The Colorado XT Inflatable is one of the most popular pontoons around, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you want to take your fishing to the next level, fill your weekends with some water adventure or simply spend a peaceful day out on the lake, you’re going to appreciate all it has to offer.
Considered to be one of the best inflatable pontoons around, it’s affordable, durable and sturdy and has a ton of clever features to give you a complete boating experience. The Colorado XT is what most fishing enthusiasts would call a “top of the line” pontoon, and it’s packed with loads of nifty features, all to make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible.
Features include:
- Ample storage space for your gear
- A transport wheel that makes transporting it easy, from your car to the water
- A weatherproof mount and two detachable foam fly patches
- Two side pockets are removable, and there are 20 pockets as well as two insulated holders for cups
Let’s take a quick look at the things we liked:
- The Colorado XT is very easy to assemble
- The pontoons are abrasion resistant and won’t puncture easily
- You can choose between using a motor or the oars
- There is loads of storage space
- There is a removable transport wheel
What we didn’t like:
- We found the seat to be uncomfortable, but it could be because we’re used to the softer cushioning of a kayak
- The anchor system is an empty bag that you fill with rocks. Again, it’s not ideal, but you can buy a small 10-15 pound anchor
- It doesn’t come with a pump
- The motor mount is in an odd spot, which makes it a little difficult to steer with one hand
Colorado XT Review
Our family are keen fishermen, but we’ve never had to opportunity to fish from an inflatable pontoon before. So when we had the chance to try out the Colorado XT over a long weekend, we were super stoked. Measuring 9 feet long, the boat is packed with features for convenience and comfort, like the transport wheel, the side-mounted pockets for gear, detachable fly patches and cupholders. It takes about two minutes to inflate if you use a manual hand pump, which let’s be honest, is how long it takes to fill a kid’s inflatable pool toy.
With a Class I whitewater rating, It’s ideal for fishing on lakes, rivers and other calm bodies of water but we think, if necessary, it could probably handle a little more. On the other end of the scale, the manufacturer states it has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, which we think is somewhat exaggerated. We found at 350 pounds; the boat was sitting low on the water.
Buy Colorado XT Pontoon Boat
Build Quality of the Colorado XT
It’s easy to mistake the Colorado XT for a premium priced product, it’s that well made. The bottom of the pontoon is coated with a strong PVC that prevents punctures and air leaks, while the top is made from a durable nylon. The bladder is both heat and cold resistant, which means it won’t expand or shrink with the different weather conditions.
For quick assembly and breakdown, the pontoon has cotter pin assembly, and it be disassembled completely for easy storage. Everything from the frame, gear bags and pontoons all fit into the trunk of an average size car. The frame is also adjustable when assembled, including the foot mounts, the seat positioning, and even the oarlocks.
The Colorado XT comes with two-piece aluminum oars that are seven-foot long, and are well-matched to the both the weight and the size of the pontoon. The oarlocks are the same that are used on a lot of rowing frames, even larger boats, which means you’ve got a pretty powerful rowing platform. Of course, we were out on the water to fish, not row, and really liked that we were able to use the motor mount, that also comes standard.
Colorado XT Features
You’ll be hardpressed to find a pontoon with as many features as the Colorado XT in a similar price range. There are gear bags that attach to the pontoons next to the fisherman, with some storage pockets as well as two insulated cup holders. The side bags are detachable and can be used on a larger gear bag. There’s also a wire gear platform that’s located behind the angler, which can be used to store a small cooler box, a spare jacket, and a tackle box, while a rod holder keeps your rod safe while row, have a bite to eat or fix new bait. There’s even dual fly patches and a stripping basket for fly fishing.
The thing with the XT when compared to other pontoons, is there’s very little customizing that needs to be done. Straight out the box, you’ve got everything you need for a day out on the water. It’s clear from the get-go that the boat was designed with input from people who are serious about fishing.
The Colorado XT’s Limitations
There’s no getting away from the fact that this pontoon offers affordability, excellent features, and quality craftsmanship, but it does have a few limitations.
The anchor system, for example, is something most people feel could be improved on. It’s basically an empty that you fill with rocks. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it is a bit of an inconvenience carrying rocks in the trunk of your car or worrying about finding enough when you’re about to go out on the water. If you can, we suggest you buy a small anchor to save you the time and hassle.
Also, there isn’ a pump isn’t included in your purchase. We know it’s not a big deal, rather more of a reminder to buy one before you hit the great outdoors.
Okay, this might be an individual thing, but the seat left me with a sore butt, especially after a few hours out on the water. To get around this, I used a small cushion which improved the situation. If you’re used to this kind of seating you probably won’t even notice it.
Conclusion
All in all, the Colorado XT is a great boat that combines quality, affordability and a ton of features to comfort and convenience. Whether you’re a serious fisherman, or just want to turn your weekends up a notch, you’ll be more than happy with your purchase. The flaws are not serious dealbreakers, and for the price, you’re not going to find anything that matches it.