Pontoon Fishing Machine

[shootandfish1]

My idea of pontoon boat used mainly for fishing and camping. 22'-24'

The 4 point fishing models are close. Minus the 2 front benches and livewells. I want the forward portion of the deck open and the livewells are a personal preference. Maybe 1 livewell, once I figure out where I want it. Vinyl floor instead of carpet would be a big plus.

Some boats have the rail encompassing all of the forward portion of the deck, other layouts have the extreme front 2' or so deck open. I can't decide which design I like better.

On the back of some pontoons, the deck is square and the motor mounted further back. On other boats the rear deck is "notched out" or 'u' shaped so that rear of the deck is more or less flush with the rear of the engine. I havn't a clue which set-up is better.

I'm curious to know how you guys see the pros and cons are of the last 2 comments.

Thanks again-Fred

[HandymanHerb]

That's what I did with mine removed the furnture and I have pool furnture I can put in for just riding around, that's one thing about buying used, I wasn't removing new stuff anyway.

But having the whole front open makes it easy to help the kids fish as you can spread them out on the rails and they have more fun too as they can move around and don't have to sit in once place for hours.

[lakerunner]

Depends on what kind of fishing most. If you troll the models with rear stations are great, If you catfish or fish with shad the open deck in front is great for using a cast net. Some now have center consoles for all around fishing. Liveswell can be as fancy or simple. I prefer a icechest live well. It is portable and you can move it around.

[mike]

My fishing model has the front area with a half height rail and no furniture (just holes to drop fishing seats into), it had a livewell just forward of the helm which had a hinged seat covering it. It has the notched rear with bins on either side of the motor (one for battery's and one is a livewell) with two fishing seats back there too. I LOVE my setup, its really easy to fish with the half height railing and gives you a place to put your feet or mount the bbq.

[dockholiday]

From what I have heard most performance minded people opt for more set back on the motor to run in lest turbulent water. Most jackplates come in various inches of set backs. Guess from there weight of the motor comes into play, since the further back the motor is located the lower the aft would sit and higher the bow, well that's my take on it........

[shootandfish1]

Thanks - The more I think about it, decks that have the rail extended all the way to the front edge of the deck is better for fishing and sleeping positions for overnight. I had not seen the 'half height' rail before. Nice. Is it legal have someone in the fishing seats when the boat is moving (when seated next to the low rail)?

I was too embrassed to admit that I preferred the ice chest type livewells.

For the guys that have removed furniture like the front bench seats- Did you do anything special for the mounting holes that remained?

Forcast is freezing rain and snow next 3 days. I'm ready to become a snowbird!!!

[lakerunner]

Thanks - The more I think about it, decks that have the rail extended all the way to the front edge of the deck is better for fishing and sleeping positions for overnight. I had not seen the 'half height' rail before. Nice. Is it legal have someone in the fishing seats when the boat is moving (when seated next to the low rail)?

I was too embrassed to admit that I preferred the ice chest type livewells.

For the guys that have removed furniture like the front bench seats- Did you do anything special for the mounting holes that remained?

Forcast is freezing rain and snow next 3 days. I'm ready to become a snowbird!!!

Never be embarrassed about anything to do with boating unless it is a screw up so we can call you a dumb ass.

My reason for ice chest live well is we mostly cruise and party. We fish 6 to 20 times a year so don't want a live well taking up space.
This year I am attaching a bilge pump into transom well with a hose and quick connect to my ice chest live well. That way when not needed I leave it at home.

Ice storm in progress here. Could have an inch or more. We are prepared with plenty of BEER, coffee, BEER, Jack Daniels, BEER, Irish Cream for coffee and BEER. in case of power loss the generator is ready to keep our asses warm.

Oh an dumass news people just informed us to walk like a penquin on ice.

[mike]

They were talking about all the people who had to brave the ice storm to get to the OK/OK State ball game last night, good game!!

My front livewell has never been used as anything other than storage or an ice chest, now it holds a subwoofer... Nothing to be embarrassed about!

[Skallywag]

I would check with your local lakes on regulations as to rails and seating. It wouldn't be legal in California, but, what is?

Here's a tip on the fishing side.......since you're able to rearrange everything to your liking, place your console in the center and a tad bit forward. This will make the boat seem half again as large as it is. It will also allow more fishing spots.

Have fun and good luck. OH YEA! Don't forget to post up the progress pics. We like pics.

Edd

[OldePharte]

Some pontoon manufacturers are selling fishing models. Why not take a look at their sites and see what they did to give you an idea of what could be and has been done.

I know that I have seen a center console fishing model, but at my age, I just can't remember who made it.

[dahogman]

Thanks - The more I think about it, decks that have the rail extended all the way to the front edge of the deck is better for fishing and sleeping positions for overnight. I had not seen the 'half height' rail before. Nice. Is it legal have someone in the fishing seats when the boat is moving (when seated next to the low rail)?

I was too embrassed to admit that I preferred the ice chest type livewells.

For the guys that have removed furniture like the front bench seats- Did you do anything special for the mounting holes that remained?

Forcast is freezing rain and snow next 3 days. I'm ready to become a snowbird!!!

Never be embarrassed about anything to do with boating unless it is a screw up so we can call you a dumb ass.

My reason for ice chest live well is we mostly cruise and party. We fish 6 to 20 times a year so don't want a live well taking up space.
This year I am attaching a bilge pump into transom well with a hose and quick connect to my ice chest live well. That way when not needed I leave it at home.

Ice storm in progress here. Could have an inch or more. We are prepared with plenty of BEER, coffee, BEER, Jack Daniels, BEER, Irish Cream for coffee and BEER. in case of power loss the generator is ready to keep our asses warm.

Oh an dumass news people just informed us to walk like a penquin on ice.

Barefoot?

[mike]

http://www.voyagerboats.net/pontoons/de ... pe=fishing




(dont forget to have Voyager send me a commission check)

[mike]

Oh, you can get a three log version too:

http://www.voyagerboats.net/pontoons/de ... pe=fishing

[shootandfish1]

I would check with your local lakes on regulations as to rails and seating. It wouldn't be legal in California, but, what is?

Here's a tip on the fishing side.......since you're able to rearrange everything to your liking, place your console in the center and a tad bit forward. This will make the boat seem half again as large as it is. It will also allow more fishing spots.

Have fun and good luck. OH YEA! Don't forget to post up the progress pics. We like pics.

Edd

Skallywag-I like your boat- Hope you don't mind if I use your to discuss some details.

Lots of sun trackers in my area, so I have spent a lot of time on their website.

What size is your pontoon? It looks like a 'bass buster' model.

The 'playpen' is very efficient- no wasted space and very versatile. The front can be used for sitting or standing and so can the rear (remove 1 or both seats).


Your boat's rear deck is 'square' and the transom extends way outward. this adds more to your options- place to fish or ride-full width or part width-or haul cargo-pottie-rig a curtain for changing-rig a camp shower-you get the idea.

Also, your binimi top looks like it is positioned perfect. Just enough space in the rear for casting allowing max open room up front for a more open area-including fly fishing. And still be able to have some shade.

Again, I hope you don't mind being singled out.

Fred

[shootandfish1]

Oh, you can get a three log version too:

http://www.voyagerboats.net/pontoons/de ... pe=fishing

Thanks Mike, I had not heard of Voyager before. Their 'low-end' boats are neat. I saw things I liked about the 'supreme' series,also. Biggest hurdle is that their closest dealer is in Missouri-along ways from me.

Fred