I have an xt as well and I experienced the same issue with weight distribution. I was using the exact same pump, which I learned is not strong enough to inflate the pontoons to the proper level. I invested in a foot pump, and no more problems. Nice mods, thanks for sharing!

Sweet rig, thinking about picking one of these up soon.

I bought them as a set of 6. I ended up cutting off the bottom three inches or so to keep them out of the water as they were causing too much water drag. For the most part, only the two on each side are readily accessible while on the boat. The middle ones can store things like pliers or a flash light or other items.

You can get the base model which is mostly the same as the XT for $300 on Amazon. The main difference is it does not come with the stripping bag, has a wheel under the seat and I think the seat swivels. But you can buy the swivel part for $10 on Amazon

You can never over build a boat

TheLaxplayer00 and john mcginn -Thanks for your comments and questions. I didn't build a trailer for the boat. I currently drive a Honda Accord sedan and the entire boat folds up to be small enough to fit into the trunk of my car along with the battery, anchor, trolling motor, oars, motor mount and pump. I do put the seat from the boat in my back seat along with the fishing poles and net. I will try to make a video of this soon to show how it all works.

@nmdittmar

6 жыл бұрын

I love you daddy ❤️😍😘💕👍🏻🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼🐶

good video.....Like to see this on the water and down the river.

Hey TheTroutDoc. I just posted a video from this weekend while I was out on the water. I don't really do any river fishing, but the Endura Max 40 works quite well while I'm on the water. Do a quick search for "Colorado XT - Minnkota Endura Max 40 - On the water "

The largest fish I have landed on the boat was about a 30" pike. I just have a small net that I keep tucked along the left side. No issues whatsoever. In fact, I prefer netting it over the side vs bringing in an angry chunk of thrashing muscles and teeth with treble hooks protruding from it's face - near my bare feet.

Hey Nate, I really like all your videos as I am thinking of buying one of these boats. I have one question though: about how small does the boat fold up? That is the clincher for me.

Very nice mount.

Nate thanks for making this video. Are you still using this same set up? How do you still feel about everything today? How's the seat? My wife and I are in Tx and plan on getting one each. Thought's, advice? Thanks!

Have you thought of foam filling the pontoons for more buoyancy? I’ve been looking but I haven’t seen a video on it. I’ve been considering it but I’m afraid the foam expansion would bust the pontoon. Love the videos man!

like your set up.

@nated2951

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks Frohoss - I was just about to point those out.

Nate, Did you build a trailer to transport your boat? It's a bit cold still here on Cape Cod, but I'm looking forward to some Trout fishing soon. I have the Tioga Pontoon and I love it. I made the front motor mount as you did, works Great!!! TKS, John

How did u mount ur fish finder? And how is that model working out for you? Nice upgrades!

Nate, Great video !! Could you show how you made your front motor mount ? It looks like it's made from PVC pipe ? TKS, John

It's actually a Ram Mount. I think it was around $40 at Cabelas.

Hi Firstly thanks for the shared info re front mounting engine.I have a couple of questions re handling.It have only tested mine twice and found it a bit skittish on the oars I was thinking of a small keel.Has anyone tried this? is it workable?Also te weight distribution. .I lashed under the seat a inflatable seat from a old inflatable rib this give me much better buoyancy/ weight carrying ability .This is where I intend to place the keel.I can now place my 110amp batrery with no problems plus anything else i need for a trip.I was bought mine as a birthday present and bought the whole thing home on a Jumbo to England.It does drew a few looks as to my knowledge pontoons are not sold here in the UK.Cheer Nigel

Nate, I noticed you're using a Cabela's 24 battery. On the video it sounds like the battery has performed well. Do you still feel the same, or is there another battery you would recommend? Thanks

Good morning Nate. Denny here.I was wondering if your front mount would work on a outcast fish cat 9-IR ? The foot pegs are not bent upwards the last 6 inches like the Colorado XT, but I don't know if that makes any difference. Can you give me your opinion about this. Thanks. Denny

I usually land fish through the front of my XT so how hard is it to land them from the side with this setup. Specially a large fish? I'm not worried about smaller ones.

I just got mine today and assembled it. It’s pretty cool I will try it out in the swimming pool tomorrow to see if I need to make adjustments. Looks like I may have to because my trolling motor is going to be in the back. I guess you were going to land fish on the sides?

@nated2951

2 жыл бұрын

How did it go?

@claytonbell7934

2 жыл бұрын

@@nated2951 The swimming pool was a little confined. I now have my controller hooked up and went to the lake yesterday and it went perfect. My transducer Comes today.

Hi Nate, Excellent pontoon! What is your price and where I buy it? It is going to be in florida Orlando? Best wishes

I added the links to the description. Let me know if you have any questions about the setup. I hope it helps!

Nate, are those rod holders a set of 3 or did they come 6 together?

cool, got one on the way,...I'm thinking about a lightweight canopy.

@nated2951

7 жыл бұрын

Daniel Hawkins I would love to see that. Post a video if you are able to make it work. Heck, post a video even if you can't make it work - so others can learn from your mistakes!

@danielhawkins6619

7 жыл бұрын

Lol,...o.k.,...maybe even a solar panel for extended camping trips

Nate! Great video I've built your front mount and love the idea sir! Question it's been 5 years since you made this. How is it holding up over time? I've taken mine out on the water 2x now and using the rear mount it's very annoying even with a swivel seat to have my arm behind me all day. Can't wait to use this system. Thanks!

@nated2951

5 жыл бұрын

GreedeeVids Thanks for letting me know about your build. I am always interested in hearing about what people are doing with their Colorado XTs. To answer your questions, I have had to make a few minor adjustments here and there. Sometimes I need to cut a pipe again if it becomes too loose, or maybe just glue it. That being said, I am no longer in possession of the mount features in this video. I gave it to a close friend for his boat, and he has not reported any issues. Best of luck. I have loved using the XT. I hope the same for you!

@GreedeeVids

5 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the answer thanks! God bless!

Great video, but why put it in front to interupt your casting or reeling in fish?

@nated2951

2 жыл бұрын

DealerLicense - that’s a good question. The reason for the trolling motor being in front is to distribute the weight balance. With a large battery and trolling motor in back, all of the weight is in back, which causes the back side to sit significantly lower in the water than the front To the point where the basket can become partially submerged. It feels unstable. Also, with the trolling motor in back, having the handle behind you makes it much more difficult to steer vs having the hand in front of you. I learned both of these lessons the hard way, which is why o came up with this solution. Also, casting to either side of the trolling motor has never been an issue for me 👍

Nate, I recently acquired this boat. But I am having difficulty finding a pump strong enough to inflate this thing. Could you shoe a video how your Coleman does this?

@nated2951

9 жыл бұрын

Mike, I'll see if I can do a video of it for you this weekend. Keep in mind, it doesn't need to be rock solid. Just somewhat firm.

Hi Nate, I just messaged you. I guess the question I have is when you bought your trolling motor does it give you an option to adjust your trolling motor handle from back to front? From what I'm seeing it looks like it but I'm just not sure because I've never owned one. You're rig is a awesome and it's a brilliant idea to offset the weight from the back to the front. Thanks again for doing the work and showing how it's done.

What kind of fish finder mount is that.. a Scotty?

I have an Outcast brand Pontoon, very similar of course.What I am a little stuck on, is how exactly you constructed the whole front motor mount apparatus out of PVC? It must be married up somehow to the foot extensions at the very front of the pontoon frame? Sure wish I could find clear instruction on how to rig that part up.

@nated2951

8 жыл бұрын

Chris, I have actually made two versions of this mount, and I have created super simple, step by step instructions on how to make each version. Just search KZread for "Colorado XT Front Trolling Motor Mount" Or kzread.info/dash/bejne/o2t_xdWQn9LMkZM.html Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Cheers! - Nate

@quadradomus

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nate, Actually as soon as I posted that question, I found your two other videos. Really, Really good informative videos! Not many people film themselves AT Home Depot, actually buying the PVC. Thanks!

I seen that the place that sells the xt sells parts. Can you buy their swivel piece and add it to the xt?

@nated2951

6 жыл бұрын

Jimi Bonez I added a swivel to my XT. It’s not quite as straight forward as it seems because the bolts on the seat that comes with the XT are pretty long since they have to go through the frame. I had to buy a different seat to be able to attach a swivel. Maybe things have changed, but I wouldn’t expect the seat that comes with the boat to work with a swivel.

When inserting the frame parts, is there anything that can be applyed so they come apart easier? Any other tips for a first time user? I'm 65 and female! Thanks

@nated2951

7 жыл бұрын

Lisa Held , the only thing I have successfully applied has been a mallet. Kidding aside, I have not tried any lubricants or anything. I generally have had to kind of shimmy it back and forth a bit to get it to come apart at times. Other times it comes apart pretty easily.

Hello I bought this used and I let the air out for the winter to story in my garage .so now I want to use it I can't seem to figure out how to put air in the pontoons. Please help me thanks Jaime

@nated2951

9 жыл бұрын

Conneticut SOA - You will likely need the pump adapter. Search Amazon for "Classic Accessories Inflatable Pontoon Boat Repair Kit" or call the manufacturer "Classic Accessories" at 800-854-2315 Good luck!

KZread search: Colorado XT - Front Trolling Motor Mount DIY Part 1 and Colorado XT - Front Trolling Motor Mount DIY Part 2

Hey Nate man great videos and tutorials. I am almost sold on the Colorado XT and I was wondering if you might be able to provide some insight. I really like the front motor mount idea but I live in Europe and mainly would be fishing for pike and zander (European cousin to the Walleye) and the both get very large so I would need the "empty" space at the front of the boat for unhooking/handling them. I would have to leave the motor mounted on the rear of the boat but I really don't want to deal with the weight distribution issue you mentioned. Do you think removing the stripping basket on the right side and mounting the battery there would be doable? I might then be able to offset some of that weight with tackle on the left side. Your thoughts? Thanks!

@nated2951

7 жыл бұрын

Custom 22 I also fish for pike with his thing. I often troll for Northern Pike, and I do grab the occasional Walleye and Largemouth Bass as well. For me, hooking into a fish that can tow the boat around is rather fun. I don't know how large the fish you typically catch are, but the largest pike I have caught from this thing has been around 42 inches (107 Centimeters) and I have had no problem with the trolling motor getting in the way, and honestly, pulling the fish in over the side of the boat has been no problem at all - especially if you have a net. From my experience, I wouldn't try putting the battery on the side. Keep in mind that the pontoons are inflatable and having a battery that weights 50-60 pounds (22-27 Kg) sitting on one would probably cause other weight distribution issues. I also imagine the steering would be way off as one side of the boat would sag further into the water. If you plan on catching large fish, bring a large net with you and I think you should be fine. Let me know if you end up getting one. I would love to see how you rig it up. Best of luck! - Nate

@anthonyprescott11

7 жыл бұрын

Nate D thanks for things brother! I am almost certain I am going to order one but I really want to try to keep the motor on the rear. I drew up a little diagram but I don't think I can post it here. I'd like to get your feedback so I'll see if the messaging feature on here will let me send it.

@anthonyprescott11

7 жыл бұрын

Nate D no way to upload the image. I did have another question for you. I have a Minn Kota Endura 50lbs thrust. I know the boat is rated at Max 40 lbs but do you think my 50 pound will be too much or will I be able to use it?

@nated2951

7 жыл бұрын

Custom 22, I expect you will be safe with a 50Lbs thrust. If it starts going too fast, just ease back on the throttle. The only drawbacks I can see would be that it may be a little heavier and it may drain the battery a bit more quickly. That being stated, it's not like you are putting a 30HP Outboard motor on this thing. I say go for it!

@anthonyprescott11

7 жыл бұрын

Nate D Awesome thanks! One more (for now;) question for you. Stringers are illegal over here so I can't hang anything I plan on keeping on a stringer while I'm fishing. What do you do for fish storage while you are out on the water? Im obviously not going to be able to get a cooler onto this thing. For the most part I practice catch n release when possible but there is a lake I go to often that is full of big yellow perch and I tend to keep a lot of those. Any recommendations on fish storage for the XT?

what happens if your butt falls asleep? Do you just go to the shore and shore fish for a while?

@nated2951

2 жыл бұрын

I can’t say I have had any issues with Badonka-Donk sleepitude. My seat has been plenty comfy during my excursions, which typically last about 2-4 hours.

Any concern about cutting your flippers or shoes or even your feet?

@nated2951

8 жыл бұрын

Chris, That's a very good question. I have never had an issue with that. My feet rest comfortably on the trolling motor mount when I am on the water. The only time I have had to be concerned about something like that is when I am clearing the weeds from the blade. I go out of my way to make sure the handle can't be bumped and accidentally switched on while my hands are near it. As far as my feet go, I personally find it to be more comfortable to rest them on the trolling motor mount than it was to rest them on the original foot rests. - Nate

Hello I have to have registered this pontoon boat? I live in Illinois

@nated2951

5 жыл бұрын

I can’t speak for Illinois, but I had to register mine in Minnesota. I hope this helps!

Dude they don’t sag if you inflate them properly.