I remember my fishing expeditions with my grandfather with fond memories. Back then, all we needed was his simple wooden boat, a pair of oars, bait, and a fishing line.
While the basics of personal fishing have remained the same, the boats have become more sophisticated and packed with many features that make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Today I will take you through one of the best fishing boat alternatives, the Colorado XTS inflatable pontoon boat.
The brand that makes the Colorado XTS, Classic Accessories (CA), was started in 1983. It is well-known for producing quality outdoor living accessories. While the pontoon side of the business began much later, CA knows what every fisherman needs – quality and practicability. This clearly shows from its construction to accessories and everything in between.
What Is an Inflatable Pontoon Boat?
The inflatable pontoon consists of two large, parallel air bladders that give the boat its buoyancy. With the Colorado XTS, the air bladders connect through a metal frame. However, some inflatable raft boats do not have any metal framework. The fisherman sits at the center and steers the inflatable boat using oars or a motor.
Key Features and Benefits
Compared to my grandfather’s old boat that comfortably sat three people, this inflatable pontoon is designed for solo fishing. This, however, does not mean it is any less fun, especially with the key features I will highlight.
Strong and Quality Construction
The design and construction of this watercraft show that quality and durability are core qualities for the Colorado XTS pontoon boat.
First, it makes the craft boat with a powder-coated steel tube frame. The powder-coating not only has a high-quality finish but also provides resistance to rust, scratches, chips, and abrasions. Metals treated in this way can last up to 20 years based on usage and other external conditions.
Second, the watercraft has a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant PVC bottom. This ensures you stay afloat by avoiding tears and leaks when scraped by jagged stones or sharp objects, especially in shallow waters. The top is also made from tough Nylon for additional protection. You can use this raft in all weather conditions, as the bladders are both cold and heat-resistant.
Also, the threads used on the seams do not weaken with constant exposure to water because they are rot-resistant. In addition, critical seams are reinforced, and all zippers have internal flaps to prevent snagging that may cause damage to the raft. Therefore, adding to your safety.
Last but certainly not least, the Colorado XTS’s oar-locks are made from non-corroding brass that will last for years.
Performance
This inflatable pontoon boat measures 9-feet long, 56-inches wide, 28-inches high to the top of the seat, and weighs 80lbs. Its dimensions help cover enough ground within a short time while on a lake or river and help it maintain stability. Each aluminum oar measures 7-feet long for easy paddling.
It has a large volume that enables it to have a load capacity of 400 lbs, which is adequate to carry all the fishing gear you need on a fishing trip. The 400 lbs capacity also allows the pontoon to host an electric motor.
The Colorado XTS has a river rating of Class 1, which means it is excellent for slow-moving water with a few waves. It is suitable for rivers and lakes with few obstacles that can be clearly seen and easily avoided. So stay clear from irregular mid-sized to large-sized rapids that may cause your raft to lose stability and capsize.
Ample Storage
Classic Accessories make this craft with plenty of storage needed by any angler or fisherman.
Each raft has 20 storage pockets, some of which have removable gear bags that can be attached to the top of each air bladder. The removable gear pockets come with insulated cup holders, so you can sip your hot or cold drink as you fish. What can top that? These gear pockets can be combined to form a bag that you can simply carry over your shoulder.
The two-position motor mount also comes with a wire platform to store a battery and any other gear.
Practicality
The Colorado XTS pontoon boat was built with practicality in mind, making it a fisherman’s wildest dream come true.
For example, CA designed the watercraft with a wheel that helps one person effortlessly push the watercraft to and from the water. Once you have reached the water, simply fold the wheel into the frame and begin your ride.
Everyone knows a fishing trip can take many hours, and comfort is crucial. This is why the Colorado XTS comes with a padded seat, an adjustable seat mount, and a footrest with several leg adjustments.
You also have three oar-lock positions and can place your rod holders in six different spots so you can fish from any angle you desire. In addition, the swivel seat can rotate close to 180° to give you a better view of everything around you.
The removable stripping basket can be mounted either on the left side of the craft or placed on your lap for convenience. For compact storage, the oars and the boat can easily disassemble. However, most users tend to leave the watercraft assembled between use.
Pros
- It has a two-year limited warranty.
- The Colorado XTS is made from high-quality materials that make it durable.
- The padded, swivel seat offers comfort and allows users to clearly view their surroundings.
- The removable storage bags can combine to form a portable gear bag.
- Its 400 lbs load capacity allows users to carry a lot of fishing gear and host an electric motor.
- It has a two-position motor mount and an integrated anchor system.
- This inflatable pontoon has plenty of storage for all your fishing gear because of its 20 storage pockets and wire platform.
- The foldable transport wheel makes it easy for one person to transport the craft to and from the water.
- Has quick fill valves that mean more time spent in the water and less time spent inflating.
- It is built to the American Boat and Yacht Council’s standards.
- It is affordable and offers value for money.
Cons
- The manufacturer does not provide a bill of sale document required by some American States.
- It cannot be used in a river with a class rating above 1.
Final Thoughts
The Colorado XTS pontoon has several features that allow you to experiment and learn something new every time you are on the water. It definitely is worth checking out.
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