phototex Posted September 19, 2014 Posted September 19, 2014 Can't remember if I've posted on this thread or not. If I have, please forgive an old fart. First of all, I've used the 8' version of both Bass Buster and Bass Hunter for more than 10 years, and have never felt the need for a rudder with my bow-mounted 30# MinnKotas. 1 Quote
nimbus2065 Posted September 20, 2014 Posted September 20, 2014 Finally made my rudder for my 8' Sportsman Used pvc pipe , 3" c-clamp and a 12 x 12 piece of plex. worked awesome had about a 12 - 15 mph wind today tracked like a dream.  Only have a minnkota 65 28lbs thrust wanna upgrade any recommendations? Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted September 20, 2014 Super User Posted September 20, 2014 Back when I had a boat similar to yours (a 10' Water Buster) I replaced the Minn Kota 65 that it came with and upgraded to a Maxxum 55. Â I presume that you are wanting to stay at 12 volts, so get the biggest one readily available. Â Go with variable speed, that is a very handy function. Â The 2014 BPS Master catalog doesn't show a Maxxum transom trolling motor, but on page 463 does show and Endura Max which has all the features you are looking for. Â A couple of pages back there is the BPS brand 55 lb thrust trolling motor, with 5 speeds and it is a little less. As long as the one you got is working, I wouldn't see it as a major priority, but when you get spare money, it is a neat upgrade. Â You will be amazed how much your top speed will improve and you will be able to crawl at any speed you want to. Quote
coachfozz Posted September 22, 2014 Posted September 22, 2014 here is my winter project. Â Not sure what kind it is but the seats were actually based at the bottom. Â But it is over 10 feet, I already have the steps down on what I am building, but now I have to figure out how to install new seats. Â since these won't be able to fit after I put the floor in. Cost me $150 for the boat. Â Quote
nimbus2065 Posted September 22, 2014 Posted September 22, 2014 I centerd pedestals in mine bolted them right to the floor I installed. Work awesome I have full 360 movement. And sit higher which is much more comfortable for me. Quote
nimbus2065 Posted September 22, 2014 Posted September 22, 2014 Here's a pic of my seat and floor setup coach Quote
coachfozz Posted September 23, 2014 Posted September 23, 2014 Like that set-up.  I plan on putting in rod-holders  and was thinking about a casting deck as well.  but it looks like it may be hard with way the boat is designed.  Quote
nimbus2065 Posted September 23, 2014 Posted September 23, 2014 Coach I had a originally put a casting deck on but I'm a big guy and didn't care for how it sat in the water. Â For my floor I used 1/4 pressure treated project boards from home depot and indoor/outdoor carpet, had to taper the ends to fit snug. But I like to stand when i'm fishing and it works very well. For rod holders I did the ol' pvc pipe homemade deal it's good when going out but a pain when casting. Â I could use a better way to store rods if anyone has any ideas. Â Quote
Fish_Whisperer Posted September 28, 2014 Posted September 28, 2014 I know this thread is reserved for the bass raider line, but seeing how this is also made by Pelican, I wanted to get some opinions on their Intruder model... Â Â http://www.pelicansport.com/en/products/fishing-boats/intruder-12 Â EDIT: I have also confirmed that I can get it brand new for $499.00 Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted September 29, 2014 Super User Posted September 29, 2014 My opinion is that a pond boat with molded seats would be more comfortable to fish out of all day than that boat would be.  There isn't any doubt that that boat is fishable.  I presume that it has oar locks, so that is two different power sources when paired with an electric trolling motor.  That is good.  Me, if I could I would spend a few more dollars and get a pond boat with seats, that would be more comfortable.  Get a long canoe paddle as a secondary power source and pray you never had to use it.  If I was in that boat, I can see myself setting down, fishing, twist a little bit to make a cast and all of a sudden back issues arise, and that is why I'm not fond of that boat.   My two cents . . . . 1 Quote
SHaugh Posted September 29, 2014 Posted September 29, 2014 I've owned both Raider and an intruder. neither one gave me what I wanted.. .which was a stable platform to stand up in.  I finally decided to make my own personal pontoon: Pontoons are filled with empty 2 liter pop bottles and polystyrene scrap.  I've made several like this, they all work perfect for stand up casting and tight maneuvers. super light weight so I can easily load into my pickup myself.   Super stable because the pontoons let water in and become like ballast... impossible to tip over.  When I pull it up on land the water runs right out... Quote
Fish_Whisperer Posted September 29, 2014 Posted September 29, 2014 My opinion is that a pond boat with molded seats would be more comfortable to fish out of all day than that boat would be.  There isn't any doubt that that boat is fishable.  I presume that it has oar locks, so that is two different power sources when paired with an electric trolling motor.  That is good.  Me, if I could I would spend a few more dollars and get a pond boat with seats, that would be more comfortable.  Get a long canoe paddle as a secondary power source and pray you never had to use it.  If I was in that boat, I can see myself setting down, fishing, twist a little bit to make a cast and all of a sudden back issues arise, and that is why I'm not fond of that boat.   My two cents . . . . I would add my own seat, though that isn't a big issue with me.  The intruder caught my eye by being a bit longer than the raider, which means more room for gear.  I would be mounting a trolling motor and depth finder.  I have a couple of ideas already on where the depth finder will mount. Quote
SHaugh Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Then I'd go for the intruder hands down.. It just feels like a lot more boat...a lot less like a bathtub.... Lots more internal room compared to raider..... heavy though... you will need a trailer... Quote
Fish_Whisperer Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 I would need a trailer either way I go, once I start adding electronics and batteries... You peaked my curiosity when you brought up weight, so I did some comparing on the different models.... Â Intruder 12: 126lbs Raider 10: Â 145 lbs raider 8: Â Â Â 91 lbs Quote
SHaugh Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Yup... anything over 100 lbs is hernia country for me.  I had a wheeled gismo I made to load it up in the back of a pickup.. but very hard work... especially on a steep boat ramp...  the raider 8 was doable but not the intruder... that's why I like the one I made... 45 lbs.... Quote
BadBassWV Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 If your going for the intruder and keeping it trailered make sure rain water can get from the front to the back. The ones I've seen dont have a way for water to go under the seats, makeing it hard to drain if need be. Quote
pointhunter75 Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 Bill Porter said cut the plywood 21 1/8" wide but that is way too wide on mine even without carpet on it yet. It's sitting on the curve that the side walls make in the transition to the floor.... My measurement of the actual flat part of the floor is about 20". Any input on this? What width are y'all cutting? Quote
bassinOUT89 Posted October 8, 2014 Posted October 8, 2014 Has anyone fished out of these things at night? And if so what lights did you get for it and what exactly do you need to be "legal" to boat at night? Quote
pointhunter75 Posted October 8, 2014 Posted October 8, 2014 Bought my lights in boat section at academy. The led version clamp on ones. Quote
Bozz Posted October 9, 2014 Posted October 9, 2014 Has anyone fished out of these things at night? And if so what lights did you get for it and what exactly do you need to be "legal" to boat at night? I have several times, BO. But my trips were in familiar waters and I tied up to some snags and dropped a homemade "green" LED light for crappie. As for the legal lighting, I picked up the LED clamp-ons at Academy (Atwood brand, I think). They worked well. I modified the white light on the stern to get a little height. Remember the stern/white light is required to remain on at all times in most jurisdictions. As for the bow red/green light, I opted to mount mine to the top of the bow-mounted trolling motor head cover.  Here's a link to the Atwood lights on the Atwood site...they are sold by several places...I think Wally World sells them too but I watched for a sale at Academy and got mine a little more reasonable. http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/product/portable-led-navigation-light-kit  Here's a shot of my drop light I made. I got some clips from McMaster and mounted to the outside of the boat. Just unsnap and drop so not a lot of moving around in the boat at night.  Quote
SHaugh Posted October 9, 2014 Posted October 9, 2014 Nice drop light. I've been wanting to try this. How are the results ? Quote
pointhunter75 Posted October 9, 2014 Posted October 9, 2014 Bozz, what did you use for the clear tube part of the light? Quote
bassinOUT89 Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 Thanks for the info bozz and point. I picked up the lights from Walmart for just under $30. Did site to store and they were ready in 2 hours. 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.