Frameless pontoons - any experience ?

[Bob Laskodi]

I have both framed and frameless pontoons (both are Scaddens). Frameless pros: Faster and easier setup and transportation. Much lighter so easier to hand launch/carry. Frameless con's: Oars are pin mounted to the tubes and they snap off easier and are harder to row due to less leverage and flex with oars. Framed pro's: More stable, track better, and row better. Safer in whitewater. Framed con's: Pain to transport and take 2X as long to set up. If I'm doing whitewater I will usually take the framed boat since it's safer and easier to row. If I'm not doing whitewater, I will usually take the frameless boat since it sets up easier and faster and is lighter to carry. As usual, YMMV!

[steveg137]

Thanks a lot bob. What frameless scadden do you have?

[njbeast]

Steve,
Myself and a couple of buddies have Scadden's (can't remember..outcast of Renegade)...its the 11' model. I have floated the Klamath above Copco Lake, the Stan and small lakes. Love my Scadden. Easy to row in my estimation...plenty of room for stuff and a pretty good sized deck behind the seat. I have found it to be very comfortable and stable, even in some pretty hairy water. Turns on a dime with little effort...tracks reasonably well. The biggest selling point for me is ease of access/egress when floating down river. It does catch some wind on lakes, but overall an excellent product. Dave is kinda a trip...he likes to okey-doke you but will deal at shows.

[Bob Laskodi]

Thanks a lot bob. What frameless scadden do you have?

Outlaw Renegade for frameless. McKenzie Drifter for framed. I also have a Watermaster and Water Strider, both frameless rafts. A word of caution about Scadden's whitewater ratings for his products. There is no way in $#ll (you know where!) I'd take a frameless Scadden down Class 5 whitewater as he claims you can!!!!

[steveg137]

Bob

Wow I thought my 2nd potential pontoon and Pram was pushing things but you have lots bases covered !
Ok if I share your list with my wife
I only plan on still and light river action, I'm not rated for any whitewater
Steve

[gwris]

Steve - I have a Renegade. I use it mostly for still water. Have the anchor set up, but rarely use it except for Baum lake which has current or a windy day. Mostly I like to be able to move to keep casting to new water. Because I sometimes find that I have to carry my fully rigged boat, inc. rods, fins, etc. some distance from the parking/camping area to the water, boat weight becomes a consideration. Keep that in mind. I have used my boat in class 1 and class 2 water without worry and don't worry when pulling it up on rocks on the shore.
Gregg

[Bob Laskodi]

Bob

Wow I thought my 2nd potential pontoon and Pram was pushing things but you have lots bases covered !
Ok if I share your list with my wife
I only plan on still and light river action, I'm not rated for any whitewater
Steve

I won't tell you how many boats/floaty things I have to play with!!!! Lets just say I've got no more room at mine or my son's house for any more boats/floaty things!
If your plan is stillwater and light river use only without whitewater, no doubt about it, I'd go frameless. IMNSHO, That's an easy no brainer decision!

[steveg137]

You are a shining light for those of us that can't save ourselves Bob!

Seriously, appreciate the help.

I like to anchor up on still water and drift vs kicking so will look for frameless that best suits that with anchor option.

[drdan]

Steve - I have a Renegade. I use it mostly for still water. Have the anchor set up, but rarely use it except for Baum lake which has current or a windy day. Mostly I like to be able to move to keep casting to new water. Because I sometimes find that I have to carry my fully rigged boat, inc. rods, fins, etc. some distance from the parking/camping area to the water, boat weight becomes a consideration. Keep that in mind. I have used my boat in class 1 and class 2 water without worry and don't worry when pulling it up on rocks on the shore.
Gregg

I have used a Creek Company classic pontoon and liked it but the setup and takedown was about 30 minutes which was painful. I bought a second hand Scadden Predator and I LOVE IT. It is inbelievably light - 13lbs unladen. This makes a huge difference when you need to walk it to and from launch. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. Dave has come out with a newer version that has a more rigid seat, comes with a motor mount, and an innovative removable skag that allows straighter tracking when on still waters. I have taken my pontoon down the Yuba and the Lower Sac and it’s fabulous in 2+ whitewater. Dave is a notorious salesman so I would take his pitch with a grain of salt but he is a real innovator in this space.

Regards, Dan

[steveg137]

Got it , thanks !