Pelican Bass Raider style boat VS Tracker Topper (Jon boat)

[KentuckyBlueBass]

Looking in to buying one of these. Mainly fishing by myself, sometimes with someone else. Need to find a way to transport it with a minivan. List some pros and cons of each style

[Elkins45]

What model minivan? You can put a trailer hitch on many of them. A Jon boat on a low trailer pulls pretty easily. I used to haul my grandad’s 14 footer with a clamp-on bumper hitch behind a 71 Dodge Dart.

 

IMO pulling a boat behind your vehicle is better than putting one on or in it.

[Chowderhead]

I had a Dodge Grand Caravan that I could put down the seats, lay down a tarp, and slide the Pelican Bass Raider 10e most of the way in. Used tie down rope to keep the hatch secure and it worked great. 

[RubberDuck]

Another vote for using a trailer.  My folks used to pull a seedoo behind a minivan (had a V6 engine) without any problems.

[kjfishman]

All things being equal a plastic boat vs aluminum boat aluminum wins. It will outlast a plastic boat. As far as hauling them around the are comparable in weight so neither one would be fun to toss up on the roof. So sliding it into the back of your mini van or an inexpensive trailer are your best options. 

[LonnieP]

The Bass Raider will be more stable than a Jon Boat. I’d also recommend using a trailer for whichever boat you decide to get.

[Catt]

2 hours ago, LonnieP said:

The Bass Raider will be more stable than a Jon Boat. I

 

Depends on the bottom width of the Jon Boat.

 

[LonnieP]

10 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Depends on the bottom width of the Jon Boat.

 

Yes i know. The Tracker Topper in the post title is 36 inches at the bottom. Bass Raider is 50.

[Fishes in trees]

I 'd go Bass Raider - no question - much more stable when you decide to stand up in it.   Either boat you will decide to stand up in it from time to time.  I'd recommend a trailer.   Harbor Freight generally has decent deals on small trailers and sometimes Orschlens does.  The Harbor Freight ones seem easier to customize.   

[Goldstar225]

I've had a light weight 12'X36" jon boat.  Given a do over I'll take the bass raider.