Pelican Bass Raider 10E - boat ?

[thumper]

Now an official 'senior', it isn't getting any easier crawling into and out of my Hobie fishing kayak. I'm thinking of switching to a plastic Pelican Bass Raider 10E boat. Fly fishing only, mostly on small lakes, with the odd foray onto larger lakes like Maligne - using an electric trolling motor.

I've never seen anyone using a Bass Raider, here in the windy west. Does anyone here have any experience with these?

[kc_okotoks]

Originally Posted by thumper

Now an official 'senior', it isn't getting any easier crawling into and out of my Hobie fishing kayak. I'm thinking of switching to a plastic Pelican Bass Raider 10E boat. Fly fishing only, mostly on small lakes, with the odd foray onto larger lakes like Maligne - using an electric trolling motor.

I've never seen anyone using a Bass Raider, here in the windy west. Does anyone here have any experience with these?

have you considered a backwater plastic boat ?
https://plasticboats.com/
i found a used one for cheap. the boat is about 7 1/2 ft long,
weighs 60 lbs and can carry 350 lbs.
easy to row and moves really nicely with a small electric. old guy here so I only take the big boat out when I have someone with me. going solo, I find rowing relaxing in a weird way.

[thumper]

Thanks KC - Cool little boat! I'll keep my eyes open for one!

[Smoky buck]

Looks like a neat cost effective little boat for small lakes but I don’t see it being good if it’s windy do to it’s shape

Personally I think if cost is not the factor in your choice I would look at a small aluminum boat and modify it instead

But I am also thinking of going the other way and getting rid of my big boat and switching to kayaks so I am curious why you want to switch to a little boat

[TrollGRG]

Originally Posted by kc_okotoks

have you considered a backwater plastic boat ?
https://plasticboats.com/
i found a used one for cheap. the boat is about 7 1/2 ft long,
weighs 60 lbs and can carry 350 lbs.
easy to row and moves really nicely with a small electric. old guy here so I only take the big boat out when I have someone with me. going solo, I find rowing relaxing in a weird way.

What is the going price and are there any dealers in Alberta?

I am thinking of trading in my pontoon boat so "she who cannot be named" can come with me.

[TrollGRG]

Originally Posted by kc_okotoks

have you considered a backwater plastic boat ?
https://plasticboats.com/
i found a used one for cheap. the boat is about 7 1/2 ft long,
weighs 60 lbs and can carry 350 lbs.
easy to row and moves really nicely with a small electric. old guy here so I only take the big boat out when I have someone with me. going solo, I find rowing relaxing in a weird way.

What is the going price and are there any dealers in Alberta? I followed the link to the catalogue but as per usual nowadays they don't give the price.

I am thinking of trading in my pontoon boat so "she who cannot be named" can come with me.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by TrollGRG

What is the going price and are there any dealers in Alberta?

I am thinking of trading in my pontoon boat so "she who cannot be named" can come with me.

One of their dealers in Kamloops is listing these prices:

https://www.rivercitycycle.com/searc...oats/year/2019

[shurshot71]

i have one and use it in our local trout pond . very easy to load by yourself and very comfortable to fish out of . I got mine from amazon best price around .

[dwedmon]

Another option to consider is a folding boat. They come in at 70-80lbs depending on the model and are very stable. You can get more information at:

https://www.porta-bote.com/

[thumper]

Originally Posted by shurshot71

i have one and use it in our local trout pond . very easy to load by yourself and very comfortable to fish out of . I got mine from amazon best price around .

Shurshot - are you talking about the Bass Raider, or the Plasticboat ?

[thumper]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Looks like a neat cost effective little boat for small lakes but I don’t see it being good if it’s windy do to it’s shape

Personally I think if cost is not the factor in your choice I would look at a small aluminum boat and modify it instead

But I am also thinking of going the other way and getting rid of my big boat and switching to kayaks so I am curious why you want to switch to a little boat

Smoky - As I age, I become less limber, so as mentioned, it's more difficult to climb into, and out of the low, kayak seat. I also can't easily twist around to access behind the seat anymore, so everything I might need, has to be in the cockpit with me. It's getting pretty cluttered and crowded up there! I'm looking for a plastic boat, rather than an aluminum one for a couple of reasons - one being that I'm seldom fly fishing in more than 30' of water, and plastic is much quieter in shallow water than aluminum and two, I'm hoping to be able to 'double-duty' my light-duty kayak trailer, so I want to keep weight at a minimum.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by thumper

Smoky - As I age, I become less limber, so as mentioned, it's more difficult to climb into, and out of the low, kayak seat. I also can't easily twist around to access behind the seat anymore, so everything I might need, has to be in the cockpit with me. It's getting pretty cluttered and crowded up there! I'm looking for a plastic boat, rather than an aluminum one for a couple of reasons - one being that I'm seldom fly fishing in more than 30' of water, and plastic is much quieter in shallow water than aluminum and two, I'm hoping to be able to 'double-duty' my light-duty kayak trailer, so I want to keep weight at a minimum.

That all makes sense to me good luck in your search

[doublehaul]

I have a porta-bote 10 foot
Best thing ever period , almost always fish on my own but have room for more
I started with a kayak
Went to aluminum boat
Then built my own wooden boat
Now using the porta-bote with electric motor
Of course it depends on load demands and lake size
My boat folds up to surf board size and when dismantled it’s pretty light
Tough
Quiet

Sorry but good luck finding one used or reasonably priced
I would consider a good quality canoe as an option

[thumper]

Originally Posted by doublehaul

I have a porta-bote 10 foot
Best thing ever period , almost always fish on my own but have room for more
I started with a kayak
Went to aluminum boat
Then built my own wooden boat
Now using the porta-bote with electric motor
Of course it depends on load demands and lake size
My boat folds up to surf board size and when dismantled it’s pretty light
Tough
Quiet

Sorry but good luck finding one used or reasonably priced
I would consider a good quality canoe as an option

How long does it take to set up or break down your porta-boat ?

[doublehaul]

You can u tube it
About 10 minutes on average
When the plastic is cold it feels like a fight to get it open to get the assembly board installed.
I call it the mouse trap
I crawl inside essentially and use my body because it wants to spring closed
That is the hardest part
The u tube video makes it look easy but it’s warmer there
I’m willing to do a video for you and show the modifications I made
I’m in Edmonton if you want to see it

[TrollGRG]

Wouldn't the clear plastic boat be like one of those glass bottom boat? You would be able to see the fish below the boat.

[dwedmon]

It also takes me about 10-15 minutes to assemble.

I have a collapsible emergency paddle that I use to wedge the boat open in the middle. Makes putting the seats in or out a lot easier.

Originally Posted by doublehaul

You can u tube it
About 10 minutes on average
When the plastic is cold it feels like a fight to get it open to get the assembly board installed.
I call it the mouse trap
I crawl inside essentially and use my body because it wants to spring closed
That is the hardest part
The u tube video makes it look easy but it’s warmer there
I’m willing to do a video for you and show the modifications I made
I’m in Edmonton if you want to see it

[thumper]

Thanks, but I need something that'll work right from ice-out, and it sounds like those porta-boats aren't easy to assemble in the cold!

[doublehaul]

The plastic boat is nice because there is no setup
The downside for me is driving any distance with it in the roof of your vehicle
And I like to go to new and different places

[shurshot71]

Bass raider . got mine last spring .

[kc_okotoks]

Originally Posted by TrollGRG

What is the going price and are there any dealers in Alberta?

I am thinking of trading in my pontoon boat so "she who cannot be named" can come with me.

last I looked, the backwater boats go for about $1000. I got lucky and found one on kijiji for $500. with oars, removable wheels on the back and a rod holder. great boat for calm days, but I got caught on McGregor lake once and made it back scared but ok haha.

[kc_okotoks]

Originally Posted by TrollGRG

Wouldn't the clear plastic boat be like one of those glass bottom boat? You would be able to see the fish below the boat.

yes , but if you go commando one day , everyone gets to see ! (just kidding, do what you want )

[TrollGRG]

Actually, I am leaning towards a Pelican intruder 12. About the same price but a lot more room.

I just thought it would be nice to see what is below you - no need for a fish finder

On second thought, I might not want to see what is below the boat ;o)

[jungleboy]

I think the clear plastic would be scratched up in no time and you’ll see nothing below you anyway.