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Post by coheasion on Sept 1, 2016 7:25:17 GMT -5
I am soon going to be in the market for a new boat and the family is pressuring me hard to get something that is a little more family friendly than my 24' bay boat for cruises on the lake, watersports etc. And truth be told I wouldn't mind something that has a bit more comfortable seating for those long days fishing on the water and a bit more deck space as well. So I have been doing some boat shopping and ran across this boat. Assuming this was equipped with a 3rd pontoon, a 175-200HP, a ski tow bar, trolling motor etc. seems to be a swiss army knife and fit the bill for the family at the lake. I would also do without the small bait tank behind the helm and without the large livewell thing at the very back. Primary use - live bait striper fishing 60% of use Secondary use - water sports pulling tubes/wakeboards etc 20% - and family/friends cruising 20% However, I haven't ever really fished or even driven pontoon boats before so before I go too far down this path I would love to hear what you guys and your years of boating/fishing SML think of something like this. www.ahlstrandmarine.com/products/angler-qwest-822-fish-n-cruise-fishing-pontoon-boat-20558.html
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KB
New Member
Posts: 533
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Post by KB on Sept 1, 2016 7:36:21 GMT -5
Thats awesome. I loved my pontoon just only had a 50hp motor. Thats a really nice set up.
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Post by coheasion on Sept 1, 2016 7:43:23 GMT -5
Thanks KB - how was fishing from the pontoon? Especially catching bait - that is my main concern, trying to throw a cast net from this thing.
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KB
New Member
Posts: 533
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Post by KB on Sept 1, 2016 7:58:09 GMT -5
I moved my fence back and had a 7 foot deck so it was very easy. On that one my only concern would be the fence. And as far as fishing i loved it,but you definitely need a strong 101 or plus trolling motor.
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Post by drag4striper on Sept 1, 2016 8:01:09 GMT -5
Nice ! Pop up cleats would be easier on your net. Does the t-top fold over for towing?
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Post by coheasion on Sept 1, 2016 8:29:26 GMT -5
Yes - T-Top does fold over but the baot would stay in a lift at the lake - but still folding would be nice for easier covering - gotta keep momma's seats clean and free of spider poop.
And good idea on the pop up cleats! Will make sure and have those.
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Post by Pete D. on Sept 1, 2016 11:22:58 GMT -5
I can understand you wanting one boat to pull double duty. Only downside that I can see from this setup would be if you wanted to take a trip to the bay. You can see pontoons out there on really calm days, but if things get hairy you will not want to be out there.
The guides out my way (Lake Anna) all fish tri-toons and wouldnt have it any other way. Big bait tanks, lots of seating, lots of rail space for rod holders. They have toons now with fiberglass floors that I really like. Also, some have wood floors with nautilex vinyl which is great to fish off of. I just dont like mixing carpet with my fishing trips. I dont know about you but when I get home there are thousands of scales all over my rig.........
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Post by Pete D. on Sept 1, 2016 11:24:51 GMT -5
The guides use the "ballerina toss" and spin the net over the rails. May take some getting used to but totally do-able. They almost look as pretty as Yam when he throws Insani-Tee.
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Post by deerview on Sept 1, 2016 15:10:29 GMT -5
I have a Bennington 21' I bought used about 4 years ago. It has a 90 Yamaha on it and I love it. When I bought it, it had 20 hours on it and I got a great deal. I would have liked a 115hp which was the max for this dual toon. Mine does have carpeting, but I just keep hosing it down. The deck is open and I have a 30 gal bait tank. It is great to walk around in it. I have rod holders mounted and only a 12vt min kota remote. For me it is fine. I can get a good 6-hrs of running it going 1 mph pulling planners. The downside as I see it is the fins for the toons can be damaged in rough water going above 20mph. I have had to have mine repaired at Hughes near Bayside. The newer Toons are re-designed to accommodate the weakness there. Also when you make a sharp turn, it will not be a sharp turn. Try one out first.
My wife loves the calm cruises and I like it for the striper fishing.
BTW, the one in the picture will only take a 115hp and it looks like it is not a tri-toon.
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Post by smlmike on Sept 1, 2016 16:26:56 GMT -5
The bench seats in front of the CC are hard for me when fishing from the pontoon. It's a long reach to the rail if you have several boards out. And I have been known to stand on those seats to throw a net, my fishing seats are all inside the fence. I agree that you will need rod holders that are easily lowered or removed. My toon is only a double but has a 115hp Yamaha. It does great tuning and cruising on SML.
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Post by smlmike on Sept 1, 2016 16:27:19 GMT -5
Also the room on a pontoon is unbeatable.
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Brian
New Member
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Post by Brian on Sept 1, 2016 17:44:22 GMT -5
Looks like the pontoon you are considering has a big front deck, but I wouldn't let concerns about throwing a net push you to that model. You just have to choke up on the net a little to clear the fence and it's not a big deal.
I started throwing the net from down in my boat when I'm catching menhaden on the ocean in big waves. It was so easy that I have taken to tossing from down in the boat at the stern when I'm fishing alone since I figure that tossing a net from the casting deck is the most dangerous thing I do when I fish alone in cold weather.
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Yam
New Member
Posts: 585
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Post by Yam on Sept 1, 2016 19:50:16 GMT -5
The guides use the "ballerina toss" and spin the net over the rails. May take some getting used to but totally do-able. They almost look as pretty as Yam when he throws Insani-Tee. InsaniTee is no more. He is nothing but lead line and weights. I learned the hard way that a 25 pound net grabs things on the bottom with too much force. My last few trips with him always ended in a long day of mending. I finally just took the scissors to him. My goto net is now a 1 lb/foot 12 footer, 1 inch thick mesh that weirdly enough feels like throwing air and has been gathering in the big boys surprisingly better than any net I own. She hits the water quietly, sinks slow and has yet to snag anything but bait in the last 6 trips or so.
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Post by mwardncsu on Sept 1, 2016 20:51:10 GMT -5
... and has yet to snag anything but bait in the last 6 trips or so. well you just cursed that net.....
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Yam
New Member
Posts: 585
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Post by Yam on Sept 2, 2016 8:20:07 GMT -5
... and has yet to snag anything but bait in the last 6 trips or so. well you just cursed that net..... Merlin can not be cursed. She casts the spells, mesmerizes the bait with a welcoming soft touch and gently releases my bounty into a soothing salt water bath. Man I'm dying to get on the water!
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