Small Pond Boats

[xyz]

Hi,

 

I am looking for a small pond boat that I can use in small lakes and ponds. I want a boat that can handle a small trolling motor, does not need a trailer, and is easy to transport.

 

I have looked at mini bass boats, porta-botes, flatstalker boats, good dog boats, twin troller boats, inflatble boats and jon boats. The main problem that I have though is that I only have $400-$500 to spend. Most of the boats are more, with the port-botes, flatstalkers, good dog boats, and twin troller boats costing upwards of $1000. I have been interested in the Intex Mariner 4. Does anyone have this, and if so, what could you tell me about it?

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I really want to find an inexpensive small boat to use to fish. If there are any local dealers you know of that offer inexpensive pond boats near me, on Long Island, you can mention those as well.

 

Thanks for the help,

Ed

[Goose52]

You are making a good start by setting some initial criteria:  trolling motor, no trailer, easy to transport.

 

Now, the next step - what vehicle will be using? Car, truck, van, SUV, etc.  Your type of vehicle, whether you will be alone or not, and how much weight can you handle will help narrow your selection.

 

Some of the factors to consider:

• Stabililty and standing capability (moving around, landing fish, another person or kids or dogs in the boat, standing to fish, etc.)
• Cargo/gear storage (how much stuff do you want to take)
• Storage at home - how much room do you have to store how much boat? Inside garage, on driveway, storage shed, outside on the lawn, etc.
• Number of people in the craft
• Etc.

Also, you didn't mention kayaks or canoes - have you already ruled those out?

 

I faced the same decision as you are tying to make now and I was open to all types of small watercraft from float tubes up to bass boats. The best solution for ME, was a heavily accessorized canoe. I only fish my local, small (1.5 to 201 acres), no-wake lakes. Some of these lakes don't have boat ramps. I needed something car-topable without a special rack, modular, very light weight, with as much capability as possible. I wanted stability so I could stand and fish all day, lots of inboard storage, motorized, and little to no maintenance. I didn't want to have to buy a truck or other tow vehicle, I didn't want to consume a garage bay or driveway space with a boat and trailer, didn't want high expense and high maintenance, and didn't want to use gasoline power. Taking everything into account, I ended up with a light-weight canoe, trolling motor, and outriggers for stability.  My rig is quite a bit over your budget, but will all these boats, you can start with the basic boat (and maybe a used one) and accessorize as you get the funds.

 

AND, remember that your most important purchase is a PFD !

 

 

 

 

[xyz]

Thank you for the advice Goose52. 

 

I would like a very stable boat that I can stand up in to fish.

As far as cargo and gear goes, I like to pack light, so that will not be a problem. Just a few rods and a soft tackle box, meaning a canvas bag tackle box, is generally all I will need.

I can easily store the boat in my garage.

The number of people will be 2. Keep in mind that my partner is my grandpa, who is 75 years old. He needs a stable boat that is comfortable and won't hurt his back or knees after a few hours of sitting in it.

 

I have ruled out the kayaks and canoes. I fish from a canoe when I visit my Uncle's property in Connecticut, but it is extremely tippy, and my grandpa cannot even accompany when I go out because of the unstableness. There is no trolling motor, or outriggers. The pond is about 3 or 4 acres, and even with a little wind, it is very hard for me to move about.

 

Also, what do you mean buy a "PDF". Isn't that an online document?

 

So, based on the information provided, what can you suggest for me to use?

 

Thanks again, you are very helpful.

[Ken Browning]

In my area, you can pick up a good used "Bass Hunter" for $200. to $300. on Craigslist.  I used to have one of these boats and I loved it for small ponds and lakes......I put a trolling motor on it and it would last all day........and I transported it on top of my small car.......

[Goose52]

Stability, stand to fish, two people, chair seating, trolling motor capable, low(er) cost  = 10 foot Bass Raider type boat.  A 10 footer is about $600-$650, above your budget, but you could wait for a sale or buy used.  The only downside is weight/transportability - these boats weigh 130-140 pounds. Since you didn't mention what type of vehicle you have, this could be an issue.

 

PFD = Personal Flotation Device = life jacket

[xyz]

The vehicle is not an issue, it is a Toyata Highlander, which is a large SUV.

Which brands do you recommend? Pelican, Sun Dolphin, Bass Hunter? I noticed Bass Hunter tends to be a little more expensive.

I have been having difficulty finding a place to buy these types of boats beside directboats.com, and they aren't cheap either.

 

I guess no one is too enthusiastic about inflatable then?

[tomustang]

Dicks sporting goods has them, there's a couple on long island, perhaps one might have them in store to check them out.

[xyz]

Thanks. Did you keep that bass you have a picture of?

I also have the option of getting a possibly free Jon boat that is about 12 feet long from my Uncle. I could probably convert it into a bass boat.

Should I use the Jon boat and make modifications, or should I buy a plastic mini bass boat?

[jsc4324]

I would go the jon boat route which will leave you your budget money to upfield the boat to your likings.