What did I just buy?

[toober]

Hi there,

I've been searching high and low for a place to buy the ODC 420 in Toronto, without any success so far. Mostly out of desparation, I started checking out classified ads online. When I saw the following, I knew I had to call.
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INFLATABLE kick board, for pond fishing, $80firm[/indent]
First off, I figured it had to be a typo, but even if it wasn't, I wanted to find out what the heck it was. Plus, the price seemed good. So, I talked to the guy and found out it was a mini-pontoon style kickboat. Long story short, I went out to see it and within 10 minutes, I was walking away carrying the item pictured below.










(Yes, it's partially deflated... like this, it fit perfectly across the back seat of my Altima.)

So what is this, exactly? I like the setup, and the price was right. All the guy could tell me was that it was made by Buck's Bags, and that it has only been used a couple of times. I'm pretty sure I got a good deal at $80 (around $75 US), but I don't know much else. Any additional info would be appreciated!

toober

[Majja]

not sure what kind it is but it looks like a real nice boat.
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[toober]

One thing's for sure, it's sturdy. The skins are heavy nylon on top, and thick vinyl on the bottom. The zippers are all heavy-duty. Plus, I think the bladders are urethane? They're clear and feel slightly rubbery... very different from the bladders in my float tube, which are gray vinyl.

The construction is interesting too. The only rigid pieces are the two longitudinal bars and the seat bottom. The whole thing is then held together with a number of straps that clip to each other. Once the bladders are fully inflated and the straps tightened, the whole craft feels rigid.

The only things I don't really care for are the cargo pockets... they're a little smaller than I'd like. On the plus side, they're only held on by loops around the straps, so they can be replaced easily.

I haven't been able to identify the thing 100% yet, but I do believe it's made by Buck's Bags. The cargo pockets and the inflation adapter are basically identical to items shown on their website. Also, I've been able to find a few references on the web to a couple of their older products that are similar to this... one called the Colt, and another just called the Backpacker pontoon. I'm still hoping that someone here will be able to positively ID it, though.

I'm looking forward to actually trying it out on the water!

toober

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]You can't always tell much by pictures, but from what I can see, you probably scored a good deal. If the craft was indeed made by Bucks Bags, it will be well made. The price is definitely right.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The next step is for you to get the rest of your system put together and get that baby out on the water for a test ride. That will be the true test. If it floats you high and dry, and handles well, then the rest is up to you and the fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am personally not familiar with that model. It is similar to several "pontubes" that are on the market...like the Kennebec and others. They all have their plusses and minuses, depending upon the operator and the type of fishing to be done. Until you know enough to decide whether you like it or not, enjoy the heck out of it.[/#0000ff]
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[IrishFloatTube]

It looks like it could be a predecessor of the Buck's Bags Colt.
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[Dusty_T]

Looks like a nice ride to me. Looks like it has a good seat. Wonder what the weight rating is on it? Would like to see some pictures of it inflated and on the water.
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[toober]

[reply]
Looks like a nice ride to me. Looks like it has a good seat. Wonder what the weight rating is on it? Would like to see some pictures of it inflated and on the water. [/reply]

I'm looking forward to trying it out. I probably won't be able to until Saturday, but I'll make sure to get some pics and post them here.

toober
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[zonker]

[reply]
If this boat is 10+ years old, I am very impressed with the build quality. It is solid.

Now I'm just looking for more information on the Colt.

toober [/reply]

If the tube is at least ten years old, be sure to check out the bladders very carefully. Some of them, especially the vinyl ones, tend to deteriorate with age. You don't want to be out on the water far from shore when you first learn about their condition. I would take them completely out, air them up, check the seams, look for wear and cracks, etc. A life is too precious to lose.

z~
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