Wilderness SE and Colorado XT Pontoon Standing Platform Tutorial(HOW-TO Step by Step)

All 1-1/4in PVC Pieces:
2: 25-3/4in
2: 2-7/16in
4: T-Pieces
PVC Cutter: amzn.to/38JSWR9
Drill: amzn.to/2ALbrrL
Hand Saw: (Do yourself a favor and get semi-nice ones) amzn.to/2CgELqx
Seat Pedestal: amzn.to/3gGlqhm
If you have any questions, comment below and I will try to help!
Let me know what you think of my video in the comments below.
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[@emiliocampobenedetto9288]

I'm planning to buy a pontoon and use it both for fishing and for to stand up it a photohide. Your video is very inspiring!

[@slottygw2wvw842]

Bro this is exactly what i needed

[@Isuckatflyfishing]

Should show your fish finder set up. You’re the only channel that shows detailed “mods” for pontoons, and it’s super helpful.

[@FishandForage]

It's definitely an upcoming video ;) rod holders will have their own video, too! Glad they're useful!

[@Isuckatflyfishing]

Fish and Forage Awesome! I might actually order one for my pontoon now - knowing that if I can figure out the puzzle of rigging it up I’ll have a video to fall back on.

[@michaelwelch9794]

So what I did was I put the swivel on the boat frame, then attached the 7" riser and then the seat to the top. It works that way. Also, built your platform as you did except I made it a little longer and it rests on the back bar going across. Thanks so much for your idea. I've seen so many ideas and yours is the easiest. Great job!

[@FishandForage]

That's actually a pretty good idea. Kind of replaces the need for that net underneath the seat! And I took a loooot of time looking at other people's ideas and I agree - Most other standing platforms were really complicated and over-engineered IMO. Anyway, glad you found this useful! Send me over some pics of your toon or the fish you caught!

[@Htowndude_1958]

Thanks for these specific instructions. Doing on mine today.

[@stuntznfx2000]

Great video mate! I really thought you were gonna saw your bloody arm off LOL!!! Tight Lines!

[@FishandForage]

NO POWER TOOLS, DALE! 😂😂

[@thefirststrike]

That's great! I had purchased a seat swivel, just the short one, but I was having some struggles with figuring out how to mount it because the bolts would hit one another. But now I am going to modify mine this way instead. Even if you don't stand up in it, this is way better for feet placement. Much better!! Thanks.

[@FishandForage]

Glad the video helped! Good luck on the water, man!

[@skotth2]

Great mod, especially without a lot of tools. I have accumulated a lot of those tools over a lifetime so just makes it that much easier. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Well worth a subscription right there.

[@FishandForage]

I am glad you enjoyed! I hope it's helpful, and if you have any questions, definitely let me know!

[@FishingWithGilbert509]

I just got me a wilderness 14 plontoon I wanted do something like this in your video was first one thanks allot I’m do this I’m not good with # and do stuff like that I’m try my best I love how it comes out on ur plontoon thanks again

[@budgetbacklashdupre2108]

Great idea. Your measurements were exact. Thank you so much.

[@FishandForage]

That is good to hear! Good luck out there. :)

[@josha3593]

Keep it up man! Thanks for that tutorial that was cool! That hand saw struggle was great haha!

[@FishandForage]

I am always a proponent to having the right tools for a job. I am also impatient and didn't want to go out and get the right tool this time ;)

[@jedibill111]

Good idea. I am going to copy it more or less. Think I'll use C clips instead of screws to anchor the plywood. In your description you have the number of T sections listed as two instead of four. Thought you would like to know. Easy fix. The guy who is wondering about the swivel seat has the Colorado not the xt or xts and the seat comes with four 2" machine bolts attached to keep the seat stationary. So there is no non destructive way to add a swivel. I have the regular Colorado myself and the only way I can see to add the swivel bracket is to remove the seat padding then the four bolts and replace the hardware. Think I'll live without the swivel myself until I replace the seat. Anyway thanks for the good idea subbed

[@FishandForage]

Ah that is too bad about the swivel seats on the non-XT/XTS. You can't add the swivel to the bottom of the assembly instead of directly under the seat? Good call on the number of T-Pieces, too. Thanks!

[@Dsmuyt]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT 😁👍 A rubber mallet comes in handy

[@FishandForage]

Dude there are so many tools that I wish I had.... lol One day when I have a garage.... Thank you for the kind words!

[@tracysanderssr5037]

Awesome I got one last year and I may be doing some other vacations very informative👍🏾

[@F-N-C]

That's dope man. I just bought the Colorado XT and am looking to modify it.

[@FishandForage]

Awesome! They are great toons especially after you add a couple mods!

[@kellykirby8857]

Thanks for the video. This is the first mod im making to my wilderness.

[@FishandForage]

My favorite mod! Good luck and tight lines!

[@Bloodsport83125]

Look like a great idea. Gonna try it

[@FishandForage]

Do it! Let me know if you end up with any questions!

[@Bloodsport83125]

@@FishandForage for sure man I'll keep you posted

[@newbeginningsfishing6419]

I just bought a pontoon boat. I will try that platform mod. Ty for the vid n the measurements.

[@FishandForage]

Awesome! Good luck - Let me know if you have any questions, man!

[@newbeginningsfishing6419]

Will do!

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Definitely would hit that with a couple coats of polyurethane for waterproofing and maybe even some marine grade carpet for bare foot comfort. Nice mod!

[@FishandForage]

Oh yeah this was prototype standing platform for sure. I figured one piece of plywood is pretty cheap to replace if it started to get a little weak/rotted. Now that I know it works so well, the next one will get some waterproofing and some grip pads or something!

[@Medisinz]

I just did this! Put skateboard tape on the plywood for extra grit.

[@FishandForage]

That's a good idea!

[@mightymurkem]

Awesome MOD video. Thank you

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Just got one of these boats (the orange mamma jamma) I am building this tomorrow.

[@bstange356]

My Colorado did not have a swivel seat so I purchased a swivel from Amazon for $10. I like the riser option.

[@FishandForage]

Yeah some models don't have it for some reason. Luckily the swivel panel is pretty cheap and easy to install

[@reelphatties6426]

Awesome channel looking to get a pontoon boat

[@FishandForage]

Aw yeah! I love mine! Gets me to so much water I couldn't get to otherwise.

[@rustyshackleford3647]

Well done!

[@mountainmack9466]

Awesome vid man 👍

[@FishandForage]

thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@michaelhelton4487]

Awesome video bro

[@FishandForage]

Thanks! Hope it's helpful! :)

[@nichetnewsome3173]

Just a heads up if you use a deburring tool on the pipe before you place it into the fitting it will be easier. Cool mods

[@FishandForage]

Damn I had no idea that thing even existed! Thanks for the freakin awesome tip!

[@NoName-zq6ic]

@@FishandForage You probably have one in the house. It's called a scotch pad. works great

[@ryanlongworth5349]

Did you have an issue with the oar kitting the seat? I just added a raised seat and standing platform and i cant row without smashing my fingers on the seat.

[@Meerkat000]

How’s rowing with the seat riser?

[@brianchellew6926]

Do the oars still work well with the seat riser?

[@FishandForage]

With a biiiit of clearance over my legs, yeah. Definitely not perfect, but workable on calm waters.

[@scottwilson128]

What was the height of the riser you used? I see a 7 and 13 inch on Amazon and am going to add a swivel to mine.

[@FishandForage]

I used the 7 inch. I think 13 would be a bit too high. I can still use the paddles at 7 inches easy enough!

[@scottwilson128]

@@FishandForage Thanks! That’s what I wanted to know. I’ll be paddling for the foreseeable future until I can get a trolling motor.

[@alltaira5922]

@@FishandForage This answered my question on using the paddles still. I got all the parts just haven't assembled it though think I'm going to use a bigger piece of plywood. That is cutting down a 2ft x 4ft piece to fit.

[@scottwilson128]

Added a milk crate with rod holders and my tag. :) imgur.com/Z1iS0Dn

[@scottwilson128]

i.imgur.com/Z1iS0Dn.jpg

[@zackarywhite9599]

Would this idea work for the Colorado pontoon (non XT version) Thanks in advance and great video

[@FishandForage]

Yeah I am pretty sure all the measurements and frames are the same for either!

[@johnteal5014]

How’s it row with seat 7”’s higher? Oats hitting ur Knees etc? Thank you great video

[@FishandForage]

It's work-able. The oars definitely get close to the knees, but it's definitely do-able! I don't think I'd take it down any rapids with the seat extender, though.

[@inannashu689]

Thank you.

[@MrRubenAlonzo]

Would you be so kind as to do a video on HOW you mounted the seat riser? I bought the swivel seat mount and have difficulty in understanding how to mount it since the seat screws are so long?

[@FishandForage]

I replied to your other comment - I would take the longer bolts to the hardware store and try to find a matching size one, only shorter to see how it works!

[@dennischristian9976]

I used a hacksaw on mine.

[@htelbz6489]

Love the videos! I tried to find your IG but I can’t find it. It says the link is broken

[@FishandForage]

Doh! That was my old link. It's been updated to @fish.and.forage. Thanks for the heads up, though!

[@htelbz6489]

Fish and Forage Aweosme, thank you! I’m getting ready to head to Home Depot to buy all the stuff to mod my pontoon like yours. Thanks for the great videos!

[@Clubber_Lang]

Can you please do a quick video on how you do your anchor system? Or.. If you could please explain here I'd really appreciate it.

[@FishandForage]

It's actually just the built-in anchor system on the pontoon. I did pick up a 10lb kayak anchor instead of the bag of rocks they give you out of the box, though!

[@Clubber_Lang]

@@FishandForage I just ordered the 8lb anchor, is that heavy enough? I was thinking of adding a 5in anchor cleat under my seat on the standing platform, to make it easier to tie off my anchor. The seat is elevated 7 inches so there's plenty of room. Is the rope for the anchor long enough or did you buy a longer one?

[@FishandForage]

@@Clubber_Lang 8 should be enough I'd say. That's a good idea for a tie-off. I often just toss it out and tie it to the frame lol It can help if there's wind you can tie it off to a particular side of the pontoon so the wind pushes you from the right direction and keeps you facing where you want to fish.

[@therocktm2001]

@@FishandForage It works so well.

[@TheBaldGamer69]

Can you please tell me how you are able to use a batter and trolling motor ? My pontoon sinks in the back so bad Everytime I put the battery and motor on

[@FishandForage]

How big is your motor and battery? Mine sags a bit, but definitely still workable. Maybe you aren't inflating the pontoons enough? You can buy PSI gauges to make sure you have the right pressure in there each time

[@Drkphyre224SAHS_CAMEROON]

Outstanding video, quick question, is it possible to extend the casting deck past the seat to the bar in the rear?

[@FishandForage]

Yeah for sure, you'd just have to cut a deeper notch in the plywood for it!

[@tdhally69]

I am making the mod now. Can you tell me why you did not center the notch in the plywood platform?

[@FishandForage]

I thought it was pretty centered? As long as the plywood doesn't rub on the pontoons and it all fits together, you should be good. I could have just been lazy too haha if centering it works, then you should probably do that :)

[@MrRubenAlonzo]

Hi there, thank you for this DIY and i just subbed, my wife just bought me the Colorado pontoon and I was wondering about the dimensions of the rear cargo basket. Could you please post it?

[@FishandForage]

Thanks for the sub! I just measured the basket - It's 32x12 on mine. I believe the Colorado XT matches, but you may want to double check on that just in case.

[@MrRubenAlonzo]

@@FishandForage Thanks! I wanted to know how big the basket was so i know what size cooler will fit back there ;)

[@rustyshackleford3647]

I recently made a similar platform.. I stepped onto it (on the ground) and the boat pitched WAY forward.. as in nose dive.. does this happen on the water?

[@FishandForage]

I try to keep the backs of my calves against the chair when standing. I can step out towards the front and it won't tip over forward, but it does sag more for sure. Just try to keep the majority of your weight near the center of the pontoon overall and it's super stable!

[@rustyshackleford3647]

@@FishandForage ..ok cool.. thanks!

[@noelznature505]

I was wondering about this. Thanks for this video man. How is the balance? What is your opinion about being on a river with the platform?

[@FishandForage]

Welcome! Glad you liked it! I don't think I'd use this on a river if there were any semi-serious rapids. On calm water, it's very stable. You'd have to try to fall over on it, really.

[@Cougnut206]

There’s a vid of a dude on class 3 ? Rapids. Super stable. If u can flip this thing you are doing wayyy too much. I stand on my Seat from a sitting position. Still stable. Making my platform this week tho.

[@king4brisbane]

Are you still able to row being that much higher?

[@FishandForage]

Yes! The oars do get closer to my legs this way, but it's very row-able. I probably wouldn't recommend the pedestal seat while going down any rivers with rapids, though. It's easy to remove if needed!

[@abeabe9000]

Did you have to raise the oar locks?

[@FishandForage]

I did not, there was just enough clearance for my legs to row reasonable well. I'd probably lower it again if I was going in moving water, but on a lake it's great!

[@stanjepson2054]

How high is your pedestal for the seat?

[@FishandForage]

7 inches. i think any taller and the oars would be totally unusable

[@michaelwelch9794]

Another quick question, do you take your wheels out on the pontoon boat? I see them on your boat.

[@FishandForage]

Depends on where I'm fishing. If I have to wheel the pontoon a long ways to the water and it's a busy lake, I'll toss it onto the back of the pontoon. It's out of the way enough that it doesn't bother me. Some lakes have a ton of folks, but everyone's on a toon and they all leave their wheels on the bank near the launch, too. Sometimes I'll toss it into a bush nearby. If the lake is close to the parking lot, I'll wheel it into the water and then just walk the wheel back to my car and toss it back in.

[@therocktm2001]

@@FishandForage I've just left mine in as it helps with balance as well as when it's time to take the boat from the lake i just get to the boat launch stand up and walk it out of the water without struggling with putting the wheel back on all the time.

[@No3Jacks]

My apologies up front. I'm not good at this stuff but I'm trying. I have the exact same challenge in front of me. I have a 7" pedestal and a swivel. I understand the 2 sets of the original hardware to attach the swivel to the pedestal and the pedestal to the frame. The step I'm missing is what specific hardware did you use to attach the swivel to the seat bottom?

[@FishandForage]

I had a pretty nice hardware store nearby with a huge fastener section - I brought in the plates I needed to connect and found stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers that would fit between them. I wouldn't use anything but stainless, since everything's gonna get wet on the water and I didn't want to deal with rust or corrosion!

[@No3Jacks]

@@FishandForageThanks for the reply. I think I have it figured out now. Pan head course screws have been recommended to attach the swivel to the seat bottom. The rest is pretty straightforward. Thanks for the reply.

[@chaselamprey9845]

Does it make the boat wobbly when you stand up? I’m 6ft 200 pounds ish

[@FishandForage]

I'm almost the same height and weight as you. It's not too wobbly, but if you stand too far forward or to one side, it does start tilting some. Having the heavy battery and motor in the back helps counter-balance, though. Even with not-so-great balance, this thing is pretty stable overall!

[@markmemmott3608]

Great video! Do you think a longer seat riser would be a problem? I'm tall at 6'6" and I think a 11 in riser might be more comfortable than the 7in . Do you think it would make the boat too top heavy?

[@FishandForage]

On a lake, I don't think that'd be a problem at all. It's surprisingly stable and it'd take some effort to tip it!

[@nicholasmelosi]

could you rig one of thse up for myself 185lb and my 9 year old son 60lb?

[@ivermectin3191]

Will these mods work on the Wilderness 22 ? I’d assume but always best to ask

[@FishandForage]

I assume so! I am not sure if anything has changed from the older models. It'd be pretty easy to account for most small differences for sure.

[@ivermectin3191]

@@FishandForage Excellent, thanks for the great video and quick response...

[@redbone9952]

Will this work on the Colorado classic accessories as well

[@redbone9952]

Also what the size of the t pieces and what size seat pedestal did you use the 7” or 13”

[@FishandForage]

@@redbone9952 yes it should work on the Colorado XT, also! I'd double check a few measurements to make sure they are the same, though. And all the pvc for the standing platform are 1-1/4th inch. The pedestal I use is the 7 inch one and it works well while still allowing me to row decently.

[@redbone9952]

@@FishandForage I have the classic

[@FishandForage]

Ah if it's not the Classic Accessories Wilderness or the Classic Accessories Colorado XT, I'm not sure if it'll work with the same measurements, then

[@1364a-c3w]

One word, sawzall😜

[@FishandForage]

Ha! No doubt. I thought about running and getting one for just this project, but I decided suffering for a little bit longer would outweigh the price of a sawzall haha

[@michaelwelch9794]

My seat has the bolts already installed and they are about 1" long. how do i put the swivel plate on?

[@FishandForage]

Are they stuck on, or can you take em off? The swivel plate is just another plate that should fit right on your current bracket between the chair and the plate(Vs the plate and the pontoon. You cant the swivel to be at the base of the chair and not at the pontoon) Does that make sense? Kind of confusing... lol

[@therocktm2001]

@@FishandForage I to have the seat with the long bolts in it, I think the only way to achieve the swivel and pedestal combo would be to cut the bolts on the seat to make them fit, however in doing that if you find that this method doesn't work for some, your stuck with a seat that the bolts have been cut and will not longer be suitable for the frame. MMMMM

[@joshvang1977]

Will 1 inch PVC tubing work instead of 1 1/4?

[@joshvang1977]

If not then what about 2inch?

[@FishandForage]

I think 1 inch may work, but you'd want to double check the inner diameter with the frame's outer diameter for sure. For 2 inch, it would likely stick out around the frame and rub on the pontoons and cause wear. I picked 1-1/4inch because it was a bit beefier looking than 1inch and I tend to over-engineer things.

[@pacospete4299]

While waiting for my XT to arrive i thought i'd gather some things ahead . Could you tell me the diameter of the transport wheel. Thanks !!!

[@FishandForage]

They are 14 inch diameter, but I've seen folks use all sorts of different tires. I'm assuming most would work as long as they don't bump the frame or anything!

[@pacospete4299]

@@FishandForage Thank You very much !!!

[@FishandForage]

@@pacospete4299 Welcome! Send pics with your toon and catches! My IG is in the description! :)

[@therocktm2001]

@@FishandForage i picked up a set of 10" wheels that work GREAT!

[@wahkitng4505]

motor in front better or the back

[@FishandForage]

I haven't tried mounting it in the front yet. I've seen some pretty slick pvc mounts, though! I don't mind it in the back though. Doesn't get in the way when casting fly rods

[@wahkitng4505]

@@FishandForage I though all that weight makes the back lower in the water

[@FishandForage]

@@wahkitng4505 yeah, a little bit. It's not so bad and works well when standing on the platform. Balances out better!

[@garysiu5498]

Hi , the pontoon is great but after awhile I start worry the Velcro trap is not strong enough to hold the float and frame. Does anyone has this problem?

[@FishandForage]

I had the same worry, but my straps never came undone after 2 years of using em. I think over a lot longer time you may have an issue, but I was never worried.

[@wahkitng4505]

How thick is the plywood

[@FishandForage]

I think it was 3/8ths. If 1/4 seems too thin, then it was 3/8ths lol

[@wahkitng4505]

@@FishandForage I was planning too mount the trolling mount in the plywood

[@FishandForage]

@@wahkitng4505 yeah I'd definitely go for at least 3/8ths then if not more. Lots of torque from the motor

[@kerryanderson8382]

Copied your design , works great thanks for the video.

[@stanjepson2054]

does it swival?

[@FishandForage]

Yeah! The seat mounts are standard, so you can install a swivel base super easy

[@chris74ify]

Wow! You could sell this...

[@FishandForage]

Ha! Well it's easy enough to DIY! I think they should make their own official standing deck. Wonder if there's some liability issues, though.

[@joebyedone2351]

Anybody ever put a pedal drive on a Colorado?

[@777sgiles]

Try an HDPE board from professionalplastics.com

[@FishandForage]

That would be pretty cool, but hoooly crap their prices seem high for this application haha

[@OutdoorswithFloridaSmokin]

No, I didn’t find the tutorial handy and I’m gonna explain why. I’ve seen everybody make these platforms for these Colorado pontoon boats, but I have yet to seen anybody stand up in One and fish and filming at the same time. So unless there’s a video of you actually doing that I don’t know what to believe.

[@FishandForage]

I got a bunch of vids where i'm standing and fishing. Check the bass ones!

[@OutdoorswithFloridaSmokin]

@@FishandForage I saw them but it’s only from a first person view which doesn’t show me anything. I can’t gauge how stable it is by the view I get from your video. I would like to see a camera angle of someone being filmed and actually standing and fishing from a distance.

[@OutdoorswithFloridaSmokin]

@@FishandForage yes from your view. From a first person view. But I have yet to see anybody film from a second person view of somebody actually standing up and fishing in it to show this stability of it while they’re doing it. It’s one thing to strap with GoPro on your head or your chest and stand up but that’s not showing you actually standing up in fishing.I understand what you’re saying but a second person view would do a lot better and convincing people that it’s possible and can be done.

[@OutdoorswithFloridaSmokin]

@@FishandForage I like the modifications you did, and I’m actually using some of those modifications on my boat that I’m putting together right now.

[@FishandForage]

I don't have any third person videos, I don't think. It's pretty stable, but I have decent balance, so if someone isn't very confident with their balance, I may be wary of them standing.

[@ninobagel1177]

I still have yet to see anyone standing on those stupid platform mods. The pontoon was designed to keep the center of gravity while sitting down AND no pedestal. Show me a video where the water is normal (not still) and people fishing standing. I call Bullshiet as they do NOT work.

[@FishandForage]

I mean I wouldn't use it while going down a river, that's for sure. But what's not normal about still water fishing on a lake? I have a ton of pontoon videos where I stand up and fish from it. I have a lot of comments and questions about stability and I also point out I wouldn't even put this thing on if I were going down a river :P It's stable enough for me to fish 360 degrees on a lake. When you stand up, the center of gravity does move forward. I have a heavy battery and trolling motor in the back to help counter balance. I just got a second camera and plan on shooting from some new/third-person angles, so check back and I should have more footage of it in action soon. :)

[@matthewduman7687]

Not much of a handy man huh

[@FishandForage]

🤣🤣