Hi. Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. It really helped me choose which way to go. I'm a newie on here but have been following this thread concerning the small pontoon boats, such as the Pelican 8. I was torn between a 10' Alumacraft 1036 jon boat and the Pelican 8 until Academy ran the Pelican 8 on closeout sale this week for $299.99. That price got me to start really researching these little boats so I went over to one of the older Academy's locally that only had outside storage for their boats and the only one that they had left was left out in the rain and freezing weather for what looked like years. I went to one of the newer locations hoping for better and they had inside storage with two brand new units. I picked the best one and loaded it up. I figured for just under $300, I couldn't go wrong when you condsider that Dick's has the same boat for $599. I stepped up on the seats, due to an occassional bad back, and installed a couple of Cabelas high back camo padded seats @ $59 each that only weighed in at 8 pounds per seat. I used the existing swivels that came with the plastic seats and it worked out great. I had already bought a 40 lb Minn Kota that was on sale last week for $149 @ Academy that I hope will push it along at respectable speeds. So far about the only thing I can see that may need to be modified is the flooring. You guys were right about the floor being kind of spongey and in need of support. I can hardly wait until I get the chance to get it out on its maiden voyage this week.
