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Pontoon Question
#1
So I was wasting some time at a local pawn shop today and I found what appeared to be a pretty good pontoon for sale for $150. I don't know much about toons, but I jotted down the info from the side of it:

Angler's Inn
Expedition
Premier 8.0

It looked about 7-8 feet long, blue, had a hard foldable seat, and the guy said it held air just fine. Behind the seat there was a somewhat dirty soft Outcast cooler. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about this particular toon. Seems like a pretty good deal, but again, not my area. It did look a bit "loved" and didn't have oars or oar mounts on it.

I'm afraid I won't be able to pick it up cause I just upgraded my tube, got a fishfinder and waders for me and my little wifey--one thing at a time (so the pocketbook says, anyhow), and I've already gone way over! Just thought I'd throw it out there to find out a little more about what I'm not getting and in case anyone else might be interested.

I found it at P&S Pawn on 200 South in Provo around 200 or 300 West. They had it out in front of their store next to some really ugly hard shelled joke of a float tube. Please let me know if you are familiar with it or know where I can find out more about it. Thanks!
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#2
[black][size 3]I think that you made a wise move by passing on that craft.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]It was prob. made by outcast for Angler's Inn while Dave Scadden was operating the store. That has been several years ago, and so my guess is that the boat has been way over "loved".[/size]
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[size 3]Even if it has been cared for, just age would have taken a toll. [/size]
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[size 3]No doubt it was a good boat in it's day, as Outcast has been a major player in the market, but there are new boats available now for about that same price.[/size]
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[size 3]Having not seen it, I may be just talking from that hole in my head, but it would take some deep thought and inspection to justify that adoption.[/size]
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#3
[cool][#0000ff]Saberfish issued a pretty good assessment.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Unless you have both the budget and the space to store it, as an antiquity, I would pass on the "bargain".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Age is not kind to many components of tubes and toons. The accumulated exposure to heat/cold, air pollution and ultraviolet rays...plus the "ingredients" of water...result in deterioration of seam stitching and degradation of the air bladder. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Tubes and toons are like old cars and boats. Your lower initial cost is just the admission price to a continuing layout of much more money...and the potential for frustration and/or disaster.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have gone through a steady procession of floatation fishing craft over the past 5 decades. I have NEVER used one more than a couple of years...with the exception of the Super Fat Cat I have been fishing from for about 4 years now. The quality urethane bladders have provided the peace of mind to prevent me from retiring it earlier. But, it shall soon be relegated to the status of backup tube...for family and friend excursions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A good rule of thumb for ALL purchases is..."It is better to save up and spend a bit more than you planned...than to spend not quite enough."[/#0000ff]
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#4
I also think you made the right move passing on it, but for a different reason.
In Utah you need a 9' 'toon to legally run moving water (like the Green). I suggest getting a 9' because then your options are greater.
As is, it sounds alot like the Creek company's low end 'toon, the 8' Classic. It comes with oars and can be had for $200.
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#5
Well I'm glad it looks like I made a good decision! Maybe I should say "no" to what appear to be good fishing deals more often?

Nah! Got lucky this time! Off to Cabelas for me! [Wink]

Thanks for the wise words of counsel by all.
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#6
I had an expadition for 6-7 years it was great never had a problem with it and I lost it on the hiway doing 60 and all it did was bust the seat The only reason i sold it was i baught a scaddin cardiac canyon and it is so far the best investment I've made Scaddin boats are built tough I sold my expadition last summer for $200 first guy and he loves it
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#7
[black][size 3]You gotta know your limitations. And nobody need know your financial standings so you decide what is right for you.[/size][/black]
[size 3][black]As far as the Pontoon, I am with Poky on this one. That is a FANTASTIC price for an incredible toon. Expedition was made by Dave Scadden (who use to be a main designer for Outcast)[/black][/size]
[black][size 3]Urethane Bladders! Very tough shell as Poky mentioned. Also a good chance it is an Aluminum frame.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I still say they are some of the BEST out there.[/size][/black]
[size 3]Don't let Majja read this! That boat would be GONE![cool][/size]
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#8
Like Joni said, urethane bladders, tough outer shell, Halkey Roberts valves adjustable seat, and I think it's a 350 lb rating, but don't quote me on it. If the shell looked in good condition and the frame looked good (should be gray paint and it looks peened.) Those don't go out of style. BTW- Outcast, Bucks Bags, Creek Co., and all the others you see in Cabelas catalog have not changed their designs in years. For 150 bones, I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. They should have had Timex silkscreened on the side.
Urethane bladders are easy to repair a leak. 2" tape.
5th one down [url "http://www.traflyfish.com/equipmnt/bucks/access.htm"]http://www.traflyfish.com/equipmnt/bucks/access.htm[/url]
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#9
HEHE I like that one. The Expedition was sold [Sad] to bad as it was at a great price. I still don't know what I want for a slightly larger craft. I really enjoy the floating, but may look at a nice little 12-14ft tin-can so I can take my daughter out as I think it would be a hoot just getting her in to some fish.
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#10
Sorry ya missed the Expedition, Majja...I guess it's a good thing for me that's it's not there anymore to haunt my thoughts and tempt my wallet. I hope it found a happy home. Maybe now I can use what I might have spent on it for more stuff for my tube! [Wink] I'd still like to get a toon eventually, but perhaps a bit further down the road after I have a bit better idea of which direction I want to take things.

BTW, thanks for the tips everyone...I'm glad there's experience like yours (and many others on this board) out there to tap into come decision time--thanks for your willingness to share!
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