took 2 years to build mine i used PVC for the frame cedar decking I bult a 4 way adjustable cherrywood seat, brass oar locks and 2 zipper bags that came with the tubes took a spin in it to make sure it worked ok and sold it to a nice older couple it had 30 minutes of use on it now I can build another one
Like the battery box mounting idea. Going to do that on my XTS's. Mine is a battery box power center though. Can plug my electric pump in it when I need air and it's got a power meter on it for the battery which is handy. Love the video and ideas...thanks!
Thanks for the video. The standing platform modification was literally kicking my butt, as I have tried a couple of my own ideas and also copied other designs. Nothing was satisfactory for my needs. This should get it done. I also liked the seat pedestal idea so that I can still use it as kick boat on occasion.
Great idea. I'll be doing this to mine, as well as some grip tape and a fish tape measure on that deck. Maybe drill a cup holder to it or some T-bolt Accessory rail then you could add your go pro mount or whatever to that mount.
Nice! I made my deck out of wood but I like the plastic bc won't have to change it every year plus it's a lot lighter than wood. Thanks for showing your mod's.
Great mods and ideas. Now they want about 70 bucks for that table so I will go with 2X2 plywood until I can find a reasonable replacement. I will still use that framework as it looks very stable and it gives me rod holders out of the way of my oars, rowing, etc. Bolting the battery box in the formally unusable area under the seat, good voodoo! If not using a battery, it would be good storage. Now if you had provided measurements for your PVC cuts...it would be 5 stars!
Great job. About as good as it gets for a simple cost effective modification. I just purchased a Colorado used pontoon boat. Sold my fishing boat last summer. I was wondering if I could take sitting all day on this new pontoon but I may just have to modify it with a pedestal seat and a fishing platform for sure👍🙏
Nice very nice. Love how we share ideas on the tube. I think I am not understanding one thing. Please tell us why you left the legs on. I like the relocation of the battery.
Good idea with the table from Lowes, I'm going to use your general idea but with a longer table that's got supports I don't need to take out, it's white but I'm going over with flex seal, I'm a FlexSeal junkie that stuffs great for every thing
I like this video, thank you. Perhaps in the future you will consider using a light so that the rest of us can see what your talking about and then you will not have to apologize for things being dark.
Luv the Platform!!! Curious what riser size did you use for seat to clear battery? Just ordered a Colorado XT from Amazon today!!!! Thanks for the video. So Helpful
Just watched your video. Great idea! I am considering this pontoon. Typically fish rivers and lakes from kayak. How would you consider this to float as far as speed. Seems like it would stop moving the second you stopped paddling
Brad Dixon so I mostly kayak unless I’m on a river and want to float the river. You’re correct it doesn’t have much for a drift once you stop paddling. On a lake it will catch wind and blow around more than a kayak will. The inflatable pontoon is great on rivers both low and high intensity, for lakes I use my kayak.
Great video! I have one coming from Amazon this week :) curious about breaking it down after adding mods like that? Does it still come apart and able to store it in a hatch back car or something similar. We RV camp and lakes all the time and tow a chevy sonic for storage.
I didn’t glue any pipe I would just make a few marks on the pipe so you know where to connect them at next time. The deck just slides on and off. Fits in the back of a 4 door wrangler which is pretty small.
Just a thought. As pontoon boats have directional stability like balloons on the water. I'd suggest building a keel at the front (or back) that can be easily lowered into the water. Thoughts?
Will this work on the regular Colorado? There are 3 models and you specifically mentioned 2. I am getting ready to get 3 of the standard Colorado and love your modification. Please let me know. Thanks!
I can find all kinds of videos of people making these modifications, but I have yet to find a video that showed somebody actually standing and fishing in the boat. So what’s the purpose of making these modifications and not showing that they actually work. I have searched RUclips over and over and over again and have yet to find anybody standing on a Colorado pontoon boat versus much less fishing and filming on Colorado pontoon boat.
Just finished cutting mine today. The table I picked up has a different leg design (a frame) and I think that gives even more support. I have a question......does the part of the table that goes under the battery box bow in a little in order to tuck it in? The rest of the table rides the support frame of the pontoon.
Bill Clinton cool you found a better table I’m sure there are some Good options in various places. As for the battery box I’d assume it would just a little but I’d have to see it. Feel free to DM me photos on Facebook Patrick Blackwelder (Plant City FL)
I'm confused as to what the 2 notches on the sides of the platform are for ? The center rear one is obious, but i'm having trouble seeing what the side cuts are actually there for. Thanks.
I wear shoes on the deck so the black doesn’t bother me they do have white tables.. but yes holding up just fine. Not modified or replaced since this video.
Not meaning to hijack your thread but I noticed you have a trolling motor. I have the Colorado (not XT). I bought a Minn Kota C2 30 with 30" shaft. Manufacturers rec is maximum 36" shaft but doesn't suggest a minimum. Is my 30" shaft going to cavitate to the point where trolling would scare away fish or much ado about nothing?
Hey there Scott no worries honestly I had the same 30 inch but wasn’t happy with it so went to a 42 inch shaft. Only because when I would lean forward it would cavitate. If you’re 200 lbs with a battery balanced like mine just stay in the seat. It should be fine.
Yeah absolutely should same concept. The length can be easily adjusted just check measurement of the width and get the proper width table they make them in all sizes.
How do you get the trolling motor and battery to not sink the back? I'm using a 120v air pump and soon as I put the battery it drops and the trolling motor makes it drop more. Idk what to do
I like the platform a lot. Getting ready to make one for mine, but what Trolling motor are you running with your xts? I can’t decide between the c2 30, c2 40 or the Newport Vessels 36.
Don Payne I was running the endura 30 but moved to the traxxis after this video. Better performance and battery management. The boat sits so level that the endurance 30 was coming out of the water unless I leaned back so don’t go with the shortest shaft on the endurance series which is a 30 inch shaft. Go something 36 inches or longer .
Steve Marin MinnKota Traxxis 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor(55lbs Thrust, 42 - Inch Shaft) www.amazon.com/dp/B001M5TTC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZoUzEbWPTEADX
Hey, I run the XTS in the bay off of Atlantic City NJ. I mount a 58lb thrust Seamax motor, I added a bullnose rudder to it, and it does AMAZINGLY well in the bay. 17mph winds swells 1.54-2ft, not problem at all.
gabe chavez unfortunately I’m not familiar with the wilderness 13 but essentially if you use cardboard to built a template is would work. Just confirm your width and copy the pipe diagram I’ve laid out. You can also reach out to me on Facebook: Patrick Blackwelder in Plant City. I’d be happy to help if I can.
What's the deal with the back tire?,,so after I put my XTS in the water I have to on hook it and do what with it?,,or do I just leave it down?,,I'm thinking that if u leave it of that's 5 pounds I dont have to worry about,,,I'm 6'0 and 260 lbs.,,on the good side I liked the platform and using it myself
Chris Rohr yeah I don’t use the tire seemed like an ok idea but in reality it’s not great. I use a 4 wheeled cart to move mine around or haul it long distances. Of course that has to fit in the back of my Tundra. If I don’t use that I just park very close.
@@PatrickAviator thankyou for ur help,,I think I will just use it and take it off before I get it in the water and lock it to a tree,lol,,my wife is the driver in the family..but I'm taking it out this Sunday and will send u a video of it,,,thanks again Chris
@@PatrickAviator thanks bro,,I hope u dont think that I'm coping u and ur ideas I just think that I have very great ideas that can help me and my fishing time
@@PatrickAviator haven't tested it In the water but for one me and my pops build in about an hour of work time. The PVC is good support and perfect for addional rod holders and what I like is I'm able to stand at the very tip of the platform and the boat keeps its balance very well thank you for the idea working on lifting my seat next did you get the extension from Walmart ?
Nate Stokes not sure exactly what your asking. It’s pretty sturdy on the water and feels solid at my weight of 200 lbs with 40lbs of gear plus a battery.
Sorry I have a different brand. Just got it yesterday took it out I see other videos on here and the guys are sitting higher than I am so my back rack is in the water
Nate Stokes is your seat can adjust forward slide it forward. Also some people have added floatation under the back rack such as boat bumpers for large boats to act like additional pontoons. Best of luck.
Instead of counting bolts - 1 uh 2 uh 3... like Lawrence Welk maybe you could have spent some time putting the whole thing together and giving us an idea of what it looked like and how it was used so we know where you were going with it. Why did you keep the legs on the table, what is the angled white plastic for. Other than that it is a good idea.
TrollGRG G perfect name for your RUclips name I appreciate the feedback. If you can’t figure it out off my videos it’s likely not something you’d get if I built it for you on video.
@@PatrickAviator If you are so ignorant that you have to demean someones name then I am afraid there is no hope in talking to you. If you notice, I didn't give it a thumbs down. Just trying to provide a bit of constructive criticism. For your info... that handle I got during my 25 years serving in the military. Just to be clear, that was before there was an internet.
I actually liked the name not busting your balls on the name. But if that video isn’t clear enough beyond rebuilding it idk what is. With other subs if you need help with it lmk I’ll email you or message you directly.
That’s all good and dandy but it’s completely unnecessary. You don’t need that table all you need a 2 x 2 piece piece of wood. You don’t need to spend 30 something dollars to get a table to do this. A simple 2’ x 2 foot piece of wood will suffice just as well and doesn’t cost you nothing
took 2 years to build mine i used PVC for the frame cedar decking I bult a 4 way adjustable cherrywood seat, brass oar locks and 2 zipper bags that came with the tubes took a spin in it to make sure it worked ok and sold it to a nice older couple it had 30 minutes of use on it now I can build another one
that kinda thinking makes a father very proud. Good for you son,...I plan on using all your suggestions
Like the battery box mounting idea. Going to do that on my XTS's. Mine is a battery box power center though. Can plug my electric pump in it when I need air and it's got a power meter on it for the battery which is handy. Love the video and ideas...thanks!
Thank you and with these things it’s all about weight and balance. The better balanced the less hassle it is to do what we all love!
Genius mode was working when you came up with this mod!
Thanks
Thank you this is great and a light weight substitute compared to other ideas. 2 Thumbs up.
Danny Goldson glad you like the idea and design.
Thanks for the video. The standing platform modification was literally kicking my butt, as I have tried a couple of my own ideas and also copied other designs. Nothing was satisfactory for my needs. This should get it done. I also liked the seat pedestal idea so that I can still use it as kick boat on occasion.
Tom Strawther glad you liked it let me know how it goes for you.
Great idea. I'll be doing this to mine, as well as some grip tape and a fish tape measure on that deck. Maybe drill a cup holder to it or some T-bolt Accessory rail then you could add your go pro mount or whatever to that mount.
Nice mod. I just ordered one of these and was thinking about how I could best fly fish off of it. Nice work!
Thanks enjoy!!!
Nice! I made my deck out of wood but I like the plastic bc won't have to change it every year plus it's a lot lighter than wood. Thanks for showing your mod's.
Weight was my concern and yeah this plastic never rots.
Awesome deck great idea. I am currently using wood but going to get a table today.
Sounds great!
Awesome
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!👍❗❗❗❗
Thank you!
Nice work. Thanks for sharing your Mods!
You’re welcome
Great mods and ideas. Now they want about 70 bucks for that table so I will go with 2X2 plywood until I can find a reasonable replacement. I will still use that framework as it looks very stable and it gives me rod holders out of the way of my oars, rowing, etc. Bolting the battery box in the formally unusable area under the seat, good voodoo! If not using a battery, it would be good storage. Now if you had provided measurements for your PVC cuts...it would be 5 stars!
Great job. About as good as it gets for a simple cost effective modification. I just purchased a Colorado used pontoon boat. Sold my fishing boat last summer. I was wondering if I could take sitting all day on this new pontoon but I may just have to modify it with a pedestal seat and a fishing platform for sure👍🙏
Awesome tight lines!
How you liking your Colorado so far?
@Rastegarmma no complaints! Great boat
That is EXACTLY what I'll do if I buy the Colorado I'm looking at.
Nice very nice. Love how we share ideas on the tube. I think I am not understanding one thing. Please tell us why you left the legs on. I like the relocation of the battery.
Danny Mc legs just add some metal structure. I had the legs off it was a little flimsy but the metal legs made it a little more solid for my liking.
Good idea with the table from Lowes, I'm going to use your general idea but with a longer table that's got supports I don't need to take out, it's white but I'm going over with flex seal, I'm a FlexSeal junkie that stuffs great for every thing
Great modification! Definitely gonna use some variation of this.Thanks for posting.
Jay Bluestine great hope to hear back from you on what you come up with!
Very nice setup.
KICKIN BASS thanks
nice build
I like this video, thank you. Perhaps in the future you will consider using a light so that the rest of us can see what your talking about and then you will not have to apologize for things being dark.
MsGorteck perhaps. I’m by far not a pro just sharing my ideas I appreciate the feedback. Tight lines!
lol he’s clearly not a youtuber just showing us his genius ideas
Luv the Platform!!! Curious what riser size did you use for seat to clear battery? Just ordered a Colorado XT from Amazon today!!!! Thanks for the video. So Helpful
Sorry for the delayed response it’s just a Walmart adjustable seat post on the factory supplied seat
Just watched your video. Great idea! I am considering this pontoon. Typically fish rivers and lakes from kayak. How would you consider this to float as far as speed. Seems like it would stop moving the second you stopped paddling
Brad Dixon so I mostly kayak unless I’m on a river and want to float the river. You’re correct it doesn’t have much for a drift once you stop paddling. On a lake it will catch wind and blow around more than a kayak will. The inflatable pontoon is great on rivers both low and high intensity, for lakes I use my kayak.
Great video! I have one coming from Amazon this week :) curious about breaking it down after adding mods like that? Does it still come apart and able to store it in a hatch back car or something similar. We RV camp and lakes all the time and tow a chevy sonic for storage.
I didn’t glue any pipe I would just make a few marks on the pipe so you know where to connect them at next time. The deck just slides on and off. Fits in the back of a 4 door wrangler which is pretty small.
Nicely done!
Have you ever attempted a re-entry with the casting deck on?
Thankfully not I tend to stay on the boat
Just a thought. As pontoon boats have directional stability like balloons on the water. I'd suggest building a keel at the front (or back) that can be easily lowered into the water. Thoughts?
I actually bought one for the trolling motor shaft. Works great maybe 30 bucks on amazing if I recall.
Paint the surface with roll on truck bed liner.
Will give great traction
this is by far the best deck set up I've seen so far $ and functional. How does this row being a bit higher up? TY
Rowing isn’t the best but the trolling motor is clutch
Awesome idea
Thank you!
Will this work on the regular Colorado? There are 3 models and you specifically mentioned 2. I am getting ready to get 3 of the standard Colorado and love your modification. Please let me know. Thanks!
I don’t have the standard Colorado but I’d imagine yes. Just do the same design measure before you buy your table / platform and have at it!
Cool idea, thanks man!
I can find all kinds of videos of people making these modifications, but I have yet to find a video that showed somebody actually standing and fishing in the boat. So what’s the purpose of making these modifications and not showing that they actually work. I have searched RUclips over and over and over again and have yet to find anybody standing on a Colorado pontoon boat versus much less fishing and filming on Colorado pontoon boat.
Check out my other video it should have me standing
Just finished cutting mine today. The table I picked up has a different leg design (a frame) and I think that gives even more support. I have a question......does the part of the table that goes under the battery box bow in a little in order to tuck it in? The rest of the table rides the support frame of the pontoon.
Bill Clinton cool you found a better table I’m sure there are some
Good options in various places. As for the battery box I’d assume it would just a little but I’d have to see it. Feel free to DM me photos on Facebook Patrick Blackwelder (Plant City FL)
I'm confused as to what the 2 notches on the sides of the platform are for ? The center rear one is obious, but i'm having trouble seeing what the side cuts are actually there for. Thanks.
To access the anchor pulley and the pins for the frame
is your original decking holding up? Like the plastic table hack, black might get hot where i am.
I wear shoes on the deck so the black doesn’t bother me they do have white tables.. but yes holding up just fine. Not modified or replaced since this video.
Not meaning to hijack your thread but I noticed you have a trolling motor. I have the Colorado (not XT). I bought a Minn Kota C2 30 with 30" shaft. Manufacturers rec is maximum 36" shaft but doesn't suggest a minimum. Is my 30" shaft going to cavitate to the point where trolling would scare away fish or much ado about nothing?
Hey there Scott no worries honestly I had the same 30 inch but wasn’t happy with it so went to a 42 inch shaft. Only because when I would lean forward it would cavitate. If you’re 200 lbs with a battery balanced like mine just stay in the seat. It should be fine.
Did you make any adjustments to the seat for that battery to fit with the seat?
Just raised it
Do you have more pontoon videos...??? I'm waiting for mine as I type
I don’t sorry I wish I used it more but I live on a bigger lake and use it less than I thought I would.
Great mods..... Thanks! :)
Classic Accessories Roanoke Pontoon Boat ., would this idea work because the roanoke is 8ft. ? Good stuff , got a sub.!
Yeah absolutely should same concept. The length can be easily adjusted just check measurement of the width and get the proper width table they make them in all sizes.
This Florida red neck is a genius🎉
Thank ya
How do you get the trolling motor and battery to not sink the back? I'm using a 120v air pump and soon as I put the battery it drops and the trolling motor makes it drop more. Idk what to do
You have to sliding the seat mount almost all the way forward and mount the battery box on the seat rails
Awesome i just picked up one of these boats for 100 bucks its awesome. I weigh 275 if i build a standing deck for do you think it'll be stable for me?
Aceislife6 yeah you’re a little heavier than me, just glue the PVC and you’ll be gold! Enjoy and if you have any questions lmk
@@PatrickAviator thanks man!
GOOD ACTION!!!
Can you upload a video of you on the water with it please? I just got me float pontoon also. Looking to mod it
BillaBong yeah for sure I’ll get that done this weekend!
@@PatrickAviator thank you. I appreciate it very much
BillaBong got a video I’ll upload it this week!
@@PatrickAviator thank you we will be waiting lol.
Do you have a link for the tables ? On Amazon?
They are at most Lowe’s I’m sure Amazon has them but you’d have to just measure your boat and then get the exact measurements from Amazon to confirm.
I like the platform a lot. Getting ready to make one for mine, but what Trolling motor are you running with your xts? I can’t decide between the c2 30, c2 40 or the Newport Vessels 36.
Don Payne I was running the endura 30 but moved to the traxxis after this video. Better performance and battery management. The boat sits so level that the endurance 30 was coming out of the water unless I leaned back so don’t go with the shortest shaft on the endurance series which is a 30 inch shaft. Go something 36 inches or longer .
Steve Marin MinnKota Traxxis 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor(55lbs Thrust, 42 - Inch Shaft)
www.amazon.com/dp/B001M5TTC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZoUzEbWPTEADX
Steve Marin 55 with the 42 inch shaft optimal for using the rear TM mount
Hey, I run the XTS in the bay off of Atlantic City NJ. I mount a 58lb thrust Seamax motor, I added a bullnose rudder to it, and it does AMAZINGLY well in the bay. 17mph winds swells 1.54-2ft, not problem at all.
could you rig one of thse up for myself 185lb and my 9 year old son 60lb?
It’s a single person boat but they do make larger pontoons that are great for 2 people
I am looking for a seat post and a swivel for mine. Any suggestions on where I can find it?
You should be able to find them at walmart or just about any sporting goods store, such as Dick's or Academy Sports.
will this work for the wildnerss 13 ? if so can you please give the specs for the pipes?
gabe chavez unfortunately I’m not familiar with the wilderness 13 but essentially if you use cardboard to built a template is would work. Just confirm your width and copy the pipe diagram I’ve laid out. You can also reach out to me on Facebook: Patrick Blackwelder in Plant City. I’d be happy to help if I can.
that same table is now $70 on Amazon
Ugh 😩
What do you use for a battery
ML55-12 - 12 Volt 55 AH, Nut and Bolt (NB) Terminal, Rechargeable SLA AGM Battery
What's the deal with the back tire?,,so after I put my XTS in the water I have to on hook it and do what with it?,,or do I just leave it down?,,I'm thinking that if u leave it of that's 5 pounds I dont have to worry about,,,I'm 6'0 and 260 lbs.,,on the good side I liked the platform and using it myself
Chris Rohr yeah I don’t use the tire seemed like an ok idea but in reality it’s not great. I use a 4 wheeled cart to move mine around or haul it long distances. Of course that has to fit in the back of my Tundra. If I don’t use that I just park very close.
@@PatrickAviator thankyou for ur help,,I think I will just use it and take it off before I get it in the water and lock it to a tree,lol,,my wife is the driver in the family..but I'm taking it out this Sunday and will send u a video of it,,,thanks again
Chris
Hey Patrick,,what size seat pedestal do u have ,I have the 7inch but its alittle to short for my minn kota battery box
Chris Rohr
Got it from Walmart-
SeaSense 11-1/2" to 17-1/2" Adjustable Seat Pedestal
SeaSenseModel: 50012645
Walmart # 554001793
@@PatrickAviator thanks bro,,I hope u dont think that I'm coping u and ur ideas I just think that I have very great ideas that can help me and my fishing time
How do you launch with the deck in place?
Rick Hutchins rain / waterproof boots from places without a dock. With a dock I just use the anchor rope to pull it to the dock and get on from a dock
Awesome video man! Where did you get that seat pedestal?
13RodFishing Walmart it’s just an adjustable pedestal
Bass Fishing Family #BFF Thanks! I found them when I went Walmart earlier this week. I got the taller one. Just finished my build! 👍🏼
What seat riser did you use?
tom spoerl it was a pedal stool from Walmart. Adjustable not fixed
Wouldn't treated plywood be easier and cheaper?
Wood will be cheaper but I like the look of the plastic and it’s not as heavy.
@@PatrickAviator not cheaper now! Best deck mod on YT
Have anyone used one of these to do Red (Drum) fishing
John Smith sure have. Good fun in the mangroves.
Just built mine ?
TheeKiddd 21 nice how’s it working for you?
@@PatrickAviator haven't tested it In the water but for one me and my pops build in about an hour of work time. The PVC is good support and perfect for addional rod holders and what I like is I'm able to stand at the very tip of the platform and the boat keeps its balance very well thank you for the idea working on lifting my seat next did you get the extension from Walmart ?
? For what does it feel like I’m in the water what am I doing wrong
Nate Stokes not sure exactly what your asking. It’s pretty sturdy on the water and feels solid at my weight of 200 lbs with 40lbs of gear plus a battery.
Sorry I have a different brand. Just got it yesterday took it out I see other videos on here and the guys are sitting higher than I am so my back rack is in the water
Nate Stokes is your seat can adjust forward slide it forward. Also some people have added floatation under the back rack such as boat bumpers for large boats to act like additional pontoons. Best of luck.
Awesome thanks will do
Instead of counting bolts - 1 uh 2 uh 3... like Lawrence Welk maybe you could have spent some time putting the whole thing together and giving us an idea of what it looked like and how it was used so we know where you were going with it. Why did you keep the legs on the table, what is the angled white plastic for. Other than that it is a good idea.
TrollGRG G perfect name for your RUclips name I appreciate the feedback. If you can’t figure it out off my videos it’s likely not something you’d get if I built it for you on video.
@@PatrickAviator If you are so ignorant that you have to demean someones name then I am afraid there is no hope in talking to you. If you notice, I didn't give it a thumbs down. Just trying to provide a bit of constructive criticism.
For your info... that handle I got during my 25 years serving in the military. Just to be clear, that was before there was an internet.
I actually liked the name not busting your balls on the name. But if that video isn’t clear enough beyond rebuilding it idk what is. With other subs if you need help with it lmk I’ll email you or message you directly.
$39 I was like wow than seen its from 3yrs ago good old trump days, the same table is like $60 now
Yeah unfortunately that’s the economy these days
That’s all good and dandy but it’s completely unnecessary. You don’t need that table all you need a 2 x 2 piece piece of wood. You don’t need to spend 30 something dollars to get a table to do this. A simple 2’ x 2 foot piece of wood will suffice just as well and doesn’t cost you nothing