Inflatables Guide

Tag: classic accessories

Classic Accessories Inflatable Pontoon Boats and Float Tubes
Classic Accessories is one of the main manufacturers of inflatable pontoon boats and fishing float tubes. Their reliability and experience makes Classic Accessories stand on top of the lead.

One of the main focus of Classic Accessories is providing protection for you through the use and manufacture of durable fabric. Classic Accessories designs strong fabric covers for a variety of products such as car seat covers to back-up generator covers; and they know how to manufacture high quality inflatable products, such as inflatable pontoon boats and float tubes.

With their tough inflatable bladders made of PVC material, they clearly demonstrate how reliable and professional the company is when it comes to the fabric that it produces.

A Brief Overview of the Classic Accessories Brand

It’s been well over three decades, the year 1983 to be exact, that Classic Accessories became the company that it is today. The company has its roots in Seattle’s Roosevelt, and the company’s founder is Jacob Engelstein.

In his small basement, Engelstein sought out to create automotive accessories that involved the use of padded fabric such as seat belt pads and steering wheel covers. The market was in place and with that Engelstein consistently addressed the growing demands.

It came to a point when Classic Accessories realized that why limit yourself to using padded fabric and covers to the small portions of a car. Why not include making a cover for the entire car? If a car can be covered, then surely the company could also do the same for a boat. Or something equal in size, maybe even bigger.

Today, Classic Accessories makes covers for all sorts of vehicles like cars, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and even power equipment like generators. In its fabric used for boat covers, Classic Accessories eventually ventured into inflatable pontoon boats. The same level of competence of providing durable and reliable protection for vehicle and equipment covers applies to its inflatable pontoon boats and fishing float tubes.

Classic Accessories is all about providing protection for you whenever you are outdoors, in the most convenient and practical means. With them, you get to enjoy your outdoor activities much better. You feel safe and secure whenever you use Classic Accessories.

Classic Accessories Pontoon Boats and Float Tubes Reviews
- Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories Colorado XT is one of the companies high quality pontoon boats and is categorized by many as one which belongs in the “top of the line” pontoon boats.

Made from premium materials which are the signature trademark of Classic Accessories and loaded with some of the best features one could ever want in a pontoon boat, the Colorado XT is the perfect inflatable ride for the solo fisherman, and will surely help him master al the fishing areas that he frequents.

The Classic Accessories Colorado XT measures 9 feet in length, measured from tip to tip of its pontoons. It measures almost 5 feet in width and has a height of a little over 2 feet. The Colorado XT weighs 77 lbs. on its own. It can have a maximum weight of up to 400 pounds, a number which should be more than enough for all the gear and equipment you are planning to bring.

The materials seen and observed on the pontoons of the Colorado XT feature some of the best that the company offers. Featured in either bright and vivid orange color or in sage and grey color, they make use of a vinyl material resistant to both heat and cold, thereby allowing the inflatable boat to thrive in different climates or weather.

The bottom of the pontoons are where it is toughest, utilizing heavy duty PVC material that is scratch and abrasion resistant. This type of material will not be easily penetrated should one were to accidentally go through rocks or other sharp objects in the water.

The Classic Accessories Colorado XT inflatable pontoon boat offers the following accessories: 2-position weatherproof motor mount, wire rear storage with a battery platform, removable stripping basket, and multi-position fishing rod holder. The single-person seat is cushioned and is fully adjustable.

In assembling the Colorado XT, it will take you some time to put it together. Part of the reason is you would really have to assemble the steel frame for this inflatable boat, which is made up of rigid steel tubes. You also have to allocate some time inflating the pontoons.

But while assembly requires some time, the entire process is pretty straightforward. When disassembled, this inflatable pontoon boat can fit into the trunk of a medium-sized car.
- Classic Accessories Roanoke Pontoon Boat
If you want an inflatable pontoon boat that keeps everything simple and straightforward, then the Classic Accessories Roanoake is the perfect choice for you. Most would probably be attracted by the very affordable price that this pontoon boat is quoted at.

In fact, the Roanoke is listed as one of the cheapest inflatable pontoon boats in today’s market. However, there is much more to this boat that just a low price tag.

The Classic Accessories Roanoke measures 8 feet in length, about 4 and a half feet in width, and a height of a little over 2 feet. Because of the simplicity of its construction, this inflatable pontoon boat has a very light overall weight of only 43 lbs. It can carry up to 350 lbs. and has a capacity for only one person.

Even with its small size, the Roanoke is a very functional inflatable pontoon boat. One thing most people liked with it is the presence of a lot of storage compartments. Below the oar locks, there are two oversized armrest pockets conveniently equipped with zipper locks, which should prove useful for storing fishing equipment.

Behind the pilot seat, there is a mesh platform that is capable of containing your cooler. You can use this to store and contain freshly caught fish, along with other items that you are bringing along for fishing.

Similar with other inflatable boats made by Classic Accessories, the Roanoke takes pride in the material used for its inflatable pontoons. The top portion makes use of tough nylon. While this type of material might be vulnerable to water hazards like sharp rocks and pointed tree branches, it should be more than enough for small pointed things like fishing hooks and fish fins.

The bottom portion of the Roanoke pontoon boat contrastingly is much tougher, making use of durable PVC that has been proven to be resistant against scratching abrasion.

Even the tubular frames that make up the skeletal assembly of the Roanoke are quite durable. They are powder-coated in order to make them resistant to rusting and corrosion. The air bladders that make up the pontoons are weather-resistant, able to withstand changes in climate and temperature like going from hot weather to cold.

Accessories that are included with every unit of the Classic Accessories Roanoke include oar locks, quick inflation/deflation valves, adjustable foot rests, non-slip footrests and an adjustable plastic seat.
- Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube
One of the most proven and reliable fishing float tube models from Classic Accessories, the Cumberland is another of the company’s affordable inflatable watercraft. The Cumberland is given a high recommendation as you get a float tube that is rich with features, tested durability and worthiness in the water, without costing too much. This is the perfect companion for fishing aficionados who love to do it on their own.

The Classic Accessories Cumberland float tube measures 4 and a half feet in length, 4 feet in width and a height of about a foot and a half. It is very light in weight, weighing only at most 17 lbs. However, it can carry as much 350 lbs., which is quite good for a single-man inflatable watercraft.

The Cumberland of Classic Accessories has plenty of storage compartments, one of its best qualities that its critics like so much. It has two oversized cargo pockets, equipped with double heavy duty zipper locks. This is where you can put in your fishing equipment, like lures and tackles.

The mesh platform behind the pilot seat is great for putting more of your fishing gear and equipment. It also has enough room for your plastic cooler that will contain your freshly caught fish.

The Cumberland has two rod holders where you can attach your fishing rods while you transport this inflatable tube. It also has two cup holders, perfect for containing your favourite drink or beverage while waiting for the fish to bite.

Another thing that people love with the Classic Accessories Cumberland is the features that are found on the pilot seat. For one, the seat is padded thickly, thus giving you a lot of comfort and also back support for long days of being in the water.

The additional padding also serves the purpose of giving you additional height and visibility in the water, letting other people see you clearly to prevent accidents. This float tube also has a bright orange panel at the rear, which gives it even more visibility.

You can adjust the backrest of the seat to change the sitting position, whether to sit normally or lie down a bit. It is equipped with two straps that are attached which you can pull and adjust to the desired length. Lock and tie them so as to affix the backrest in the desired sitting position.
- Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube
Another one the fishing float tubes made by Classic Accessories that is offered at a very affordable price level, the Teton is a float tube that will suit both novice and experienced fishermen. Most people will appreciate the alternative design of this float tube as it puts you at a very comfortable seating position.

For solo fisherman who want to just chill and relax all day in the water and lift up their rods now and then to check for caught fish, the Teton is ideal at that. It is also a good float tube for more serious solo-fishing ventures.

The Classic Accessories Teton float tube measures 3 feet six inches in length, 3 feet and 4 inches in width, with a height of almost 4 feet. It is very lightweight, grossing only at about 8 and half lbs. Its load capacity however, is also smaller compared to other float tubes as it can carry only up to 250 lbs.

The Classic Accessories Teton however features a durable construction design. The inflatable tubes are quite heavy-duty, making use of a nylon fabric coating that has a rating of 420 Denier. This material is resistant to scratching and abrasion and also against heat and cold, which is quite beneficial in case you are fishing in areas that have unpredictable weather and climate.

The hydrodynamic hull and shape of the Classic Accessories Teton gives it better tracking and maneuvering in the water. Should you decide to get fins for powering this float tube, the task of propelling it in the water becomes almost effortless.

A lot of storage features are present in the Teton, such as 3 zippered pockets and 2 mesh pockets, a back pocket, 2 reel pockets and armrests which are also zippered. Finally, this Classic Accessories float tube comes with two safety features: a quick release front apron and a safety flag holder.
- Classic Accessories Marshland Float Tube
Can you imagine a float tube that allows you to hunt and fish at the same time? That is exactly what the Classic Accessories Marshland offers to you, an inflatable float tube that can convert from a fishing float tube to a hunting float tube and back.

This is probably one of the most versatile solo watercraft products that were made by Classic Accessories. Excellent for use in low-lying areas where land and water meet like swamps, the Marshland float tube is the perfect watercraft for the hardcore outdoorsman.

The Classic Accessories Marshland measures 4 feet 8 inches in length, 3 feet 8 inches in width and about 19 inches in height. It weighs about 18 lbs. and can carry a maximum load capacity of 350 lbs. Being a floating tube that is aimed at being used for the outdoors, the Marshland makes use of quite heavy-duty and highly durable materials.

A lot of critics as well as prospective buyers were attracted by the Marshland’s RealTree Max 5 Camo print, which gives this hunting and fishing float tube a very intimidating and menacing look.

Storage features are a must when fishing and hunting and these are well provided with the Classic Accessories Marshland float tube. Both pontoons have cargo pockets on their armrests with double zipper locks, two interior pockets and drink holder.

Like most inflatable watercraft, a mesh platform at the back of the seat provides a place for you to place gear and equipment such as coolers as well as fishing tackle boxes. The mesh platform also has a draw-cord closure which you can use to secure your gear and equipment.

Switching to hunting mode for the Classic Accessories Marshland is quite simple. The stripping apron can be easily replaced with the front stabilizer bar. Add in the shotgun tether and the provided decoy bag.

With that, you are ready to start shooting game fowl which are also inhabitants of your favourite fishing holes. The provided decoy bag of the Marshland has enough space for up to 24 duck decoys and 6 geese decoys.

What makes the Classic Accessories Pontoon Boats and Float Tubes so great?
- Durability
All inflatable watercraft made by Classic Accessories prioritize durability. As mentioned in the materials of its inflatable pontoon boats and float tubes, Classic Accessories watercraft make use of tough materials that cannot be scratched easily nor easy to puncture.

It is also very resistant against the elements of Nature. When you go for inflatable watercraft that bear the brand Classic Accessories, you are assured of its durability and strength hence it will last for a long time.
- Practicality and convenience
All inflatable watercraft made by Classic Accessories are very easy to assemble and put together. While assembly time may vary from model to model, Classic Accessories watercraft are always easy to build and assemble.

The process is very much easy and straightforward. The learning curve of putting together a pontoon boat or a floating tube has never been this easier. Also, Classic Accessories inflatable watercraft are easy to transport and carry. They will very much fit into the trunk or storage compartment of any vehicle.
- Priced competitively
When you decide to acquire inflatable watercraft from Classic Accessories, almost all of them are affordable and priced competitively. Nearly always it’s possible to find a model that is within the price range of any outdoor enthusiast and will not drain one’s budget or savings.

Furthermore, Classic Accessories watercraft offer a lot of extra features, which makes them a great bargain.
July 9, 2017
Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Boat Overview

Let’s just be honest, you’re looking at this inflatable pontoon because it’s the cheapest one out there. It’s as basic as it gets, stripped out of all nifty features this is a minimalist’s fishing boat. With no additional features to weigh it down, the Roanoke only weighs 43 pounds and makes a great choice for anyone looking for a cheap and portable fishing pontoon. It’s lightweight, nimble, and durable, and for the amount of money it costs, you will not find anything better.

It’s 8 feet long and has a total carrying capacity of 350 pounds. It features heavy-duty pontoons, aluminum oars, oarlocks, and a powder-coated frame. Some of the “special” features include a stripping apron, armrest pockets with zippers, a storage area behind the seat, and adjustable foot rests. This boat will handle rivers up to class 1.

Thanks to its lightweight design it’s highly portable, it’s never been easier to transport a pontoon boat. The weight combined with the long aluminum oars makes for a fast and highly maneuverable boat. It has oarlocks to make sure that rowing is as easy as possible and if you were to lose hold of them, they will stay with you. Unlike more expensive pontoon boats from Classic Accessories, the Roanoke oars only have one position they can be used at.

Even though the Roanoke is minimal and very basic, it has plenty of storage. Just below the oarlocks, you’ll find two large oversized armrest pockets with zippers. These pockets can store smaller fishing gear like tackles and lures. Behind the seat, you will find a mesh platform, perfect for storing a smaller cooler box or any of your newly caught fish.

The adjustable footrests have six different positions you can choose from, making it easy to use both for short and tall people.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is made from heavy-duty PVC that’s abrasion-resistant, meaning that scraping against rocks and other surfaces will not puncture the bladders. The tops are made from tough nylon, not as puncture-resistant but will withstand things like hooks and dorsal fins. The pontoon bladders are temperature resistant, meaning they are not easily affected by cold or warm weather.

The aluminum oars that come with your purchase of the Roanoke are 6 feet long and can be separated into two pieces for easier transportation, they also float if you were to drop them into the water. The locks that hold the oars in place are rock steady thanks to the steel tubing,

Features
- Heavy-duty pontoons with tough PVC bottoms
- Rock steady oarlocks
- 6 feet long rugged aluminum oars
- Three storage areas for gear and other small accessories
Specifications
- Dimensions: 96 inches in length (8 ft) , 55 inches (4.5 ft) in width, and 26 inches (2 ft) in height
- Pontoons: 8 feet long pontoons
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 43 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, tough nylon and steel
Our Review

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So you’ve probably grown tired of your float tube, that’s why you’re reading this right? Maybe you’re just out something really cheap? Whatever your intentions are, you can be certain that the Roanoke gives you a sturdy and long-lasting boat for not a lot of money.

It’s basic, but it does basic well

As we stated at the beginning of this review, this pontoon is super basic. This means it has been stripped out of all the cool features a lot of the higher-end models have, things like adjustable oar locks, motor mounts, extra storage plat forms, bigger pockets, and so on. But in no way does it make it less worthy of your money. It’s basic, but it does basics well.

It’s lightweight which makes it unstable in wind

Because most of the features have been taken away, this boat is very lightweight. But the weight has its drawbacks as well. Let’s just say that strong winds and the Roanoke don’t go well together, and they go even worse together if you’re a lightweight yourself. We were “lucky” and got to try this on a really windy day and while I had a blast, my wife had a totally different experience. For her it was a constant struggle, she had to keep fighting the wind trying to go straight and if she didn’t fight back the wind would just grab a hold of the boat and push her way back. If you want to fish in a specific spot in a windy area, you have to get yourself an anchor, unless you want your day to consist of 99% rowing and 1% fishing.

Included oars are long and rigid

Which brings me to the next point, the oars. They’re awesome, with their six feet they’re long which makes for easy and maneuverable rowing. Some owners complained about them being too long, but we think these owners need to practice rowing a little more. When you get the hang of the rowing, it’s easy to get the speed up, if you have just the right conditions (no winds and calm water) you’ll outrace your friends with ease. We don’t know if this a common issue with the included oars, but ours were filled with water after an hour or so, which made rowing pretty cumbersome. Even when taking them apart it was kinda hard to get the water out, it was definitely a pain in the butt, we can’t even imagine how annoying it must be if you’re staying out on the lake the whole day.

Oarlocks are nice but need some DIY-love

The oarlocks feel rigid and sturdy, but the oars tend to slip through them. We fixed this by taping up a large bulge of electrical tape around the ring on the oars, since then no oars have slipped through.

Okay portability for an inflatable pontoon

As for portability, it’s pretty good, nothing out of the ordinary. Pontoon boats with frames are the least portable out of all inflatables. It doesn’t come with a carry bag or transport wheel which makes it hard to transport long distances unless you DIY a way to have it in your back. You can collapse the seat and make the frame somewhat portable, the pontoons can easily be deflated and stowed away. If you need something highly portable, something that’s easy to carry to and from the shore, you might want to look at some other options instead.

Plastic seat gets uncomfortable after two hours or so

The seat is OK, it’s just a plastic seat which may be too hard for some people. We definitely felt sore in our butts after a whole day of playing around with the Roanoke. We’d definitely recommend getting a cushion, especially if you’re not used to these types of seats.

Not rated for motors, but with some modding, it’s possible to mount one

While on the box it says that it’s not rated for motors, we have seen some people modify theirs to hold a smaller electric trolling motor. Not that it’s something we recommend, but if you really want to, it’s possible. Just be wary that the back end of the pontoon will sag if there’s too much weight.

Coldwater affects the bladders, even though they’re “temperature resistant”

We noticed that cold water does actually have an effect on the bladders, even though it says they’re temperature resistant. Coldwater will shrink the bladders most of the time which leads one to believe there’s a leak. If you want to avoid this, go to your lake a couple of minutes early, inflate it and let it sit in the water for a while, then top it off.

Pontoons are durable and will not puncture easily

The pontoons are durable, we went to several shallow spots on the lakes and scraped against rocks (not any sharp ones though) with little to no scratches at all. We would feel comfortable taking the Roanoke to lakes and rivers where there are sharper rocks, without the fear of puncturing our pontoons.

Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to row and maneuver
- Puncture resistant
Cons
- Unstable in wind
- Tracks poorly
- Uncomfortable seat
Conclusion:

The Roanoke from Classic Accessories might not be the most feature-packed and high-end pontoon you can buy. But does it have to be? From our experiences we’ve found that we’ve had just as fun with lower-end models as with high-end ones. It’s a basic boat but it does the job, and it does it well. We promise you’ll get your money’s worth from this pontoon.
January 25, 2016
Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube Review
Float Tube Overview

Float tubing is the new way of fishing and with each year new people join the floating movement. But what if you want to try float tubing but don’t want to shell out several hundred dollars? You go for the Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube, of course, a tube that is very affordable! It might have a cheap price tag, but the tube itself is far from cheap. There’s hard to find an entry model that’s better than the Teton.

It’s uniquely sculpted design makes for a clutter-free and streamlined deck, to make your fishing as convenient as possible. There are three storage areas in total, two at each armrest and one large pocket in the back seat. The two storage areas in the armrests have multiple pockets to store all of your fishing gadgets and gear. The backrest can also store fishing gear, there are no pockets, however.

The Teton is about 4.5 feet long and 4 feet wide, almost identical to its slightly expensive brother, the Cumberland. It weighs 16 pounds and will carry up to 250 pounds without trouble. To make transportation as as easy possible, there are two backpack straps so you can carry it while it’s inflated on your back. It has a hydrodynamic hull shape, which makes it easier for you to steer and maneuver the tube. It also helps it to track straight.

The seat is not padded but made out of mesh fabric, along with the backrest, the Teton float tube is surprisingly comfortable. The seat is lower than other models, which will have you submerged in the water from about the waist down (it all depends on how much you weigh, heavier people will be submerged more than lighter people).

Like all float tubes, there’s a stripping apron included with a fish ruler. To make for easy removal it’s attached via Velcro patches. The ruler makes it easy for you to measure your fish and decide whether it’s a keeper or not.

The Teton float tube is a great way to enter the world of inflatable float tube fishing, it’s affordable and plenty of features that higher-end models have.

Features
- Three storage areas for all your valuable fishing gear
- Stripping apron with fish ruler
- Backpack straps to make transportation easier
- De-cluttered and streamlined deck
Specifications
- Dimensions: 42.5 inches (3.5 ft) in length, 40 inches (3.3 ft) in width and 18.5 (1.5 ft) in height
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Heavy-duty fabric
Our Review

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Considering the astonishingly low price point of the Classic Accessories Teton, you’d think you would get a poorly made boat, but the reality is far different. We were pleasantly surprised by the Teton, maybe because we were constantly thinking of how cheap it was, certainly nothing that cheap can be good, right? Let’s dive right in and see what we have to say.

Seats puts you in the eater, makes it easier to propel yourself

If you’ve read our review of the Cumberland float, you know that my wife had a problem propelling herself due to the high seat. The seat on the Teton is not padded or anything like that, it’s a simple fabric seat. This means it gets you closer to the water, which makes it a lot easier for short people like my wife to propel herself using her teeny tiny legs. If you’re worried that you might be too small for the seat and accidentally slide out when wading, there’s a groin strap that will prevent just that. The main “drawback” (we’re really pushing it calling it a drawback) of having a seat like this is that you get a lot wetter, you can count on getting water up to your waistline sitting in the Teton seat.

First-timers might have troubles installing the bladders, here’s a video to help you out

If you’re reading our review of this float tube, we take it you’re a beginner float tuber. So here’s the thing all beginners should know, you have to install the bladders into the actual tube before you can go anywhere. If you know how to do this it’s quite easy, however, if you’ve never seen a tube in real life it can be quite tricky. The instructions that come with the Teton are not fully clear, especially if you’ve never assembled a tube-like this before. To help you first timers out, here’s an instructional video teaching you how to replace a bladder for a float tube.

It feels solid and rugged, we just wish they would have reinforced the bottom

The build quality is solid, nothing feels like it’s cheaply made or like it would come apart easily. We just wish that Classic Accessories would’ve improved the bottom of the hull, it’s made from the same nylon material as the top and will most likely puncture if something sharp were to hit it. We’d love to see a rugged PVC bottom in the next version of the Teton, please!

Backpack straps are awesome, makes for easy transportation

We just love the backpack straps, they’re highly convenient and make transportation so much easier. The straps cannot be used when the tube is deflated sadly, but once inflated you just throw it up on your back and walk to your destination. It’s like a humongous backpack, but it only weighs 16 pounds which makes it even easier to carry, even if you have a bad back.

Plenty of storage for all your gear freaks out there

The storage areas are pretty neat as well. The two armrest storage areas have plenty of pockets for lures and other important equipment, just be cautious when putting them in, since they might go through the nylon right into the bladder. If you’ve seen the product pictures of the Teton, you probably noticed that the storage areas look sturdy and “inflated”, this is however not the case. In the product pictures, they’ve stuffed these areas, in reality, they’re completely flat. It’s nothing too bad but it does surprise you when you first unpack it. The backrest also doubles as a large pocket, so you have plenty of storage for gear.

No cup/rod holders but it’s easily fixed

It doesn’t have any cup/rod holders like the more expensive versions have, this can be easily fixed with a Scotty float tube mount, just wrap around the tube and fastened, you’re done.

Pros
- A great deal for the amount of money you pay
- Lots of storage for fishing gear
- The backpack straps make it to transport longer distances
Cons
- The bottom is not reinforced, making it vulnerable to punctures
Conclusion:

We’re not going to lie, the Teton float tube from Classic Accessories surprised us. We thought it would be a cheaply made toy like a tube, but it was in fact well made. It’s a very basic and minimal model, it doesn’t have a lot of the added features higher-end models have, but who cares? Since you’re probably paying less than $100, you can’t expect to get a whole lot for that amount of money. It’s a solid product, does what it says on the box, and helps you get closer to your fish. If you want to give float tubing a try, or if you’re just a cheapskate, the Teton will most definitely not disappoint you, unless you have exceptional standards for low-cost products.
January 21, 2016
Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube
Float Tube Overview

What some might consider being the best inflatable float tube you can buy, the Cumberland float tube is a low cost but feature-packed craft. Its only purpose is to make your fishing as good as possible. For anyone looking to experience float tubing, you can’t really go wrong with the Cumberland. It’s highly affordable and has the same features as the tubes that cost twice as much. All these features enable you to bring plenty of fishing gear, rods, beverages, and whatnot. And if you find yourself wanting more, there’s plenty of options to install additional accessory holders. If you don’t want something as large as an inflatable boat, but still want all the features a boat has, the Cumberland float tube will give just that.

The Cumberland is compact and portable. It measures about 4.5 feet long when inflated but is roughly half the size when deflated and packed. The two backpack straps make it possible to carry the tube like a backpack when it’s inflated, making transporting it from point A to point B easier and quicker. It weighs only 17 pounds, so even people with bad backs will be able to carry it with the straps without too much effort.

The hull is shaped with hydrodynamics in mind to ensure that it tracks straight and that steering is easy. The raised back reduces the amount of drag and thus making the Cumberland both faster and more maneuverable.

The seat is thickly padded which makes it tons more comfortable compared to other cheaper float tubes. The dimensions of the seat are 17.25 inches wide and 20 inches long, with plenty of room, even for the larger guys. The backrest is adjustable with straps, letting you decide if you rather want to sit straight or lie down in a more armchair-like position. It’s easy to adjust, just pull one of the two straps until they’re the desired length and lock them. The extra padding makes this seat sit higher above the water than other models, which also helps with visibility towards other fishermen. If there’s a need for more visibility there’s a slot behind the seat where it’s possible to install a flag. For added security, there’s a bright orange panel in the back for more visibility.

The Cumberland float tube has two oversized cargo pockets with double heavy-duty zippers for storing your tackle and other small gear. There’s a pull handle for pulling open both zippers at the same time. Behind the seat, there’s a mesh platform for storing additional gear or your newly caught fish.

It has two-rod holders on each side of the tubes, these are not meant to be used fishing but rather to hold your rods when transporting the craft. Easily mistaken for the rod holders are the two cup holders, they’re located on top of each tackle pocket, these will not hold any rods but will hold your favorite beverage of choice.

Features
- A thick and padded seat, with high back support to make long days less painful
- Two oversized pockets for small gear like tackles
- Mesh storage platform for additional gear
- Straps to carry it like a backpack when inflated
- Stripping apron with fish ruler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 56 inches (4.5 ft) in length, 47 inches (4 ft) in width and 17.5 inches (1.5 ft) in height
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 350 pounds
- Material: Heavy-duty fabric with a rugged PVC bottom
Our Review

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The Cumberland float tube was the first float tube we ever tried and we can definitely see why it’s a rising trend among fishermen these days. It’s not for the person that’s afraid of getting wet, as you sit with half your legs in the water. It was definitely something different than we’re used to but in a very positive way. To propel the tube you paddle with your feet, thanks to the high seat you’re sitting in a very ergonomic position, making it easy to kick powerfully.

Shorter people will have a hard time propelling themselves

My wife who is a lot shorter than me, she’s around 5 foot tall, had a hard time efficiently propel herself due to her short legs. The culprit for this (except for my wife’s short legs) is the thickly padded seat.

Get a couple of fins to make propulsion as efficient as possible

To make it as easy to propel yourself forward we recommend getting a set of Paddle Pushers, these allow you to paddle forward instead of backward. It makes it much easier to see where you’re going and allows you to face your fishing spot even in strong winds. A set of diving fins will be more efficient of course, taking you further and making you less tired.

Seat is super comfortable and puts you high above the water

The seat is very comfortable, together I and my wife must have kicked around for almost 5 hours straight. Even though we have healthy backs it’s easy to tell when a seat is poor, and the seat that comes with the Cumberland is great, we had no back strain what so ever. The backrest is also easy to adjust and it will not move when moving around or transporting it.

Plenty of storage for its size

One would think that the storage on a small craft like this would be pretty limited when it comes to storage but it’s quite the opposite. The mesh platform behind the seat can easily store a smaller cooler or your fish. The two pockets on top of each tube are oversized which makes it easy to store all kinds of tackles and bait. We managed to store all our tackles inside the two pockets. Just be careful with your tackles as the insides of the pockets do not have any heavy-duty PVC and can puncture easily.

There are no real rod holders, luckily you can buy them separately

Classic Accessories have written that two “rod holders” are included and in a sense that’s true. Thing is, these rod holders are just Velcro straps meant to hold your rods when transporting them. If you want a set of real holders, you can either make them yourself from PVC pipes, or buy a mount like the Scotty rod float tube mount.

Cup holders will only work if the pockets are full

As for the cup holders, they’re a nice addition but unless you fill the pockets full with tackles and other gear, they won’t be giving much support for your beverage. Not really something that bothered us since we were both occupied with trying to find the best spot.

Stripping apron design could use a better design

Not really a con or a drawback, but the stripping apron is detachable, which makes it easy to lose. Everything else on the tube folds up nicely except the apron. We almost lost ours due to heavy winds, so keep that in mind when removing it and placing it somewhere else. We also find the stripping apron design to be a little weak, it’s held together with Velcro patches, we would much rather see something like bungee straps instead of the Velcro.

Bladders are very thin and prone to punctures, be careful!

Now let us talk about the biggest drawback the Cumberland float tube has, it’s the bladders. They’re very thin, they’re actually comparable to the thickness of pool toys. When I was fishing one of my catches managed to poke a small hole in the hull with its dorsal fin (managed to paddle back to shore and fix it up). We’ve read that plenty of other people have had the same problems with small holes appearing here and there, they’re annoying but luckily they can be fixed with patches or air sealers. We’d love to see them come out with a version that has extended the durable PVC, but it’s just wishful thinking from our side.

Pros
- Portable and lightweight, can be carried on your back
- The high back seat and adjustable straps make it comfortable, even for longer periods of time
- Plenty of onboard storage for tackles and fishing gear
Cons
- The top part of the tube gets punctured easily
- It’s common to receive the Cumberland with leaky valves
Conclusion:

If you want to experience fishing in a whole different way than you’re used to, you should definitely try a float tube. The Cumberland float tube offers everything a float tube could potentially offer, at a low price point too. While it might not be as versatile, fast, and maneuverable as other inflatable boats, it still has plenty of offers when it comes to fishing. There’s a reason why float tubes grow more popular each year.
January 20, 2016
Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Overview

One of the best-rated inflatables pontoon boats on Amazon, it’s the Classic Accessories Colorado XT pontoon boat. This is what most fishing enthusiasts would call a “top of the line” pontoon, it’s packed with loads of nifty features, all to make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible.

The Colorado XT Pontoon boat is 9 feet long and has a carrying capacity of 400 pounds. It comes with a removable transport wheel for an easier launch, it can be easily removed and placed into one of the storage compartments. Some of the many features on the Colorado XT include a weatherproof motor mount, two removable gear bags with 20 pockets in total, two insulated cup holders, a wire basket for rear storage or a battery, two detachable foam fly patches, multi-position rod holders, and much more.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is coated with heavy-duty PVC for excellent abrasion resistance, getting punctures, and air leaks because you accidentally brushed against rocky surfaces is no longer a problem. The top of the pontoons is made from tough nylon. The bladders are made from cold and heat resistant vinyl, in other words, they’re not going to shrink or expand depending on the weather. The pontoons take about 2 minutes to fill with air if you’re using a small electrical pump.

To summarize, the Colorado XT Pontoon is everything an avid fisherman would want. With all the storage capabilities the XT has to offer, there’s no need to worry about not being able to bring all the gear with you. Even with all the gear packed, you will most likely have storage space left. The smart anchor system allows you to stay in your favorite spot without drifting away, something which we really enjoyed while we were out fishing.

Features
- Two removable side pockets, including 20 pockets and two insulated cup holders
- Loads of storage space for all your fishing gear
- Transport wheel makes it easy to transport from your car into the lake, river or ocean
- Smart and easy to use an anchor system
- Weatherproof motor mount with two positions for trolling
- Two detachable foam fly patches
Specifications
- Dimensions: 108 inches in length, 56 inches in width, and 26 inches in height
- Pontoons: 9 foot long pontoons
- Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 77 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, Nylon and Steel
Our Review

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We were psyched when we got to try this Colorado pontoon boat this summer. We’ve all been fishing for most of our lives, but we never got the chance to fish from an inflatable pontoon boat, up until last summer that is. We were pleasantly surprised, the experience was quite different from what we’re used to, but we quickly got used to it and had a blast all day long. If you’re looking for an inflatable fishing boat, this is it.

Assembly takes a little bit of time, but is easy and straight forward

To fully assemble the Colorado XT (assemble the steel frame, install the seat and inflate the pontoons) takes about an hour or so, depending on how fast you’re going. At first, we were worried that assembling it would be a little like assembling IKEA furniture, luckily we were wrong. It proved to be an easy and straightforward assembly, if you struggle a quick YouTube search will help you out.

Seat made our butts numb

The frame is made out of rigid steel tubes, which have been powder coated multiple times to ensure that the paint sticks, even with heavy usage. It looks good and it works. One thing we didn’t like however was the seat. It could be because we’re used to soft seats from inflatable kayaks, but we just found that our butts became numb after a couple of hours, even with the padding. We put a small pillow on top of the padding and managed to squeeze out another few hours or so.

Awkward motor mount

So while the above mentioned “problem” is mostly personal preference, here’s one thing that could be a potential deal-breaker for some of you. The motor mounting bracket and basket to carry the battery are all in the back, right behind your seat. If you’re using a heavy battery or motor, the boat becomes very unbalanced. With all the weight in the back, the front will rise up and the back part will start to sag, which makes for a really awkward experience. As if that wasn’t enough, because the motor mount is directly behind your seat there’s really no comfortable way of steering the motor with one hand. It might work if you’re a very flexible elite gymnast, but for the rest of us, it’s very unpleasant.

Luckily there’s a fix to this problem, a Youtube user called Nate D invented a way to mount the motor in the front. This helps to shift all the way from the back to front, but it also makes steering the boat a whole lot easier. It does require some DIY (Do-It-Yourself) knowledge but it shouldn’t be too hard to do, even for people with handyman skills.

Abrasion and puncture resistant pontoons

Next, we have the pontoons. The bladders are made from a vinyl material that is both cold and heat resistant, this will prevent the bladders from either shrinking or expanding in different weather conditions. The bottom side of the pontoons is coated with heavy-duty PVC which makes them incredibly abrasion-resistant. We cannot stress how important abrasion resistance is, even if you launch your boat in a silky smooth area, the possibility of scraping against rocks or other hard surfaces is huge! During our testing we “accidentally” hit a couple of rocks to see how it would hold up, no punctures or leaks were found and we could continue fishing. The top part of the pontoons are covered with tough nylon, not as strong as the bottom part, but it doesn’t need to be either since it will be above water level all the time.

Fits in a medium-sized car without problems

When completely deflated and disassembled, the Colorado XT will easily fit into your car’s trunk. We packed the boat into a Honda Accord, a relatively normal-sized car. Trying to fit your boat in a smaller car might prove to be a little more difficult and you will probably have to use the back seats to store some of the parts. This is not a boat you can easily transport, by the way, so keep that in mind. If you need something highly portable, opt for a kayak instead.

Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Heavy duty and tough pontoons make for great abrasion resistance
- Option to choose between rowing or using a motor
- Loads of storage space
- Transportation wheel for easier launch
Cons
- The seat can be quite uncomfortable if you’re not used to it (easily fixed with a cushion)
- Motor mount is placed at an awkward position, making it hard to steer with one hand (can be fixed with DIY)
- Using a heavy battery or motor without any DIY will cause the back end to sag
Conclusion

If you want a long-lasting, tough, and versatile inflatable fishing boat, this will be one of your best choices. You can take it to the ocean, the lake or a class 1 river. If you’re an avid fisherman wanting to try something new, the Classic Accessories Colorado XT inflatable pontoon boat is definitely a great choice. It’s easy to assemble, has loads of storage room for all your fishing gear, and allows you to choose between rowing or using a motor. Rowing can however be a little difficult, without any skegs going in a straight line is not the easiest of tasks so we recommend getting a motor. If you’re going to be using a heavy motor or battery, be prepared to do some DIY to make it function properly. Luckily there are plenty of video tutorials on Youtube where Colorado XT owners share their tips and tricks.
January 3, 2016