05-23-2013, 10:45 AM
[quote pontoonman]
SHig:
You have built it and they will come!
The major brands are already starting to go into the lightweight area and will continue as more lightweight strong material becomes available and it gets less costly.
I am a member of the lunatic lightweight niche you refer to, and also think it is a good size market, because of versatility aspect.
The lightweight applications are about more than extended hiking and long pack in/camping trips.For me it is EASY river portage over/around long distance thin water/strong rapids or even between lakes without repeated unloading/breakdown. Sometimes there's hiking one way to headwaters and riding the current or lake wind back. Shorter trips, to more places, seeing more/ varied beauty with less time spent on endless packing survival details. Water filters, energy bars, hammocks, etc. are lightweight and tolerable for a couple of days.
Minimalism is not for everyone. Americans are large, live/dream large and generally avoid discomforts which means we need the larger boats as well.
Just saying, FWIW...
Pon
Exactly. and therefore my review of the lightest pontoon yet.
Light and easy packing has always been Scaddens or NFO's goal. Even my framed with standing deck X5 at 10'6" long only weighs 65 lbs.
But NFO introducing the FRAMELESS model was directed to those that travel, but don't have to give up the white water.
The 12' Challenger weighs 45 lbs.
So, in my opinion, NFO, Dave Scadden is setting the pace. Several company have already chose to copy his designs.
And with all his boats being USA made, he is one of the last pontoon company able to make that claim. As Pontoon said, the comfort and stability.
Add to this his warranty.
SHig, I do look forward to hearing the longevity of your creation. I know Alapacka has been making light weight for years but they are a bit on the fragile side.
[signature]
SHig:
You have built it and they will come!
The major brands are already starting to go into the lightweight area and will continue as more lightweight strong material becomes available and it gets less costly.
I am a member of the lunatic lightweight niche you refer to, and also think it is a good size market, because of versatility aspect.
The lightweight applications are about more than extended hiking and long pack in/camping trips.For me it is EASY river portage over/around long distance thin water/strong rapids or even between lakes without repeated unloading/breakdown. Sometimes there's hiking one way to headwaters and riding the current or lake wind back. Shorter trips, to more places, seeing more/ varied beauty with less time spent on endless packing survival details. Water filters, energy bars, hammocks, etc. are lightweight and tolerable for a couple of days.
Minimalism is not for everyone. Americans are large, live/dream large and generally avoid discomforts which means we need the larger boats as well.
Just saying, FWIW...
Pon
Exactly. and therefore my review of the lightest pontoon yet.
Light and easy packing has always been Scaddens or NFO's goal. Even my framed with standing deck X5 at 10'6" long only weighs 65 lbs.
But NFO introducing the FRAMELESS model was directed to those that travel, but don't have to give up the white water.
The 12' Challenger weighs 45 lbs.
So, in my opinion, NFO, Dave Scadden is setting the pace. Several company have already chose to copy his designs.
And with all his boats being USA made, he is one of the last pontoon company able to make that claim. As Pontoon said, the comfort and stability.
Add to this his warranty.
SHig, I do look forward to hearing the longevity of your creation. I know Alapacka has been making light weight for years but they are a bit on the fragile side.
[signature]