Hello, hello. I'm looking and interested in buying a pedal/paddle pontoon single person boat. Obviously for fishing purposes, I would be interested in one with the option for an outboard attachment for a trolling motor. I'd really like to hear from the community on best buys, things to look at when buying, questions to ask myself before buying. Things to look for in quality, etc. I am completely new to this idea, and would really like to buy one for when the summer tempts start warming up the water (since having your feet in cold water all day does not sound fun and even if you get some water waders you got waves to deal with). Please feel free to point me in the right direction however you can, any and all insight is welcome. Sadly I do not have the parking space for a Jon boat or I would get one of those instead.

Price range?

I assume this is the kind of craft you are looking for?

 

This is the third one I've purchased. I got the first two about 12 years ago and just upgraded. I use mine on rivers mostly. I bought a trolling motor years ago but almost never use it. The position they put the mount for the motor makes it awkward to operate. The handle will wind up right behind you where it's hard to reach. These days the big push from the companies who make them is the frameless style. They are lighter and easier to transport but because I fish rivers, I like to get out and wade. They put a bar in front of the seat between the pontoons on the frameless models that keeps you from getting in and out easily. The weight for me is not an issue. I don't carry it around. Make sure you get one that has enough weight capacity. I'm a big guy and my first model was a bit undersized. I was overloading it and the frame would drag through the water making it harder to row. My new one is a 9 footer with 7 foot oars. Much easier to row, even upstream. I don't recommend trying to row upstream in one. A good seat makes a big difference. Avoid any craft that does not have the ability to change out the seat. You can see in the picture above, I switched out the seat and use one from my full size boat. Some just come with a cloth seat on the frame which get very uncomfortable in a short time. The frameless models are lacking in seat comfort. Pontoons are extremely stable and the pontoons themselves are very durable. Check out the Outcast boats. Not the most expensive, but not the cheapest either. Very well made.

I apologize I realize my post was a little vague. My price range is between 500-1200 dollars.vthe biggest must is easy portability. I would also be highly interested in the ability to stand and have a small gas or electric thrust motor since rowing a nardical mile or two solo does not seem like a ton of fun. The reason I wouldn't buy a Jon boat is no storage or ability to pull a trailer. I would be willing to go a little more expensive for the right boat/dinghies/pontoon. Oh and swivel seat would be a dream

Thank you frog super useful I love it. Any other tips guys?

I have the seaeagle 285 pro and love it .. It's easy to transport and maneuvers very well...I fish only small lakes and medium ponds none of which allow gas motors and it fits the bill....