Jump to content

PT boats


wbaj

Recommended Posts

I have fished out of my trout trap for about 5 years now and I think I would like to try a PT boat. On a recent trip to Muir I saw quite a variety out there. Just want to get a flavor for what every one likes and dislikes about theirs. Any tips out there guys? What should I look for when purchasing one?

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi, I have a Bucks Bags Bronco with stainless steel frame Love IT! Had it for about 6 years now and PTBoats are the only way to go.

We had a Fish Cat 9 on loan from Darrell Johnston (Fishin’Hole) at the Embarrass Klave a few weeks ago. Michael Dell tried it out along with a few others and then Michael bought a PTBoat too. I tried it and it compared favourably with my Bronco the only thing I wasn’t keen on is the steel frame. They need a bit more maintenance than stainless or aluminum but then it’s stronger than aluminum and if you’re a larger dude like me that is a consideration.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've got a Water skeeter Spey cast. I love it.... just one important hint, WHat ever pt boat you buy, make sure you get brass oar locks. Aluminum one seem to bust at the wrong time.....

 

Oh yeah, and make sure it has a good anchor system, with pulleys not just guides.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a fishcat 4, not a true pontoon boat but at least you get a bit of exercise with a set of fins on your feet. I like the boat and it works fine for me, plenty of storage space for flies and whatnot...and I can even store an anchor in mine. Not good for use in really rough waters, but that hasn't stopped me before.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the suggestions. I would not have thought about brass oars locks! Looks like I have a place to start my hunt!

Thanks again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The deal with oarlocks is two fold.

1. Don't get ring style ones or ones that don't let the oars pop out

when you pry up or down on the oar real hard.

If you are drifting with current or wind and the oar gets stick on a rock

or bottom and its doesn't pop out, you will flip the boat.

2. Don't get ones that keep the oars in a fixed rotational position.

These usally have the oars attached to the oarlocks.

Not only do they have problem 1, but you can't rotate the oar

with these and that makes rowing harder.

 

These cautions apply to any boart with oars, not just PT boats.

It's primarily a safety issue.

Oh yeah, make sure you get an extra loose paddle when you buy.

Boating regulations require it, along with a PFD, a noisemaker

a throw or tow line and a flashlight (if out after sundown).

I don't think a PT boat needs a bailer though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

These cautions apply to any boart with oars, not just PT boats.

It's primarily a safety issue.

Oh yeah, make sure you get an extra loose paddle when you buy.

Boating regulations require it, along with a PFD, a noisemaker

a throw or tow line and a flashlight (if out after sundown).

I don't think a PT boat needs a bailer though.

Since when do you require a PFD on a PT Boat? And second whats a "boart"??? :lol:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Want a real nice PT Boat ? Go look at the River Guide they have at The fishing center.... I think I'm going to buy one.... I may just be selling my Spey cast if anyones interested.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's still in the queue... it's been so busy I've not gotten editing.

 

We hadn't actually planned on doing outside reviews - only article submissions. That way we can apply the same standard of assessment...

 

So... we're not anti-borg - we're just trying to make things work right. ;)

 

All things in good time.

 

 

There's no taking trout with dry breeches.

- Cervantes (Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra), Don Quixote (pt. II, ch. 71)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ABH:

You can go PT'ing without a PFD if you want to.

Then you can argue with the enforcement officer if a PT is a "boat" or not,

that is if you're not involved in an argument with Davey Jones already.

Personally, I prefer to float if I accidentally fall out of a watercraft.

Wife and kid don't benefit from the insurance claim though.

Edited by dave robinson
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have never been question about life jackets when getting check by F&W. THough sometimes I have mine on my seat... Sometimes not. It is a good idea, but dont wear it too often.... actually i dont think i have ever worn it on my pt bt.

 

Now, the fly vest with a inflatable bladder, or they considered a PFD? always wondered...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One more thing to add about Pontoon Boats, well mine at least... It's tough! It survived being thrown off a back of a truck while going a bit to fast on the highway(I wasn't driving...), and it slammed it to the highway, has a few scrapes but it gives the boat Character(at least thats what I was told by the person that I was driving/fishing with) Few scrapes on the metal, but It will still go to point A to Point B on the Lake.

 

-Ian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...