Hello all,

Just looking into some comparative information from EXPERIENCE on pontoon boats vs regular aluminum drift boats differences out there on the rivers. I read the postings here and there before, and I owned a drift boat before. I never was in the pontoon boat before. I know that they are easier to get into and out of the river, maybe safer, compact, durable. But with regards to total fishing experience... How about dealing with inflation/deflation, all the straps, etc.? Worrying about punctures; gear storage, bounciness in the water, etc.? Are there those of you who owned a pontoon boat before, went to the drift boat, and regreted getting rid of pontoon boat, and vice versa?

ive had 2 myself. and with both of them i would end up gettin wet, and there wasnt much storage, and when wanting to retie your rod up, it was awkward sometimes.. ive since gotten rid of both of mine.. took up to much space.. i dont own a db..

Have owned four drift boats, used several pontoon boats on a rental basis. The only reason to own a pontoon boat, in my opinion, is the ease of storage. The larger ones (16 ft+) are safer in heavy white water, but only a few of the rivers around here require that capability.

Drift boats are easy to row for plugging, and have more room, as well as requiring less care in stowing gear. My dog can come along in the DB, that wouldn't happen in a pontoon boat.

I think it depends a lot on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you plan to fish from your boat most of the time, a drift boat is well suited to that activity. I like to get out of the boat and fish from my feet by wading most of the time, and a drift boat isn't so well suited to ease of entry and exit.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I've really enjoyed the couple of times that I've taken my pontoon boat on a river. The only problem is getting transportation back to your rig.