I have contacted them – most recently via email, and the response was to phone later and talk to Dave.   Sorry, but having an email record is kind of nice from my perspective.  Waited all of last week for a response, and received none – so today I phoned them – twice, both times an answering machine. 

If someone were to ask me for a product recommendation today, I certainly wouldn’t be recommending a Scadden product – purely based on customer service.  It’s too bad, as the pontoon boats are nice (despite the powder coating and shipping damage).

Just need a cleat or something to secure the anchor rope, but using some bits and pieces I had in the garage, I was able to put what I think should be a very functional front anchor. Some wing nuts, a couple bolts, a number of washers, and a small section of PVC pipe to act as a roller for the anchor rope, all mounted to a 4 foot section of galvanized pipe that fits nicely into the front end of the pontoon boat frame, just ahead of the left foot rest.

I hope to find a mounting clip similar to those that are used to put the frame together, so that I won’t need to use any tools at all – the wing nuts help, but need to use a standard screwdriver to get it tightened well. It might be a good idea to spray paint the anchor mast as well to prevent any rust.

Well, I broke down today and purchased a electric motor for the pontoon boat (and canoe). Ended up getting the 30lb. thrust model – Rob bought the same one, and has found it more than adequate to move the pontoon boat around.

I’m still researching the battery. He bought a Kirkland deep cycle from Costco. It’s a $100. Walmart has an Energizer model, for the same price, and I believe that Canadian Tire’s Nautilus batteries are the same price as well. I’ll also need to get a charger – thinking that I’ll pick up the Minn-Kota portable charger ($60), or a Nautilus charger ($70).

Update: Picked up the Canadian Tire Nautilus battery. And began setting up the pontoon boat to how I think I want things positioned. I used a section of 2×4 about 60″ long, so that the 2×4 extends 6″ past each side. This way it can act as an oar rest if I want the oars right out of the water. A couple 1/4″ slots allow the board to sit nicely into the deck plate, and I’ve secured it with 3 lag screws and washers.

I’ve also reversed the head of the trolling motor. I think that it will be more comfortable trolling so that I sit and watch my line having the motor configured this way. It’s only a single screw and nut to put it back to normal, so we’ll see how it works out.

I’m also thinking about fashioning some sort of wheel system – and have a wheel on each side of the rear deck that can swing down for transport. Still working that out in my head.

The pontoon boat has been ordered – should be getting shipped in the next day or two. There was apparently a delay in getting some parts back from powder coating.

With the forecast of some nice warm days ahead, there HAS to be some open stillwater soon! The North Saskatchewan is opening up pretty quick if that’s any indication.

Have picked up some accessories for the pontoon boat already, including a rail mount for my rod holder, and a WISE brand swivel base. Going to think about the seat pedestal as well after I try this thing out – I came across a post where another owner found that the pedestal made it much easier to stand up on the casting deck and sit back down.

I’ll be reusing much of what I used on my float tube as well, such as the rod holder, cup holder, and fish finder mount. Still need to decide on an anchor, and pick up some anchor rope as well. And I just remembered – I gotta get this seasons fishing license!

After looking at the offerings available at the local shops – which basically consist of the Outcast and Water Skeeter lines – I started researching a bit more – checking out other fishing forums, and came across another company, North Fork Outdoors, based in Utah, USA.

They have a model called the Skykomish Sunrise – and actually have a couple versions of it. I’m intrigued by the ST model – the size, the casting platform and lean bar, the river rating, and the capacity. I’m trying to find a local dealer – without a lot of success yet. Looks like they have an added bonus – including a stripping basket at no charge.