. They start at $300. I ran across an old Yamaha that was used on an Avon dingy for &100. Both types of propulsion require registration in CA. The performance is similar except gas seems to run higher in water with less friction.

[@FishandForage]

I'm hoping to hit some rivers soon! Biggest problem for me is having a partner to go with. There are some hairy areas on most rivers near me and I'd rather not get into trouble alone just yet. :) I hadn't even thought about a gas motor on this thing, but maybe I'll have to keep an eye out. I don't mind the battery weight too much, but it is a pain to lug around for sure.

[@mitchdillard1984]

@@FishandForage I got a 9' Wilderness pontoon recently and plan to make upgrades. Thanks for the tips. Like you, I want to get more familiar with using it before drifting nearby rivers, and not alone. I'll stick to the lakes for now. We live on Olympia. Perhaps you and I can get together and reduce my learning curve with this thing. I want the option of fishing places I can't reach from the shore, but a rowboat was too much of a pain to transport. This seems perfect. It's also easier to plan a drift with a vehicle at both ends. There are certainly some more docile rivers in this area, like the Wynoochi, that are safer to float. Happy fishing, be safe.

[@FishandForage]

Nice! Let me know how the upgrades go! I haven't fished any rivers up north yet, but that sounds like fun. :) These things are super nice on lakes, though. You'll pick it up real quick.

[@glend4704]

The outboard is a good idea IF they are legal on the water you’re fishing. I fish some lakes that are electric motors only.

[@DonPaco.]

Freakin mint dude 👌👌

[@Drkphyre224SAHS_CAMEROON]

Great video, how & where do you stow the wheel while fishing?

[@FishandForage]

If I am close to the launch I'll often just walk it up and put it in my car. If it's an empty/remote lake, I will just toss it in some nearby bushes while I'm on the water. If neither, I can fit it in the basket with just deal with it in the way all day lol

[@mountainmanwade]

Great job! You should put shaft collars on the inside of the wheels as well so they don't rub on the axle mount. Otherwise you'll eventually rub through the rubber. I really like what you did with your fish finder and transducer! If I ran electric on my pontoon, I'd definitely copy it!

[@FishandForage]

I actually moved the wheels a tiny bit farther apart. After this video I realized they were rubbing a bit against the metal. I'll have to keep an eye on the wear, but I'm not TOO worried, since I don't plan on wheeling it for super long distances. The longest I wheeled it so far is only about a quarter mile. Worked great!

[@matthardwick587]

Great video! Not many at all that go as in depth, very helpful. I bought the Costco version which didn't come with a wheel or wheel mounting bracket on the frame, any suggestions on a DIY wheel kit(boat dolly)?

[@FishandForage]

I'd look into how those kayak guys make their dollys honestly. It may be a bit weird to adapt it to a pontoon, though. I'd bet you could make something out of PVC and/or plywood that the pontoon could strap to or rest on easy enough. Sucks that the mount isn't there! They sell the replacement wheels on the Classic Accessories site. That'd be the easiest way...

[@Dsmuyt]

SO SMART AND PRACTICAL 👍 U HAVE REALLY HELPED MANY OF US PIT WITH YOUR SKILLS MY FRIEND ! Do u think the stand will work on the 8 ft Roanoke Pontoon ?

[@FishandForage]

I don't see why not! The main concern would be ensuring the back of the board has support, too. So as long as you either allow it to rest on the frame like mine, or maybe build another PVC cross-bar further back, you should be in business!

[@michaelschaap1645]

Wow. Just really impressed. I’m getting the Pontoon very soon for this next season. You mentioned the 7 inch pedestal extension. Could you give me a link to it? I’ve got hearing implants. So. Want to stay out of the water. Thanks!!!

[@dondijr]

Please take your video clips to the next level and show both the assembly and breakdown of your pontoon going in and out of your apartment! I don't own one, but I would have to be able to store it in my truck bed along with other camping equipment for long trips and I would like to know just how the process works, both difficulty and time required. Also seeing it "bundled up" and how transportable the package is. Thanks in advance!

[@FishandForage]

I used to carry it around in the back of a CRV with a weekend's worth of camping gear no problem :) I'm sure you wont have any issues with fitting in a truck bed!

[@Lerevehousefishing]

Hi, have you ever tought or try to mount a down rigger on the Colorado Pontoon Boat to use in Ocean salmoni fishing ?

[@FishandForage]

Downrigger, yes! Ocean? Hell no! haha There are some big lakes I want to troll for fish with a downrigger, though.

[@watsonbean8123]

I’m going to do all of this this thing is awesome if you live in Portland we should fish sometime I saw you live in the pnw from your chanel

[@FishandForage]

Awesome! I fish Washington mostly, but I hope to fish in Oregon some more soon. I'd be down to fish around on the pontoons sometime for sure!

[@watsonbean8123]

For sure man once I get mine all set up I’d take you out. I fish the willamette mostly salmon and sturgeon

[@jerrythompson4995]

Love this. Have you thought about a way to keep your battery charged like maybe a solar panel and I was thinking a foot controlled motor?

[@FishandForage]

I had thought about a solar setup, but I was reading and hearing that the gain from a day with a small panel hooked up is somewhat negligible. I have a pretty big battery, so I never really ran into any issues over a weekend trip, anyway!

[@Exdopearch]

My understanding is that wind can be a problem with the rear mount motor, and have explored attaching it to the front deck, which I would also add to my boat. Have you had any trouble with wind making it hard to navigate?

[@FishandForage]

Yeah wind can get annoying, but IMO, that's the case with all fishing lol

[@davidvincent3959]

Can you explain how you DIY'ed the two tires? Great idea!

[@FishandForage]

I bought two tires from Harbor Freight and then the steel 5/8ths inch bar from Home Depot. Then just measure how long the bar needs to be to allow a bit of extra space on either side of the tires to screw the shaft collars to. I used a high tension hacksaw to cut it, but if you have a shop and an angle grinder or something that'd be way easier! Let me know if that's helpful!

[@Mulagin1]

When you arrive at the lake how long does it take to put your rig together and take down when done? Do you deflate the pontoons every use?

[@FishandForage]

Usually it took me 15-20 minutes, but I could get it closer to 10 if I was in a real hurry :) And yes, I deflated and stored them in the back of my CRV when driving

[@craigjohnson1157]

That is awesome dude. I’d like to see how you minted your seat? So simple..👍🏾 Like to see if you actually standing on the platform. Any video I haven’t seen anybody standing on their platforms at all. But they have them? Wow!

[@FishandForage]

I'm standing in a bunch of my pontoon bass videos, but not from a third-person perspective! I actually have another bass video coming with some good shots of me standing, though! My head is slightly cut off... but I am definitely standing ;) Also what do you mean by minted my seat? Mean mounted? If so, I just bought a pedestal and then another matching set of fasteners(bolt, wingnut, washer, and lockwasher that had the same dimensions as the set that came with it) and then connected the frame with the seat using the pedestal in the middle. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@danbodoucet3507]

Which model trolling motor is it and what is the shaft length....awesome video.

[@johnarcher9480]

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

[@FishandForage]

Oh yeah I leaned forward too far to net a trout and fell right in a couple years ago haha re-entry wasn't hard - The whole thing is pretty stable, even when hauling myself up from the front!

[@waynelykins9819]

Thank you!

[@itsawrapp13]

Wondering if your rear sags with a battery and motor

[@FishandForage]

It does a bit, but nothing worrisome. It actually balances well when I'm standing on the platform.

[@stevenzeigler2383]

I just bought a pontoon kayak from a friend but I’m a fisherman I want to put a motor like you did where can I get the basket and parts for it so I can put the battery and mount the moter

[@FishandForage]

You can look at the classic accessories website and order parts directly from them. This model fits either the wilderness SE or the Colorado XT parts. If it's another brand, you may have to check their website or possibly fabricate your own parts!

[@Mandarin110631]

this is great thank you! i did the rod holders and the fish finder holder items, but cannot figure out how you did the top of the camera holder. can you please explain and/or send photos? TY!!

[@FishandForage]

It's super simple. I just took a PVC end cap piece and drilled a hole through it that fit the standard machine screw that mounts into a GoPro mount! You can either use a nut to hold it in the PVC or some glue

[@Mandarin110631]

@@FishandForage thank you so much! will get to it this weekend :-)

[@kipw.5420]

Howdy F & F. I was stationed at Ft Leis many (30) years ago, so I know WA. fairly well. Beautiful country! I liked my first XT (5 years ago)so well, I purchased another. Great vid. Have you seen or do you have any ideas for mounting an overhead sun protector, like a bimini top? Would need to leave plenty of room to cast your pole. I mounted my 40 lb. thrust Minn-Kota on the front and the battery is in the basket behind. Balances nicely.

[@FishandForage]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I have never thought about a cover. I bet you could make some sort of PVC frame with a tarp or something on top, but it may be a bit wonky lol Maybe with most of the frame behind you so you could do side casts and whatnot easy enough.

[@kipw.5420]

@@FishandForage I'll do some serious thinking about it. We'll call it the "Wonky Top".

[@jeffhastings7560]

It looks like when you swing the transducer arm down it would point straight down to the bottom of the lake. Isn't the transducer supposed to point toward the bow?

[@FishandForage]

It's on a pivot-able mount, too, so I can swing it down and then also pivot it so it's flat towards the bottom of the lake

[@jeffhastings7560]

@@FishandForage Hard to see that. Looks like it is just hose clamped to the down tube pointing straight down.🤔

[@nunu4654]

I have the same boat I was wondering do you have to register them with the trolling motor?

[@FishandForage]

Depends on the state. In WA you don't need to, but in Oregon with the motor you need some sort of permit. And I think in Texas you need to fully register it. Definitely look into your state's vessel registration details to be sure!

[@denverSkip]

VERY COOL!!!

[@Dirtymaxxx88]

K I gotta ask what about the oar locks and the oars hitting ur knees? Is there a oar lock extension somewhere?

[@FishandForage]

I'm 6' and while the oars do get much closer to my knees, I can still row decently with the pedestal seat. Absolutely no problem while still water fishing, but I'd probably recommend taking the pedestal seat off if you are running this thing down rivers.

[@Dirtymaxxx88]

@@FishandForage thanks for the reply!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

The seat extension was great.

[@philipenglandfishing]

Hey man just got one of these the other day used looking to do some mods myself sadly it didn't come with the part with the wheel so I have to rig up something looking to see what size those tires are you have on it Thanks for the info

[@misterchristopher8857]

Thank you for sharing your mods. It is well thought out. How far down do you disassemble it?

[@FishandForage]

I break down everything I can without tools. So I leave the PVC rod holder on, but everything else breaks down completely!

[@MrRubenAlonzo]

How did you get your seat bolt so short? My new Colorado pontoon has these VERY long bolts coming out from underneath the seat, obviosly to screw it down on the frame, but then i ordered the swivel seat part, and the bolts are WAY too long. Any ideas?

[@FishandForage]

Weird... Maybe they are longer than the ones I got? I took all the original fasteners(bolt, nut, washers, ect) to my local hardware store that has a HUGE fastener section and got a matching set for the other end of the pedestal. I bet if they are too long for the pedestal, you could find a shorter version at a local hardware store, too?

[@petergranstav3600]

What el motor thrust do you have? And the battery capacity? Nice work

[@FishandForage]

This was a 30lb thrust motor i believe? and a 60AH battery - Would last me all day and then some!

[@roberthuerta6783]

The mods look great how long are your oars and do they work right now that you raised the seats

[@terebag56]

like your mods....I have Colorado on order...used a CA tube but got for a deal this week. Question: what "size" or thrust is your trolling motor? adequate or any size recommendations?

[@FishandForage]

I use a 30lb minn kota. It putts me around pretty good. I think anything much bigger than that may not be worth the extra weight!