I'm glad you came out in 1 piece, what an expierence huh.
they're gonna fight you lzz just so you know they most likely will give you a full refund on the boat but the rod kiss it goodbye.
So here's the plan your 2 buddy's THAT WERE THERE! need to be witness in small claims about how you injured your neck and back due to faulty equipment.
A little hint though don't get greedy just enough to cover expense's i.e. gas to the hospital, hospital bill, rod, reel, tackle, wader's that now have punctured hole's, shoe's that were lost, clothes that were torn,seat in the rig that was ruined due to water damage from the clothes that managed to stay on your back, and last but not least let's not forget about trauma.
If you present all of this to the mfr. of the pontoon and pinpoint on a map were your reel an rod are i'm sure that they'll either go retrieve it or get you a new one as long as you drop the case.
If for some odd reason you feel compelled to follow my twisted advice please let us know the company's policy and follow up to your prob. as we will take steps to oust them if they don't do right.