I bought the inflatable seat for the ODC 420 separtely using a discount coupon instead of the standard foam seat that is supplied. The inflatable seat is more comfortable and your sitting height and spread of the open points can be controlled to your weight, so it doesn't partially close in on you. Also the inflatable seat can be collapsed to a smaller package for travel. It fits in the back of my Prius even when fully inflated. The heavier model (16#) will hold up better if you will be dragging on the ground or going over rocks on a river. But the lighter model can be carried or lifted easily so you don't get wear on the bottom and it drains and dries out fast if you will be packing inside a car.

Porta

Thanks, guys! That's some great info and thanks for the ideas.

I was just in the Grapevine Bass Pro shop. They have a Creek Company pontoon for $199. Looked pretty nice - the sign said limited quantities - just an FYI.

I'm on it! Thanks.

So...what do you guys prefer? The tube or pontoon?

I only have tubes - but have been thinking about "upgrading" to a toon. They are different - but I will let someone with experience in both explain it!

I have both because you can do some things with one that you can't do with the other.

Pontoon better: range, speed, comfort, rider dryness, carrying capacity, extended all day use, wave and wind stability, operation in both deep & shallow water- esp. river rapids, motor use, for rigging attachments like depth finders, rod storage & holders.

Tube better: portability due to light wt/vol, very short and easy set up/take down time, easy transport to destination and launch anywhere, pack in to remote otherwise unreachable areas, tolerable in moving water with experience, easiest for portaging around impassable, shallow sections of rivers, frameless simplicity

This is not a complete list, maybe others can add things I've forgotton.

Porta

OK. How about this...the main thing I will be using a tube for is crappie fishing. I am trying to get out to standing timber in at least 20ft of water. Can it be done?

Maybe I will upgrade to a pontoon one day, but for now I will just enjoy the tube(when I get it, that is).

If it is a protected area from wind and waves and not too far from the launch point, yes a tube would work just as well. Something comfortable would be best if you will be out for a whole day. The "V" tubes will be faster with fins and have more storage space (behind seat).

P.

Why would the "v" tube be faster? Will a "u" tube be just as efficient with fins?

Water resistance is higher for something with a squarish submerged profile compared to a pointed one, all other things being equal. Also your hindquarters will usually sit lower in the water with "U" tubes, that means more total submerged surface especially when the back of your submerged legs is included. There won't be a huge difference in top burst speed, but less fatigue when going long distances. The pointy football shape is the fastest and most efficient with everything else be equal according to what I remember from my college physics classes.

Hope this helps


Porta

Thanks, Porta. Great info, Professor!

I was there last night and almost bought it! lol I picked up a fish cat 4 instead.

I am thinking about selling one of my tubes and then getting that pontoon - so I can have both!
But you guys have to promise me you won't tell my wife - I am convincing her this is a necessary purchase!

Tell her what? lol