DNRguide’s blog on mini pontoons generated more reads than most other blogs to date, so it seems a follow-up would be fitting. This summer I was happy for the chance to run a better video on details of a representative mini pontoon. You can see it below. The footage is of some Mitey Toon mini pontoons at the Northern Exposure manufacturing site in Duluth, Minnesota.
Boaters with access to smaller or protected waters who want a low-cost easy boarding water craft with two soft seats will find a mini pontoon a tempting solution for getting on the water. A pleasure boater will find the ease of use relaxing, and if you fish - the mini pontoon is sneaky quiet with electric power and normally comes with a 6′ by 8′ flat platform to work from. And if you like green - but need power on the water - the totally electric mini pontoon could be your ticket.
Unless you’re in a social snooze and out of the news loop like Rip Van Winkle, you have heard multiple broadcasts about the U.S. government plan to jumpstart the auto industry with a billion dollars by enticing one-year plus owners of gas-guzzling (18 mpg or less) clunkers to buy a new more fuel efficient car. If you have a car that qualifies and its valued less than the available $3,500 or $4,500 federal vouchers, the time to hunt for your next car or truck is RIGHT NOW. Go to Cars.gov for information.
Why RIGHT NOW? The program runs from July 1 thru November 1, 2009 OR when the money runs out. The PUBLIC RESPONSE HAS BEEN SO OVERWHELMING THAT MANY EXPECT THE MONEY TO BE GONE BEFORE JULY IS OVER.
What does DNRguide think is the most important thing to do if you want to get the Cash for Clunkers money? You must do business with a dealer who knows how to apply for your voucher.Period. The race is on for who gets the money - and the customers who buy from the well-prepared dealers are going to win.
Normally a car buyer first looks for the dealer who gives the best price on the car. With the Cash for Clunkers deal, your absolute first priority must be to find a dealer who knows all about the Cash for Clunkers program AND has the ability to process your car voucher FAST and CORRECTLY. Only then do you go about making the best deal for the car you want. Do not put any money down until you know they can deliver on submitting your Clunker information to the federal CARS program.
A pending super car deal means nothing if you are working with one of the many clueless new car dealers who haven’t taken the essential time to get organized to serve their customers with timely Cash for Clunker voucher processing. Already, the inept dealers are trying to blame the government for the program organization. In contrast, the smart new car dealers who took the time to read the 130 page instruction book from the feds, are making lots of car sales - and have organized to make sure their customers get the voucher money they are eligible for.
Bottom line? If you want any chance to get the Cash for Clunkers money -
decide immediately what car you want & would be eligible for the federal voucher.
find a dealer who knows how AND can deliver on timely application for your voucher.
Finding the right boat for your boating application is the key to maximizing fun. One boat that is not on enough lists for consideration is the mini pontoon. By mini, I mean a two-sponson pontoon boat that is under twelve feet in total length. The sponsons (those tubes that the pontoon’s platform rests on) are typically aluminum, but could also be plastic, or wood. Load capacity is normally under 800 pounds. Power could be electric or gas. (Yes - some are pedal or paddle powered, but that is another direction than we are heading here.)
Mini pontoons can be used for slow water strolls around ponds or small lakes, or on bigger water under little wind and no water current conditions. If getting on the water and sitting in a comfortable boat seat on an elevated platform that moves along in virtual silence appeals to you, then look at the mini pontoon. It is an easy in and out for all ages, and the stability of the pontoon configuration makes for a relaxing experience.
Fishing from a mini pontoon offers more comfort and stability than a conventional mono-hull small boat or canoe. You can enter shallow waters with ease, and organize your equipment any number of ways on the usual six foot by eight foot platform. The available biminis keep the sun under control - a feature not usually found on the other small boat options.
For motorized mini pontoons, power can be electric or gas. An electric option frequently used is the Minn-Kota 55# thrust trolling motor. With an onboard battery charger, you simply refuel an electric-powered mini pontoon by plugging in the charger when you return to port. Nothing could be simpler. A battery will keep you moving at sea (read pond) for six hours or more.
Use Gas power for a mini pontoon if it will be used where there is a need for more thrust power to deal with wind, or for a little more speed. Yamaha has a great four-cycle long-shaft F4 four-horse motor to fit the bill.
True - a mini pontoon does not have the same asthetics as a curvy painted and varnished wood launch made for two. But for every other nautical reason, a mini pontoon may serve your small boat purposes very well.
low-cost ($3-4,000)
stable
easy in & out
light weight (250-400#)
multi-use
environmentally friendly
low-maintenance
simple to use
An online search for mini pontoons will kick up a number of manufacturers. Among those, here is the one I like: the Mitey-Toon manufactured by Northern Exposure in Minnesota. Designed for electric or gas, you can buy a complete electric Mitey-Toon with power and charger for under $3,500. The quality of the design and welds is first-class. The eighteen inch sponsons give an extra lift under load, and the manufacturer will customize as needed for railings.
There are many rewards for a day of fishing, but one of the best comes when you can sit down and enjoy a meal of your fresh catch. By dinner time, after a day on the water most are tired and well north of hungry so the simple solutions to a great meal can be the best. Read on to see what DNRguide likes to do.
Find a ready-made coating mix that will season and coat your serving portion fish pieces, and prepare them for pan or deep frying.
Moisten the fish with water, milk, or lightly beaten eggs.
With the coating mix in a bowl or in plastic bag, coat or shake each piece until covered.
Pan fry for about ten minutes. Or deep fry for about five minutes. Shoot for golden brown.
Eat.
Relax.
What seasoning is best? That of course is a matter of taste, and many do make their own. Two popular ones that I use are Shore Lunch and Fryin’ Magic. My favorite was confirmed again today with a batch of fresh northern caught under Minnesota ice - Fryin’ Magic. An awesome flavor and a coating that came out of the fryer with a gorgeous golden brown.
