Axman49

FT & LD - Thank you both for helping me with this one... great information! I certainly have a lot to learn about boating and fishing - and appreciate your insight. I'll keep you posted as I become more experienced with the FoldCat and equipment.

Hey Minnow, My son & I assembled the FoldCat last evening without too much trouble. We should have read through all of the instructions first because after inflating we got to the point of installing the casting bar and discovered we should have placed the stabilizer underbars with an exposed section on the front - which allows the casting bar to slide on and be tightened with an allen wrench. Also pay attention to screwing the rod holders on to make sure the notch that the holders slip over make the rod holders face outwards - we had to remove and re-install 3 of them. I have a 6' x 12' utility trailer with fold up ramp and this boat fits perfectly with ramp up. I plan to keep the boat inflated, at least most of the time during months that allow fishing in PA - and covered on this trailer. It is very easy to load and unload from the trailer when I need to haul other things. The foot pump works well (my son has younger legs than I do ) - but just prefer to have it ready to go when I am ready to fish. On the water - it's great - but quickly discovered the oars were a problem for me... (probably more a problem with me - I am new to this) ... I kept hitting my knees when rowing from the elevated seat and when I compensated for my legs I was dragging the oar heads and not making much progress. We finally took the oars out of the oar locks and rowed like a canoe - really good upper body exercise and there was no wind today - I will certainly feel it tomorrow!! When we got home, I removed the oar locks from the boat - they are just in the way. Also, I removed the casting bar because my son only used it once and caused the boat to move excessively... it was more in the way of casting and he spent most of his time in the seat - they are very comfortable, by the way. I am going to take your advice on the Traxxis... customer reviews on Amazon were very positive for the 45. I am a little confused about the battery etc. Are you suggesting I just buy a 12V battery with a "digital maximier" and manual circuit breaker. Amazon offers the "MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center" for $52.50 but guessing that is just the box and maybe trickle charger.. maybe you can shed more light on this... certainly this price doesn't include the battery - and I'm thinking by what you wrote that, if this is just a battery box, it isn't really necessary.

My boat arrived today but missing a couple of boxes - including the one with foot pump. I could certainly use the exercise but not in good enough shape to try a 20+ minute workout every time I want to launch it so will likely go for an electric one too. Would you advise me going with the "Airhead" like you got from Cabela's or should I go with the one that Sea Eagle advertises for their boats?

Hey TN - from what I understand the Fishin' Buddy runs on AA batteries and the customer reviews on Amazon are excellent for battery life... just ordered it. I will certainly trust you on the Minn Kota Battery box... I do appreciate your advice and don't want to experiment unnecessarily. ;o))

Hey Q&S, appreciate you advice! I was planning to try the foot pump first - almost ordered the pump from Sea Eagle. How long does it take to pump up your 124SMB with the foot pump?

Thank you TM - hadn't even given that a thought - guess I can connect my "Fishin' Buddy" to the battery that runs the trolling motor too, huh?

I am just starting to appreciate fishing as a great way to enjoy my retirement. Ordered a Sea Eagle FoldCat pontoon boat that should be delivered by the 17th. Going to be mostly fishing small lakes in my area of western Pennsylvania. Didn't want the hassles of motor maintenance, transporting, launching, etc. a boat so decided on this one. I am also thinking about a "Fishin' Buddy" fish finder and a small electric motor... just curious - your thoughts please. Thanks in advance!!