Inflatable Pontoon vs Plastic Boat: pros and cons

[Bclark215]

Howdy, I'm going to apologize in advance for my long first post. I've been skimming the other forums, and researching, but wanted to get some advice from anyone who has more experience with the fishing crafts I'm looking at.

 

Anyways, I grew up fishing in a bass boat, but now that I'm in college, I no longer have that luxury, and I'm really missing being out on the water. I've rented some kayaks and been out fishing, but I seem to get blown around a lot and hated having to constantly reach for a paddle while I was trying to fish. I currently have a gas 2.5 hp outboard, and a small foot controlled bow mount trolling motor, and have been looking for a small vessel to put them on. My main requirements are 1. It must fit in the back of my truck, 2. I want to be able to install a deck or floor of some type that will allow me to use the foot control trolling motor, and 3. I need to be as frugal as possible to fit it into a college budget. I will use this on smaller lakes and ponds, but would like to be able to fish the coves and protected areas of larger lakes on occasion. 

I have been looking fairly extensively for the past few weeks and have decided on a bass raider style boat, or an inflatable pontoon style boat with the ability to add a deck.

 

I can likely find a used plastic boat for under $400, but I think I would rather just get a new sun dolphin sportsman 8 for $475 to avoid any surprises or issues with buying a used boat and transferring a title, etc. I have also found a used sea eagle fold cat for around $800. My question is, what are the benefits of each of these two crafts, and is the fold cat worth the extra $200 -$300 on a tight budget and the hastle of trying to title a second hand craft? While the ease of storage of the inflatable is definitely a benefit, my main concern is fishability and safety. I have heard that the inflatables have a tendency to get blown around more; however, they sound like they will handle rough water better. I want to be as stable and in control as possible, but I also dont want a rogue jet skier to come through what I thought was a "protected" cove and swamp my plastic boat.

I had also considered buying just the inflatable pontoon tubes and fabricating an aluminum and wood frame/deck myself, but unless anyone knows of a cheap place to find good inflatable tubes, I think i'd still be above the price of a plastic boat.

 

With all of that being said, If anyone has experience with either of these crafts and could compare/contrast the two to help me decide where to spend my money I'd greatly appreciate it. I'd love to be able to get on the water and try each of them for myself, but since that's not possible, I figured I'd get the next best thing and seek the advice of those who have had first hand experience. Thanks.

[Dirtyeggroll]

Are you planning to trailer? 

 

The sundolphin basshound/sportsman boats are pretty heavy and not easy to maneuver even with two people.

 

Might be better off with a kayak or a pond prowler. I can’t speak to inflatable pontoons as I have handled one.

[Bclark215]

My plan for the sun dolphin/bass raider type boat was to have as much of the add-ons as possible be removable (gas motor, seats, battery, gear) and then do all on the ground maneuvering with a dolly under one end. The majority of the areas I'd fish have ramp access and I could basically unload it at the waters edge. For loading, I was hoping to keep it light enough to be able to throw one end on the tailgate and lift/push it up from the other side. If I ended up adding too much weight, or it got too bulky I figured a little ramp, and a small winch system would help getting it up there. 

[Scott F]

I've been fishing out of an inflatable pontoon for years and I love it. I mainly use mine in rivers where motors aren't needed. I don't think that for your wants and budget, it's for you. In your price range, all you will find will be nothing more than a pool toy. ALL boats get blown around in the wind. For you, I'd look for a small, cheap, used, aluminum jon boat. 

[browne762]

I think I would go with a used aluminum Jon Boat as well. You can find them (in my area at least) on craigslist for $500 or less pretty often. Depending on your truck model and the boat length, they fit in the bed pretty well and could be loaded/unloaded solo.

[LadiMopar]

6 hours ago, Bclark215 said:

My plan for the sun dolphin/bass raider type boat was to have as much of the add-ons as possible be removable (gas motor, seats, battery, gear) and then do all on the ground maneuvering with a dolly under one end. The majority of the areas I'd fish have ramp access and I could basically unload it at the waters edge. For loading, I was hoping to keep it light enough to be able to throw one end on the tailgate and lift/push it up from the other side. If I ended up adding too much weight, or it got too bulky I figured a little ramp, and a small winch system would help getting it up there. 

 

A couple of the younger guys [about your age] on my tournament trail have one of those Bass Raider type boats, and a kayak between them [one fishes out of the yak the other the boat] and I've never seen either of them be able to manhandle the boat alone. Just as you describe they have it pretty well striped down and have to add everything else after it's on the ramp. It probably takes them about 15-20 minutes to get it all done.

 

As for an inflatable, have friends who have used those in the past ; problem there was getting the darn thing inflated, then loaded with gear ramp side...took close to 40 minutes. Of course you could shave some time off of that because you have a truck to haul it, these other folks didn't. The only other draw back they always talked about was the tiny pin hole leaks from snagging the thing with hooks. They spent a lot of time chasing the leaks and then repairing them.

 

A fishing kayak might be a better option and here is a link to YT video review of Fishing Yaks Under $500. 

 

Good luck in making your decision.

LM

 

 

[WRB]

Read  "Any Pelican Bass Raider"  thread it's only 121 pages.

Tom

 

[Bclark215]

6 hours ago, WRB said:

Read  "Any Pelican Bass Raider"  thread it's only 121 pages.

Tom

 

Yes, I've been through this whole thread, I was more so wanting input on the inflatable to be able to compare the two. I found a sea eagle fold cat for $800 and these seem to have great reviews; however, I ended up just buying an 8 foot sun dolphin sportsman, primarily because it was about half the cost. I'll definitely be posting future questions within the bass raider thread. Perhaps that would have been a better place for my original post, but I do appreciate all of the responses and input yall gave. 

 

 

Ps, for those who are interested:

For the past comments about the weight, I was a little concerned as well, but I can unload and load it into my bed with no problems. Granted, this is an 8 ft boat not a 10, and it is completely stock with no extras; however if anyone is worried about the weight of these boats, a single man should be able to load and unload a similar boat with no issues.

[LadiMopar]

1 hour ago, Bclark215 said:

Yes, I've been through this whole thread, I was more so wanting input on the inflatable to be able to compare the two. I found a sea eagle fold cat for $800 and these seem to have great reviews; however, I ended up just buying an 8 foot sun dolphin sportsman, primarily because it was about half the cost. I'll definitely be posting future questions within the bass raider thread. Perhaps that would have been a better place for my original post, but I do appreciate all of the responses and input yall gave. 

 

 

Ps, for those who are interested:

For the past comments about the weight, I was a little concerned as well, but I can unload and load it into my bed with no problems. Granted, this is an 8 ft boat not a 10, and it is completely stock with no extras; however if anyone is worried about the weight of these boats, a single man should be able to load and unload a similar boat with no issues.

 

Congrats on the boat. Hope it gives you many years of enjoyment. ????