2 man pontoon - 8' or 10'?

[phil2834]

I am looking at buying a 2 man pontoon boat, such as the 8' Bass Baby or the 10' Bass Hunter Ex.  I was leaning toward the 8' for ease of storage (inside basement) and it has wheels.  However, I was concerned about how 8' would be for 2 people vs the larger 9 or 10ft.  Fishing a small lake and may often use alone.  I am interested in suggestions and feedback, 8ft vs 9ft vs 10ft; and your recommendations.  Thanks a lot.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

That extra 2 ft is HUGE when it comes to fishing with 2 people

[Popeye]

Welcome to the Best Bass fishing forums on the Net!! I'd say read as many of the superb articles that you can here on BR about those small 2 man boats. I know that the Bass Hound gets rave reviews and is quite a bargain if you can find a used one. Reportedly very stable and adequate size for two people, although I think it weighs more than you'd settle for (you can always buy or make a two wheeled dolly to move the boat to and from the water). I am considering trying to find one for myself when I retire in a few months. Another option is one of the BETTER quality inflatables such as a Skookum cataraft, but they tend to be very pricey new and finding a two man one used will be very difficult (I know, I've been looking:o) Good luck on whatever you end up purchasing and once again, WELCOME to BR!!

[FisherCouple]

Hi Phil

My wife and I have also been looking for a smaller 2-person craft to fish from...we've looked at the ones you mentioned, but in our case, we need something a little more portable...something we dont have to put in the bed of my truck that's going to take up all the space...mainly because we will often be pulling our travel trailer and need that area for camping stuff....so, we have been looking at the

SeaEagle Foldcat 375 inflatable....they run about $1200, but all the reviews i've read and researched speak very highly of the craft.  Check it out online...see what you think.

[Scarecrow]

Go with the 10'. The 8' is crowded with 2 people. I was at Dick's the other day and noticed the 10' Bass Raider on sale for $499. It's what I use on our small lake. It is very stable on the water and has room for 2 adults and gear. It does fit in my truck bed and in my mini van, but sticks out on the back end. I made a little trailer out of 2x4's and dolly wheels to use by hand or to hook up to my lawn tractor. Good luck.

[niteowl]

I am looking at buying a 2 man pontoon boat, such as the 8' Bass Baby .

My Bass Baby came in a few months ago, I love it

BUT>>> I am by myself at least 8 out of 10 times, those wheels, 8 molded in handles. It's a blessing compared to anything else.

BUT>>> if someone was with me most of the time I would prefer bigger, no problem when 2 are carrying the weight & bulk. With 2 you will want the space. I have taken others out and had as many as ten rods the restriction will come in when you add your tackle.

[Cujo]

Go with the 10' and you'll be glad you did.  

[phil2834]

Thanks everyone for your feedback...I still am undecided but leaning toward the longer boat based on your feedback. Do you know if any of the longer 10' boats have wheels like the 8' Bass Baby?

Thanks.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

That extra 2 ft is HUGE when it comes to fishing with 2 people

Yup, even the 10 is too tight for me and I'm small, my partner isn't large.  The designs on those style boats just doesn't work for me.  I think I'm just spoiled with the 12' jon being such a perfect fit for what we do.

Have you considered a jon?  They can be flipped on their side and slid along the side of the house.

[Pond fisher]

I too have fished several times from an 8 footer. It is very cramped with a partner.  I have set my sights on a 12' jon @ Academy. By the way, where do you fish small water around Birmingham?

Ken

[phil2834]

I live in a subdivision in Alabaster that has a very large lake.  I have been living here for three years and haven't tried it out yet.  I don't get to go fishing much anymore (three small kids = no time), so I want to be able to get out on this lake when I can sneak out.

[PelicanRaider]

I have the 10' Bass Raider.

Great by myself.

Great with a partner.

Really comfortable too...and that 55# TM on the transom will make it scoot quite nicely across the water.