Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - Printable Version +- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum) +-- Forum: Float Tube Fishing (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=396) +--- Forum: Float Tubing General (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=81) +--- Thread: Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden (/showthread.php?tid=592665) |
Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - TroutNoDoubt - 06-08-2010 Hi all: I'm new to this platform. I'm looking to get into a new 'toon with a casting deck and have two questions for those with direct experience (no hearsay or second hand anecdotes, please). So, if - and only if - you have direct experience with a 'toon with a casting deck/platform... 1) Do you like the casting deck and use it? What are the pros and cons in your experience. 2) If you were to buy a new 'toon with casting platform, what would you buy? I've been looking at the Scadden Skykomish for a long time but have been put off by reports of poor quality, missing parts, etc. I saw the Water Skeeter Chetco and Guid Pro on the web today. They look good, but not much data out there on them. Thanks in advance, Bob [signature] Re: [TroutNoDoubt] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - peter805 - 06-09-2010 Oh boy, here we go...................... [signature] Re: [TroutNoDoubt] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - flygoddess - 06-09-2010 Water Skeeter Chetco Pontoon Boat $734.95 $1,050.00 Save 30% Item #1606F 1200 denier nylon pontoons with double PVC coating 0.5mm dual-chamber PVC bladders Frame is 1-¼” aluminum tubing Adjustable standing/casting platform Foam padded swivel seat Six-position adjustable leg rests 7’ glass-wrapped two-piece oars Steel cargo deck Anchor mount Motor mount Nylon webbing cinch straps Mesh stripping basket/work station Rigid polyester zip storage compartments Repair kit included Weight capacity: 400 lb. Length: 108” (9’) Width: 54” (4’2”) from oarlock to oarlock Pontoons: Circumference 55”, diameter 17-½”, 23” tip rise Oars: 7’ Weight: 89 lb. Closeouts. China. Skykomish 10'6" 1500 denier over Urethane bladders Aircraft aluminum 60" wide Largest standing platform at 28" X 15" Weight 62 lbs 600 lb capacity 15 yr warranty Made in the USA Water Skeeter™ Guide Pro Pontoon Boat $1495.00 at Troutbum Flyfishing Co. 1200 denier PVC coated 117" long so under 10' A raised rear storage deck, multipurpose gear bag, and two side compartments Overall weight: 125 lbs. Maximum weight capacity: 450lbs Made in China no idea what the bladder is Doesn't give to much on the Pro But allot of goodies There is your stats. I do have a standing platform and I do use it. It is fantastic. [signature] Re: [flygoddess] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - TroutNoDoubt - 06-09-2010 Thanks "Fly Goddess". I'm aware of the specs for the these boats. I assume from your use of bold face type that you prefer the Scadden Boats. I can appreciate the benefits of the NFO/Scadden designs; they look great in theory. But I've heard/read a lot of horror stories about implementation/quality issues. A friend of mine had one of the oar locks of his Scadden boat break off in the middle of a class III rapid. More than a little inconvenient... A 15 yr. warranty is nice, but not if the boat falls apart during a once-in-a-lifetime trip. To be fair, I've read and heard first-hand accounts of good experiences with Scadden boats. You point out some relevant issues with the Skeeter boats. Kind of ![]() [signature] Re: [TroutNoDoubt] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - flygoddess - 06-09-2010 I do prefer American made and Urethane over Vinyl, but the bold print was just "TO ME" things to look for in a boat. Like I said, the great feature about the Sky is, it has a larger standing platform. A big plus. There are failures with many different boats. The old Sh&$@ happens. My brothers NFO flew off the roof of his car at 68 miles an hour. Damage? One side of the seat broke, one of the nylon oar holders broke and a little road rash. Boat is still on the water five years later.\ One of the Tooners here had his Asian made boat frame brake in the middle of the lake. Choice is yours, good luck and thanks for joining in here. [signature] Re: [TroutNoDoubt] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - mojorizing - 06-09-2010 [quote TroutNoDoubt]Hi all: I'm new to this platform. I'm looking to get into a new 'toon with a casting deck and have two questions for those with direct experience (no hearsay or second hand anecdotes, please). So, if - and only if - you have direct experience with a 'toon with a casting deck/platform... 1) Do you like the casting deck and use it? What are the pros and cons in your experience. 2) If you were to buy a new 'toon with casting platform, what would you buy? I've been looking at the Scadden Skykomish for a long time but have been put off by reports of poor quality, missing parts, etc. I saw the Water Skeeter Chetco and Guid Pro on the web today. They look good, but not much data out there on them. Thanks in advance, Bob[/quote] I'd ask the satisfied Scadden owners. I'm going out on a limb and saying they're the majority. And I'm one of them. I have a lot of buddies that own them (NFO being based here in Utah) and never had a problem either. I have a standing deck on an Outlaw X5 and I love it. I like to anchor down and cast into shore. Great for sight fishing. I have yet to find a con on the casting deck. I've had no problems with service from NFO. But then again, I've known Dave for a long time, and had quite a few of his boats and tubes. I must like them because I keep going back. So the ball's in your court. Check out some of the other fishing forums too. There's tons out there with the answer you're looking for, whether it's NFO or Water Skeeter. But be it as it may, I went to http://www.waterskeeterdirect.com/ And home page says Your manufacturer resource to purchase clearout, dated, returned or end of model, WaterSkeeter pontoon boats and accessories at reduced prices, direct to the consumer. The other Water Skeeter site http://www.waterskeeter.com/ is dated 2008. So I'm not sure if they're currently building boats. Good luck on whatever you decide. EDIT- Quote "A friend of mine had one of the oar locks of his Scadden boat break off in the middle of a class III rapid." The brass oar lock? http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=1407&utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=fr_1407\ Made by????????????. I don't think you can't blame that on the boat manufacturer. BTW the new boats from NFO have the Sawyer Cobra oar locks. And like FG said $h1t happens. [signature] Re: [mojorizing] Casting deck/Skeeter or Scadden - TroutNoDoubt - 06-09-2010 Thanks to all for the input. Bob [signature] |