Great Video... some of these Colorado Pontoon boat reviews/mod videos are painful to watch... yours was a pleasure ! I just got my Colorado Classic yesterday and the weather here in Oregon isn't cooperating at all so it'll be a few days before I can take it out and play. Some of your mods look real interesting ! LIKED/SUBSCRIBED !
Well, unfortunately, here in the state of Texas, anything with a motor, gas or electric no matter how small has to be registered at your local, Texas Parks and wildlife department. You’ll have to fill out a couple forms and pay your money to get your tags. It seems silly for something that only goes about 5 miles an hour, but it is what it is. Thanks for checking out the video. Hope your enjoying your boat.
I bought one of these for myself and I have to say it's got to be the greatest invention ever you can do just about anything off of it I absolutely love it
@@KevinReeder-q6d Hello Kevin I don’t remember exactly how I had that set up. I don’t have mine anymore. My mother had Alzheimer’s and was living with us and I just didn’t have the time to use it like I wanted. Wish I still had it. It was a great fishing rig. Good luck with yours.
Great video and nicely set up! I’ve done numerous mods to mine XT too. Really sorry to hear about your mom and that you don’t have yours anymore. A couple of points if I may (for your other viewers and in case you build out another one at some point). As for the oars...I replaced the stock oar locks with clamp on models and made my own 6” extended pins to mount in the holes on the frame. With me sitting at a 15” height and the oar locks located about 4-5” closer to the handles I find that the stock oars work great. Your motor looked much newer than the 38# I’m running and probably had a battery life e tender circuit (PWM=Pulse Width Modulator) built in. Mine doesn’t...so I purchased one off of eBay it has extended my daily battery life by 20% so I have no need for a solar charger but the set up you have for that is outstanding! I think many of us add standing platforms of sorts (I think it should be an option available from Classic Accessories). Mine spans the entire front of the pontoons to give me a large area to actually move around in and a place for tackle box or even a crab pot. I ended up moving my motor back behind the basket again too. I liked it up front but like you said...it made it hard to get on/off. The biggest changes to my XT was that I extended the frame by 2” side to side and front to back. Then swapped out the pontoons to 10’ models. Unfortunately now that I have developed rotator cuff issues it become very difficult to get it up into the bed of my truck. I need a trailer like yours. I’d love to see a build on how you modified that trailer to fit your XT. 🙏🏻🙏🏻for your mom...
Salmon King Thanks for you comments and prays for my mom there much appreciated! Sounds like you’ve done some great mods to yours, I really like your oar solution. Would love to see a video of your mods. That’s what’s fun about sharing these videos and seeing the great ideas that people come up with. Happy fishing and thanks again for your comments and 🙏.
I purchased the little brother Roanoke and have added mods and about to add a motor i have a concern tho how durable is the front and rear frame to hold a standing platform, the motor and battery? i am considering extending the PVC across the toons to help carry the weight, and can you detail how you made the gage the insert that holds down the valve, its a pain trying to figure out if there to much/little air lol.
i have to haul the thing in my trunk and it all fits nicely not sure how that works on the durability of folding the bladders and assembly disassembly tho, takes me 30 mins to assemble / disassemble.
I don’t know why they don’t include a pressure gauge. It a big mistake on their part! I know 2 psi is a lot firmer then what you would think. Probably your best bet would be purchase one on Amazon. Here’s a link to one and from the reviews you still may have to modify it some but it should work. AIRHEAD Pressure Gauge www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVIJLJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hVShFbW58DVEJ
Busy gathering together the bits and pieces for my first pontoon. Later in the year I plan on a couple of overnight trips, but not really any room on the pontoon for tent, sleeping back, camp cooker etc. Even though my stuff is decent quality lightweight and compact gear. Anyone have any suggestions on how to safely transport more gear ??? So far the best I came up with is to tow the pontoon, minus its chair and the equipment lashed across the floats ?
I was browsing the internet. They do have a bigger flat platform for the back. Might need to modify it a bit in order to keep your equipment safe. But I plan on doing the same thing. I have also seen a waterproof bag for camping gear as well that would fit easily on the boat. If you take yours apart like I do each trip. Order some extra lock pins. Find a piece of thin wood or metal to go front to back. Then possibly drill one or two holes on each side for the extra lock pins. Just an idea.
So I took your advice and got a gauge to make sure I got up close 2.5 psi. Now I have one issue. Since now the pontoon is so well inflated it is very hard to control with the trolling motor. With the motor barely turned it I will start to rotate very quickly since there is nothing biting into the water.
Yes I had that problem too. You might try adjusting you seat forward and see if that helps some. I added a rudder type peace under my feet and it seemed to help. I would also like to try the clamp on Bullnose rudder for the trolling motor and see if that might help. It seems to be a give and take on the air pressure. You might like yours to have a little lower pressure. It seems like a little adjustment here or there can make a difference in how it responds. Good luck and let me know if you find a way of making it handle like you want.
Here is a url for the Bullnose rudder. th-cam.com/video/dwGcG54BeXY/w-d-xo.html I just ordered a Bullnose rudder for my Minkota CU 2 40. The guys in this video are having to much fun. This should work for me because I use a utility trailer until I can fin a good used John Boat trailer to convert for my Colorado XT. Watching these guys makes me want to get finished. You will see these boats set low in the back but I this adds to your idea of moving the seat forward and better inflation to fix that. Anyway here's what I found. Might have to cut and paste. Good Fishing Guys and Girls.
zlwebb1989 one of the things I did to counter this problem was picked up some fibreglass wakeboard fins and fashioned them up with some straps. That way once everything was put together and inflated, I can simply cinch up the straps and the fins aligned on the bottom of the toons.
Your right it does row very nicely and I used it like that at first BUT that’s not why I got one. I wanted a fishing rig that was very portable but did not want a kayak and didn’t want to paddle, they get in your way when fishing. You might be surprised how well these work with the trolling motors. As you can see with all the online videos we love these for bass fishing and I get great comments all the time from kayak owners about this rig. They are defiantly a great boat for rowing down a river or fishing for bass in larger lakes with it outfitted like mine. Thanks for your comment.
Tim in this video you talk about air pressure. Is you boat pressure in this video at 2.5 LB's.. Did yo glue all the 4 way etc together. The video you did for the mount system is great.My wife came out yesterday while I had the frame apart and said what are you doing, she saw the boat before when I had it configured using Mike C's method. I looked her straight in the eyes and said blame it om Tim. LOL Oh I ordered a Bullnose for my Min Kota C2 40. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks Ray
Ray I run at least 2 but sometimes up to 2.5 I’ve noticed that cold water or cloudy weather can effect your pressure some as will a hot sunny day. So you have to just play around with it to see what works for you and that’s a lot easier with a pressure gauge. The first time I used mine I thought I was going to sink, I bet I didn’t have a pound of air in it. That’s when I started using a gauge. I did glue my stand together you just have to be quick about it and make sure every peace is strait. Let me know how that rudder works.
I am really looking forward to customizing mine. I just purchased a Colorado. Just the plane Jane with motor mount and storage bags. I really like your ideas and would love if you can email some tips you may have. That thing is AWESOME! Love the solar panel idea to keep it charged at all times. How long did it take to set up before you got a trailer? I have no truck in order to pull anything out of the water. So will be setting up on the banks bright and early. Thanks for any advice in advance.
Hello Andrew Congrats on your purchase. I think your going to enjoy your boat. It’s not to bad just setting up from the shore and that’s what’s great about these is that they are so portable that you can just put them in the trunk of your car. It’s when you start modifying them is when it takes longer to set up because of the wiring for the batteries and fish finder. I find it just as easy to pull mine on the trailer to where in going and then putting the transport wheel on it and just rolling it down to the water and not having to deal with busy boat ramps. Just make sure you get a good hand pump with a gauge so you can play around with the air pressure and see how much pressure you prefer. Good luck and have fun!
@@tim29913 So the first time out. I could not get the air pressure up high enough in the pontoons due to the air pump not being strong enough. I did get a bit of fishing in for maybe a half hour. Caught two. But the back end was sagging so much, didn't want to move far from the boat ramp. I bought a new pump to fill the pontoons. It seems to do better. But I don't think it's powerful enough still. Any recommendations would be great. If you could lead me in how to create the pressure gauge as well, that would be fantastic. Can't find one anywhere for that type of valve. I do have a suggestion since you don't take yours apart. But you could if needed. I love your idea with the trolling motor setup. I was thinking, take some electrical line and run it through the frame of the boat. At the each end, have it to where it you can just plug in and go. Therefor your wires would be hidden and out of the way a bit more. Again, I love the ideas and how your boat looks. Any information you can help me with would be fantastic. Thanks a head of time.
Andrew Thompson Hey Andrew Sorry I didn’t respond back sooner, I meant to the other day but got distracted and forgot. I haven’t had any luck with an electric pump. The pump I use is a hand pump called Intex double quick 2. You can buy the latest one on Amazon for about 10 bucks. Also they sell a gauge called airhead ahpg-1 That should do the trick. If you can squeeze the end of the pontoon and there soft you don’t have enough air, they should be tight. Running the wires through the frame would make for a cleaner look. I might give that a try. You would just need some good waterproof connections. Good luck with yours and post a video when you get it done. I’d like to see how yours turn out.
Just had it out again last weekend. Water was choppy with white caps and boat handled it well. I think since it's supposed to rain this weekend I will go purchase that air pump. Also buy a seat with a swivel and make it a bit higher than it is. My old man knows electric really well. I'm sure he'll have some ideas how to install them in the frame. But will post a video once it's done. Thanks for the help.
@@andrewthompson2450 Don't try to use an electric or battery operated pump. I did the same thing and couldn't get the pontoons full. Called the company and they said to get a double action hand pump. The electric ones don't put out enough pressure. I did and it works great. Just takes about 2 minutes for each pontoon.
Hello David No offense taken. That’s why I put the videos on here to share my thoughts and ideas and to hear other peoples ideas. The raised seat does have its disadvantages like not being able to use the oars But for the lakes i used it in it worked well for me. Unfortunately I had to get rid of mine last year because my mothers Alzheimer’s got too bad and taking care of her takes up most of our time. Hopefully one day in the future I’ll get a chance to do another one. Thanks for the comment and I hope you continue to enjoy yours. Happy Fishing!
Love your ideas. Anyone who has a Colorado Pontoon. I need a good but inexpensive air pump preferably electric. Also an air gauge as well. Can't find one anywhere that fits that valve properly. Also any ideas to hide wiring since I do take mine apart each time when I get out of the water. All ideas or videos of how to would be very helpful. New guy out on the water here lol. On a budget. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the comments. sorry I haven’t responded back till now, just haven’t been on TH-cam in a couple of weeks. The platform works well. I’m 6’ and 190 and it very stable In calm water. I did use schedule 40 pvc with 1-1/4” t’s for the front seat crossbar necked down to 1”pvc then glued together three 1” four way pvc connecters then a 90 with about 5” of pvc connected to a 1” t for the side rail that runs along the pontoon. I then mounted a peace of aluminum with a thick peace of rubber from a bed liner and screwed it down to the pvc. I’ll try and make a short video this weekend of how it went together since this explanation is probably confusing. I made my gauge with a low pressure gauge, a extra peace of the inflator hose and actually a small peace of popsicle stick. You have to have something in the middle of the hose to depress the center air release when you connect your gauge. You can just buy one on amazon and not go through the hassle I did trying to get it just right. This company should include one with there boats because the air pressure make a big difference with this boat. Also I got my solar charger at northern tools.
can you do a video of it in the water to show how it sets with your set up ive been looking at one just want to make shure it will do ok cause im a big boy
Eugene Orr I’ll try and do that next time I’m out on it unfortunately I haven’t had it out much this summer but hope to have it out soon. I’m 6’ and 200 pounds and it sits just fine in the water with about 2 pounds of air.
I noticed in a few videos some suggest running the trolling with the head turned 180 deg and running it in reverse. Have you found any need to run your motor other than in the normal configuration? They claim in the videos that the boat runs faster in reverse. I'm getting my boat configured now to take it out for the first time. I differently like your set up best less hassle and looks to be more functional.
When I first got it I made the front mount and reversed the motor then but after going back to the factory mount on the back I prefer it in the normal position. Turning it 180 on the back would be the same as making a front mount but your seating position wouldn’t be as good. Just my opinion.
Nice job on your mod's. I like your idea on the platform, what size t's did you use? I would also like to know how to make that air pressure gauge, if you don't mind. Where did you get the solar panel for the battery?
Ray welcome to world of these fun pontoons. They are a great little boat for the money and pretty friendly to modify. I also built Nate’s front mount but found I prefer the rear mount instead. If you do a front mount you should also check out this link th-cam.com/video/IUocq5qAflY/w-d-xo.html I really like how he integrated a front motor mount with a standing platform. You would still have difficulty getting on but you can always work around that. As for the seat it’s adjustable front to back on its mount you just have to find that sweet spot that you feel level with all you mods and gear on the boat. I would go ahead and finish your front mount and try it out just make sure your motor is good and tight on the mount and be careful going to shore because you motor tilts towards the front of the boat so it can be in the way. Let me know how it turn out and post a video so we can see it. Good luck and enjoy it.
Nice set up. I just ordered one of these inflatables. Was thinking of doing something similar for standing. Wondering how its working out for you? Is the PVC strong enough to stand on? Did you use Sch. 40?
Why do you need to stand? I Fly Fish using a 13'6' Spey rod using Skagit/Scandi style. I fish for Ocean Spotted Bay Bass others, Trout in rivers. I can fish just about anywhere with this toon. I think some of my fellow fishermen are trying to make a bass boat out of a pontoon. This always leads to design load problems, need for a trailer, registration, etc. Oh well good luck anyways.
No offense. Looks like you did a nice job on seat. But.... here ya go... This is food for thought for others thinking about mods.... You gain approx 1 foot in sitting height and you give up "hands free" fishing with fins. Not worth it IMO. Bass fishermen have a stand up style and I think that is why you did the seat. I Baitcast for Bass all the time in a sitting position on un-modified Colorado Xt and don't see much difference. I can also see my Lowrance Elite 5 better when seated. I have gas Suzuki 2.5 outboard that gets me where i want to go and then I go "hands free" with fins, which includes trolling with fins. Giving up hands free fishing for a slight advantage in height is something to be pondered for newbies. Love the trailer, tho. I bought a 5' x 8' light duty trailer from Tractor Store for $750 and I have everything ready to go and in my garage. The XT fits near perfect. I have horizontal 8' x 4" ABS for rods etc and a couple of bolted down trunks for storage. I tow it with 4 cyl Sonoma truck. I think this is the best mod I have made. No deflating, no unpacking gear, no wheel, no lifting etc. Pack a lunch and go And , once again, no offense.
Can you give a little more info on the mounting system for the motor, and the two foot platforms. the motor mounts were a concern of mine also. Would like to hear more on it as I have had some of the same thoughts. I'm in the process of building mine to Nate's ideas but you have taken this to a complete new level. Very very interested in your mod. Nate didn't have any idea what he was starting. Please expand. Thanks this is great stuff.
I have CO XT also. Loosen your 4 mains straps on pontoons before you inflate. Just for fun, take off all the crap and try rowing with boat fully inflated and lightweight configuration, no wheel, no motor mount (sucker weighs 3-4 lbs), minimal gear. I think you will be surprised at how well it performs. No offense. This is a toon, one step above float tube, not a bass boat. Oh well, good luck anyways!
David M because rowing around a lake to troll is what someone wants to do for 6-10 hours a day. Maybe for a quick hour row maybe, but for a guy like myself, that doesn’t believe in fishing for only an hour or two, this is the set up a guy needs. I tried the rowing thing 3 years ago when I got my xt. Last 1 outing then I hit the drawing board and built something pretty similar to this. If you’re not here for ideas or compliments, what did you even comment for?
If they had intended this to be row only, they wouldn't have put on a motor mount. I have watched NUMEROUS successful Colorado builds and I just don''t get why you felt the need to take this time to state only negative things regarding this mans build. It works for him and he has fun with it. But, this must be human nature to criticize someone for showing what they have done. Or maybe just jealousy that you don't share the same creativity. Hmmm.
![เปิดบ้าน นาราเครปกระเทย 1 ไร่ ขายขาดทุนหลัก10ล้าน เอามาใช้หนี้!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0jz84VFWVP4/mqdefault.jpg)
I love the way you support your pontoon on your trailer! I'm going to copy that!
Nice dude!
Great Video... some of these Colorado Pontoon boat reviews/mod videos are painful to watch... yours was a pleasure ! I just got my Colorado Classic yesterday and the weather here in Oregon isn't cooperating at all so it'll be a few days before I can take it out and play. Some of your mods look real interesting ! LIKED/SUBSCRIBED !
Check out Brackett for trolling motor mount from Garnett McLay. Slickest front motor mount system out there
Great video!
cool set up.....the miniture solar panel is smart move....
Hi, have you ever tought or try to mount a down rigger on the Colorado Pontoon Boat to use in Ocean salmon fishing ?
No I never did but I bet someone has tried it. Here in central Texas I never really had a need for one.
Just came across your video and I'm curious how you go about registering one of these great little boats.
Well, unfortunately, here in the state of Texas, anything with a motor, gas or electric no matter how small has to be registered at your local, Texas Parks and wildlife department. You’ll have to fill out a couple forms and pay your money to get your tags. It seems silly for something that only goes about 5 miles an hour, but it is what it is.
Thanks for checking out the video. Hope your enjoying your boat.
@tim29913 I am from Texas as well, just didn't know if you had to jump through any special hoops or not lol tight lines and calm waters
Like to see more on the trailer
I'm picking mine up today.... What battery do you have for trolling motor???
I bought one of these for myself and I have to say it's got to be the greatest invention ever you can do just about anything off of it I absolutely love it
Hey guys make a keel
That slides into the hole that your transport wheel goes into. This will really help with control issues
I watched to see how to attach the anchor system and you skipped that. Lol. Can you please show how to set that up?
@@KevinReeder-q6d
Hello Kevin
I don’t remember exactly how I had that set up. I don’t have mine anymore. My mother had Alzheimer’s and was living with us and I just didn’t have the time to use it like I wanted. Wish I still had it. It was a great fishing rig. Good luck with yours.
Great video and nicely set up!
I’ve done numerous mods to mine XT too.
Really sorry to hear about your mom and that you don’t have yours anymore.
A couple of points if I may (for your other viewers and in case you build out another one at some point).
As for the oars...I replaced the stock oar locks with clamp on models and made my own 6” extended pins to mount in the holes on the frame. With me sitting at a 15” height and the oar locks located about 4-5” closer to the handles I find that the stock oars work great.
Your motor looked much newer than the 38# I’m running and probably had a battery life e tender circuit (PWM=Pulse Width Modulator) built in. Mine doesn’t...so I purchased one off of eBay it has extended my daily battery life by 20% so I have no need for a solar charger but the set up you have for that is outstanding!
I think many of us add standing platforms of sorts (I think it should be an option available from Classic Accessories). Mine spans the entire front of the pontoons to give me a large area to actually move around in and a place for tackle box or even a crab pot.
I ended up moving my motor back behind the basket again too. I liked it up front but like you said...it made it hard to get on/off.
The biggest changes to my XT was that I extended the frame by 2” side to side and front to back. Then swapped out the pontoons to 10’ models.
Unfortunately now that I have developed rotator cuff issues it become very difficult to get it up into the bed of my truck. I need a trailer like yours. I’d love to see a build on how you modified that trailer to fit your XT.
🙏🏻🙏🏻for your mom...
Salmon King
Thanks for you comments and prays for my mom there much appreciated!
Sounds like you’ve done some great mods to yours, I really like your oar solution. Would love to see a video of your mods. That’s what’s fun about sharing these videos and seeing the great ideas that people come up with.
Happy fishing and thanks again for your comments and 🙏.
have you try the boat ion the ocean
No I never did. Might be ruff if the if it wasn’t very calm.
I purchased the little brother Roanoke and have added mods and about to add a motor i have a concern tho how durable is the front and rear frame to hold a standing platform, the motor and battery? i am considering extending the PVC across the toons to help carry the weight, and can you detail how you made the gage the insert that holds down the valve, its a pain trying to figure out if there to much/little air lol.
i have to haul the thing in my trunk and it all fits nicely not sure how that works on the durability of folding the bladders and assembly disassembly tho, takes me 30 mins to assemble / disassemble.
I don’t know why they don’t include a pressure gauge. It a big mistake on their part! I know 2 psi is a lot firmer then what you would think.
Probably your best bet would be purchase one on Amazon. Here’s a link to one and from the reviews you still may have to modify it some but it should work. AIRHEAD Pressure Gauge www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVIJLJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hVShFbW58DVEJ
Can you share where and the model seat you upgraded to. Thanks!
Busy gathering together the bits and pieces for my first pontoon. Later in the year I plan on a couple of overnight trips, but not really any room on the pontoon for tent, sleeping back, camp cooker etc. Even though my stuff is decent quality lightweight and compact gear. Anyone have any suggestions on how to safely transport more gear ??? So far the best I came up with is to tow the pontoon, minus its chair and the equipment lashed across the floats ?
I was browsing the internet. They do have a bigger flat platform for the back. Might need to modify it a bit in order to keep your equipment safe. But I plan on doing the same thing. I have also seen a waterproof bag for camping gear as well that would fit easily on the boat. If you take yours apart like I do each trip. Order some extra lock pins. Find a piece of thin wood or metal to go front to back. Then possibly drill one or two holes on each side for the extra lock pins. Just an idea.
So I took your advice and got a gauge to make sure I got up close 2.5 psi. Now I have one issue. Since now the pontoon is so well inflated it is very hard to control with the trolling motor. With the motor barely turned it I will start to rotate very quickly since there is nothing biting into the water.
Yes I had that problem too. You might try adjusting you seat forward and see if that helps some. I added a rudder type peace under my feet and it seemed to help. I would also like to try the clamp on Bullnose rudder for the trolling motor and see if that might help. It seems to be a give and take on the air pressure. You might like yours to have a little lower pressure. It seems like a little adjustment here or there can make a difference in how it responds. Good luck and let me know if you find a way of making it handle like you want.
Here is a url for the Bullnose rudder. th-cam.com/video/dwGcG54BeXY/w-d-xo.html I just ordered a Bullnose rudder for my Minkota CU 2 40. The guys in this video are having to much fun. This should work for me because I use a utility trailer until I can fin a good used John Boat trailer to convert for my Colorado XT. Watching these guys makes me want to get finished. You will see these boats set low in the back but I this adds to your idea of moving the seat forward and better inflation to fix that. Anyway here's what I found. Might have to cut and paste.
Good Fishing Guys and Girls.
zlwebb1989 one of the things I did to counter this problem was picked up some fibreglass wakeboard fins and fashioned them up with some straps. That way once everything was put together and inflated, I can simply cinch up the straps and the fins aligned on the bottom of the toons.
Your right it does row very nicely and I used it like that at first BUT that’s not why I got one. I wanted a fishing rig that was very portable but did not want a kayak and didn’t want to paddle, they get in your way when fishing. You might be surprised how well these work with the trolling motors. As you can see with all the online videos we love these for bass fishing and I get great comments all the time from kayak owners about this rig. They are defiantly a great boat for rowing down a river or fishing for bass in larger lakes with it outfitted like mine. Thanks for your comment.
Tim in this video you talk about air pressure. Is you boat pressure in this video at 2.5 LB's.. Did yo glue all the 4 way etc together. The video you did for the mount system is great.My wife came out yesterday while I had the frame apart and said what are you doing, she saw the boat before when I had it configured using Mike C's method. I looked her straight in the eyes and said blame it om Tim. LOL Oh I ordered a Bullnose for my Min Kota C2 40. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks
Ray
Ray I run at least 2 but sometimes up to 2.5 I’ve noticed that cold water or cloudy weather can effect your pressure some as will a hot sunny day. So you have to just play around with it to see what works for you and that’s a lot easier with a pressure gauge. The first time I used mine I thought I was going to sink, I bet I didn’t have a pound of air in it. That’s when I started using a gauge.
I did glue my stand together you just have to be quick about it and make sure every peace is strait. Let me know how that rudder works.
I am really looking forward to customizing mine. I just purchased a Colorado. Just the plane Jane with motor mount and storage bags. I really like your ideas and would love if you can email some tips you may have. That thing is AWESOME! Love the solar panel idea to keep it charged at all times. How long did it take to set up before you got a trailer? I have no truck in order to pull anything out of the water. So will be setting up on the banks bright and early. Thanks for any advice in advance.
Hello Andrew
Congrats on your purchase. I think your going to enjoy your boat. It’s not to bad just setting up from the shore and that’s what’s great about these is that they are so portable that you can just put them in the trunk of your car. It’s when you start modifying them is when it takes longer to set up because of the wiring for the batteries and fish finder. I find it just as easy to pull mine on the trailer to where in going and then putting the transport wheel on it and just rolling it down to the water and not having to deal with busy boat ramps.
Just make sure you get a good hand pump with a gauge so you can play around with the air pressure and see how much pressure you prefer.
Good luck and have fun!
@@tim29913 So the first time out. I could not get the air pressure up high enough in the pontoons due to the air pump not being strong enough. I did get a bit of fishing in for maybe a half hour. Caught two. But the back end was sagging so much, didn't want to move far from the boat ramp. I bought a new pump to fill the pontoons. It seems to do better. But I don't think it's powerful enough still. Any recommendations would be great. If you could lead me in how to create the pressure gauge as well, that would be fantastic. Can't find one anywhere for that type of valve. I do have a suggestion since you don't take yours apart. But you could if needed. I love your idea with the trolling motor setup. I was thinking, take some electrical line and run it through the frame of the boat. At the each end, have it to where it you can just plug in and go. Therefor your wires would be hidden and out of the way a bit more. Again, I love the ideas and how your boat looks. Any information you can help me with would be fantastic. Thanks a head of time.
Andrew Thompson
Hey Andrew
Sorry I didn’t respond back sooner, I meant to the other day but got distracted and forgot.
I haven’t had any luck with an electric pump. The pump I use is a hand pump called Intex double quick 2.
You can buy the latest one on Amazon for about 10 bucks. Also they sell a gauge called airhead ahpg-1
That should do the trick. If you can squeeze the end of the pontoon and there soft you don’t have enough air, they should be tight.
Running the wires through the frame would make for a cleaner look. I might give that a try. You would just need some good waterproof connections.
Good luck with yours and post a video when you get it done. I’d like to see how yours turn out.
Just had it out again last weekend. Water was choppy with white caps and boat handled it well. I think since it's supposed to rain this weekend I will go purchase that air pump. Also buy a seat with a swivel and make it a bit higher than it is. My old man knows electric really well. I'm sure he'll have some ideas how to install them in the frame. But will post a video once it's done. Thanks for the help.
@@andrewthompson2450 Don't try to use an electric or battery operated pump. I did the same thing and couldn't get the pontoons full. Called the company and they said to get a double action hand pump.
The electric ones don't put out enough pressure. I did and it works great. Just takes about 2 minutes for each pontoon.
Hello David
No offense taken. That’s why I put the videos on here to share my thoughts and ideas and to hear other peoples ideas. The raised seat does have its disadvantages like not being able to use the oars But for the lakes i used it in it worked well for me. Unfortunately I had to get rid of mine last year because my mothers Alzheimer’s got too bad and taking care of her takes up most of our time. Hopefully one day in the future I’ll get a chance to do another one. Thanks for the comment and I hope you continue to enjoy yours. Happy Fishing!
Seat pedistal height?
Tim already answered that one ....7 inch !
Love the setup! Gave me a lot of ideas. Can you do a video in just your battery setup? I need more ideas on the.
Love your ideas. Anyone who has a Colorado Pontoon. I need a good but inexpensive air pump preferably electric. Also an air gauge as well. Can't find one anywhere that fits that valve properly. Also any ideas to hide wiring since I do take mine apart each time when I get out of the water. All ideas or videos of how to would be very helpful. New guy out on the water here lol. On a budget. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the comments. sorry I haven’t responded back till now, just haven’t been on TH-cam in a couple of weeks. The platform works well. I’m 6’ and 190 and it very stable In calm water. I did use schedule 40 pvc with 1-1/4” t’s for the front seat crossbar necked down to 1”pvc then glued together three 1” four way pvc connecters then a 90 with about 5” of pvc connected to a 1” t for the side rail that runs along the pontoon. I then mounted a peace of aluminum with a thick peace of rubber from a bed liner and screwed it down to the pvc. I’ll try and make a short video this weekend of how it went together since this explanation is probably confusing.
I made my gauge with a low pressure gauge, a extra peace of the inflator hose and actually a small peace of popsicle stick. You have to have something in the middle of the hose to depress the center air release when you connect your gauge. You can just buy one on amazon and not go through the hassle I did trying to get it just right. This company should include one with there boats because the air pressure make a big difference with this boat. Also I got my solar charger at northern tools.
Sweet i live down the road from northern tools, thanks for the tips
Good video. What did you use to mount the fish finder and the transducer? Do you have a link by any chance? TIA
I don’t remember the model but I know I bought it at academy sports and outdoors
what size battery are you using, and what's your top speed
can you do a video of it in the water to show how it sets with your set up ive been looking at one just want to make shure it will do ok cause im a big boy
Eugene Orr
I’ll try and do that next time I’m out on it unfortunately I haven’t had it out much this summer but hope to have it out soon. I’m 6’ and 200 pounds and it sits just fine in the water with about 2 pounds of air.
I noticed in a few videos some suggest running the trolling with the head turned 180 deg and running it in reverse. Have you found any need to run your motor other than in the normal configuration? They claim in the videos that the boat runs faster in reverse. I'm getting my boat configured now to take it out for the first time. I differently like your set up best less hassle and looks to be more functional.
When I first got it I made the front mount and reversed the motor then but after going back to the factory mount on the back I prefer it in the normal position. Turning it 180 on the back would be the same as making a front mount but your seating position wouldn’t be as good. Just my opinion.
What size pedestal for the seat? Still stable I assume?
It’s a 7” that I got at academy and yes it’s very stable.
Only add the seat pedestal if your going to use an electric motor because it make it difficult to oar with the seat mounted higher.
How did you mount the pole holders to the round frame.
Yes please answer this one thanks
Nice job on your mod's. I like your idea on the platform, what size t's did you use? I would also like to know how to make that air pressure gauge, if you don't mind. Where did you get the solar panel for the battery?
Ray welcome to world of these fun pontoons. They are a great little boat for the money and pretty friendly to modify. I also built Nate’s front mount but found I prefer the rear mount instead. If you do a front mount you should also check out this link th-cam.com/video/IUocq5qAflY/w-d-xo.html
I really like how he integrated a front motor mount with a standing platform. You would still have difficulty getting on but you can always work around that. As for the seat it’s adjustable front to back on its mount you just have to find that sweet spot that you feel level with all you mods and gear on the boat. I would go ahead and finish your front mount and try it out just make sure your motor is good and tight on the mount and be careful going to shore because you motor tilts towards the front of the boat so it can be in the way. Let me know how it turn out and post a video so we can see it. Good luck and enjoy it.
Nice set up. I just ordered one of these inflatables. Was thinking of doing something similar for standing. Wondering how its working out for you? Is the PVC strong enough to stand on? Did you use Sch. 40?
Why do you need to stand? I Fly Fish using a 13'6' Spey rod using Skagit/Scandi style. I fish for Ocean Spotted Bay Bass others, Trout in rivers. I can fish just about anywhere with this toon. I think some of my fellow fishermen are trying to make a bass boat out of a pontoon. This always leads to design load problems, need for a trailer, registration, etc. Oh well good luck anyways.
No offense. Looks like you did a nice job on seat. But.... here ya go... This is food for thought for others thinking about mods.... You gain approx 1 foot in sitting height and you give up "hands free" fishing with fins. Not worth it IMO. Bass fishermen have a stand up style and I think that is why you did the seat. I Baitcast for Bass all the time in a sitting position on un-modified Colorado Xt and don't see much difference. I can also see my Lowrance Elite 5 better when seated. I have gas Suzuki 2.5 outboard that gets me where i want to go and then I go "hands free" with fins, which includes trolling with fins. Giving up hands free fishing for a slight advantage in height is something to be pondered for newbies.
Love the trailer, tho. I bought a 5' x 8' light duty trailer from Tractor Store for $750 and I have everything ready to go and in my garage. The XT fits near perfect. I have horizontal 8' x 4" ABS for rods etc and a couple of bolted down trunks for storage. I tow it with 4 cyl Sonoma truck. I think this is the best mod I have made. No deflating, no unpacking gear, no wheel, no lifting etc. Pack a lunch and go And , once again, no offense.
Can you give a little more info on the mounting system for the motor, and the two foot platforms. the motor mounts were a concern of mine also. Would like to hear more on it as I have had some of the same thoughts. I'm in the process of building mine to Nate's ideas but you have taken this to a complete new level. Very very interested in your mod. Nate didn't have any idea what he was starting. Please expand. Thanks this is great stuff.
Really dig the set up man, super innovative. Deff going to set mine up for that standing platform this weekend
Drink everytime he says umm...
Um , Nice rig ....
I have CO XT also. Loosen your 4 mains straps on pontoons before you inflate. Just for fun, take off all the crap and try rowing with boat fully inflated and lightweight configuration, no wheel, no motor mount (sucker weighs 3-4 lbs), minimal gear. I think you will be surprised at how well it performs. No offense. This is a toon, one step above float tube, not a bass boat. Oh well, good luck anyways!
David M because rowing around a lake to troll is what someone wants to do for 6-10 hours a day. Maybe for a quick hour row maybe, but for a guy like myself, that doesn’t believe in fishing for only an hour or two, this is the set up a guy needs. I tried the rowing thing 3 years ago when I got my xt. Last 1 outing then I hit the drawing board and built something pretty similar to this. If you’re not here for ideas or compliments, what did you even comment for?
If they had intended this to be row only, they wouldn't have put on a motor mount. I have watched NUMEROUS successful Colorado builds and I just don''t get why you felt the need to take this time to state only negative things regarding this mans build. It works for him and he has fun with it. But, this must be human nature to criticize someone for showing what they have done. Or maybe just jealousy that you don't share the same creativity. Hmmm.