BarTim Loc: Milan, Ohio

Hello All,
Hopefully someone can help with this question, there's a lot of wisdom in this group. :)
Anyway, I do about a 3rd of my birding from the water.
I use a 12' canoe or a 9' kayak. Both have been good for some things, but I'd just like more stability.
I just saw a 9' pontoon boat for that wasn't very expensive and it'll take an electric trolling motor.
Does anyone have any feedback on this type of watercraft?
I figured I'd mount a tripod in the front somehow, I've rigged them on the other boats without much trouble.
Thanks a lot for reading and any help you can offer.
Have a good one.
Tim

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

That rig appears that your camera is going to get awfully wet. You'd be better off seeing if some branch of Canon sells broad, stable, low-profile bass boats. Maybe a combination long zoom and bait-casting setup?

Murray Loc: New Westminster

I agree, it would be very stable. Plus, it's a nice looking ride

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

For stealth the best choice is a sit-in kayak hands down. The pontoon boat will certainly be the most stable but the higher seating position is a disadvantage. Not sure if the electric motor is the way to go for noise reasons but your range will be much wider if that is an issue. The canoe would be my last choice. Least stability as well as noise if you hit the gunnels with the paddle. Probably the hardest to mount a tripod on also. Wilderness Pungos are very stable and track vey well. I have fished from one and have been very surprised by how close to wildlife I was able to get. There are many options available for mounting electronics and fishing accessories so mounting a camera should be no problem. Good luck with whatever you choose as ultimately you will need to consider your comfort level with each option as well as portability.

SS319

I have seen this boat in action - it is fairly slow (+) very stable(+), quiet (+) and comfortable (+). You will need a good set of chest waders to keep your feet out of the mud and water. I think this would make an excellent photography platform

SS319

Oh, and it will all fit in the trunk of your car.

Truman Photography Loc: Anaheim Ca.

I vote for the Pontoon Boat, think it will be perfect.. Happy Shooting

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Be sure to check with the appropriate authorities as to whether an electric motor is permitted. Our local wildlife does not permit any motors and discourages any boat - although they don't mind tearing through the area with their airboat to impress some politician!

Truman Photography Loc: Anaheim Ca.

One other thought... Many Lakes don't allow Boats under 12'

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

At the Ruby Lake in eastern Nevada, boats are allowed, but only at specific times are motors permitted. Maximum 9.9 horsepower and during certain periods, only electric motors with maximum of 12 volts. One guy using two twelves wired in series lost his boat, trailer and pickup when stopped by a ranger.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

This looks stable and comfortable. It was also one of the things I considered for shooting wildlife - mainly wetland avian species. You will be able to get photos with it, but here is where it is lacking. The really dynamic shots of water birds are captured at the level of the bird or closer to the waterline. This boat will not able you to do that.

Below you will see a post I made a while back of the rig I use in the water. You already have a kayak, just add the outriggers for stability. The one in my post you simply cannot capsize while in the boat...period. You would have to climb out of the boat and physically lift the rig to tip it over. When sitting in it, you are very close to the waterline...just what is required to capture the eye-catching shots instead of the same shots everyone else has eg., looking down on the birds. If you shoot from the shore, I use a lightweight mat like they have to stand on in a shop or kitchen. Harbor Freight sells them very cheap. I lay it on the ground to lay down or sit on while shooting.

If you desire the more unique or compelling captures, you will have to inconvenience yourself a bit. If you are physically handicapped, the pontoon boat might be a better venue for you. But always remember, it is not just the equipment that gets the photo. It is the photographers eye that sees the image before it is captured. If it means a slightly different angle or bit of effort, it will pay of in the digital darkroom later.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-312482-1.html

Just click on the link and read the article. Hope this helps.

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Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Do you trailer it or inflate it as needed? It would seem pretty stable, and some of the trolling motors are pretty quiet.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

We have one of those at our cabin on Pymatuning Lake in Western Pennsylvania. It is no more stable than your canoe or kayak. And remember, mounting a tripod on one of these does not make your camera more stable, in fact, hand holding is more stable on a small craft than a tripod. Why you ask? I will tell you. When you mount a tripod on a small craft it moves as the boat moves, which is all the time. When you hand hold your arms act like a steady cam. You body takes up some of the movement, besides, I am sure you have VR of some type and this is better on the water than a tripod. Note: these types of crafts are a lot more maintenance than your canoe and kayak. A lot more.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I've seen quite a few of those down here in the Clearwater - Tarpon springs area of Florida. They are mainly used for fishing. I don't think I would want my camera gear exposed to the dampness one would probably get on one of those. Most of the boaters on them were either wearing swimsuits or had water proof clothing. I don't know if this was due to a lack of confidence the boaters had in their ability or if they already had experience with the craft. I will say that I have a lot of experience on 16' to 20' catamaran sail boats and I wouldn't even consider taking my camera gear on one of those. They are designed to tilt onto one pontoon as they fly through the wind and sea. They often end up on their side and need to be re-righted (which is usually easy to do). However, anything not in a water proof container is going to get wet. I don't imagine that that boat would be too different.