HELP FROM BASS RAIDER OWNERS

[andamtoft]

I'm looking into purchasing one of these, but have a few questions for those who own them. I'm leaning toward an 8 foot model and wanted to know a few things. can one person lift it? is it stable enough to stand up in? is it over crowded with two people in it. Any input would be great. Thanks!

[Bassin_0502]

I have the 10 ft version of the Pelican series and it's perfect for two guys. I'm thinking the 8 footer might be a little tight for my tastes. Not sure what you mean by light enough to lift. You're not going to be able to portage like you would a canoe, but I can get my 10 footer in the back of my truck easily enough alone. If you're thinking of car topping, I can't imagine accomplishing that alone with either the 8 or 10. I use a 40 (or maybe 44, can't remember) trolling motor which works fine on the small ponds I fish. Good luck

[zerofivenismo]

I have a 10ft Bass Raider (~145lbs) and it's a perfect little vessel.  I can load and unload the boat by myself.  I transport the boat in the bed of my truck.  I use a homemade boat dolly to get from the truck to the ramp and back.  I comfortably fish it standing up 95% of the time.  IMO, an 8ft raider is too small to fish with two people.  2ft makes a world of difference.  Considering your gear, battery, oar, PFD's, rods, tackle bags, and other misc, there isn't enough room to comfortably fish.  My 10ft is comfortable when fishing two guys.  Feel free to PM me.  Maybe I can help you with some pics or vids on how I load, unload, launch, and fish in my bass raider.  With whatever you choose to go with, you'll have a blast.   

[jdw174]

If you can handle it, I suggest the 10 footer, both for stability and the extra room.  I also suggest the addition of a fixed rudder to the rear to keep it from being blown around as much in a breeze.  You can make one from a piece of plexiglass added to a bracket and fastened to your stern with a c-clamp.

[andamtoft]

Thanks for all the insight guys, its really helpful!