Any Pelican Bass Raider Owners Out There?

[Bozz]

Hi Everyone, I just picked up a Bass Raider 10E with a 55lb Minkota motor. I have been reading this forum for the last week and want to thank everyone for your ideas for rigging this boat. The one question I have is, when you run the trolling motor in the front are you turning the top control head of the trolling motor around so the prop is faceing the correct operating direction? Hope you guys can share some info on this I want to hit the water for the firt trip this weekend.

 

Thanks

Hey CMaher,

 

As for the line through your text...if you mistakenly had the button ticked up there in the menu...the one that has the S with a line through it... it makes that line through your text until it's unticked. :-)

 

As for turning the head around...Yes. On my 50 MinnKota, there is one bolt that has to be removed and lift the head up carefully and reverse it. Don't yank too hard on the wiring while working it up. You could wear through the insulation. Don't ask me how I know this. You'll have enough to lift it up and turn it 180 degrees.

 

Enjoy!

[cmaher]

What are the floor measurement you guys using for the plywood floor?

[Bomber7]

What are the floor measurement you guys using for the plywood floor?

I just measured my floor and took the measurements to Lowes - I bought a sheet of plywood and they cut it for me - fits perfectly.  my floor width is the same front and back - so I just measured that and the length I needed.  I know you asked this a while ago - I haven't been on this thread in a while so hope it helps. 

[Ronbo]

Hey guys, great thread! I have been reading it for a while now and have gotten a lot of good ideas from all of you.

 

I am in central Illinois and I have a Bass Raider 10E with a 40# Minnkota Endura Max. Great little boat, but I'd like to try to get a little more speed. Have any of you tried running 2 trolling motors? I am wondering if it would be worth putting a 30# in front and my 40# in back. I have a Walmart 29 series battery and so far have never run it down past 75% with up to 5 to 6 hours fishing. I am wondering if I could occasionally run both motors for extra speed without draining the battery too fast. I suppose I could add a second battery too, but I'd rather not add any more weight if I don't have to. Anybody tried this?

[Brian6428]

Hey guys, great thread! I have been reading it for a while now and have gotten a lot of good ideas from all of you.

 

I am in central Illinois and I have a Bass Raider 10E with a 40# Minnkota Endura Max. Great little boat, but I'd like to try to get a little more speed. Have any of you tried running 2 trolling motors? I am wondering if it would be worth putting a 30# in front and my 40# in back. I have a Walmart 29 series battery and so far have never run it down past 75% with up to 5 to 6 hours fishing. I am wondering if I could occasionally run both motors for extra speed without draining the battery too fast. I suppose I could add a second battery too, but I'd rather not add any more weight if I don't have to. Anybody tried this?

First off, welcome to Bass Resource! Stop by the Introductions thread and introduce yourself.

 

I personally only have one TM, but I have seen some guys in the same boat you and I have with two transom mounted trolling motors. I don't see why you couldn't do what you are saying (one TM in front, one in back). As for running 1 or 2 batteries, I personally would start off trying to use only one battery, and if you need more run time go buy another. This way you can see whether or not you need another battery. One thing to consider is how you would steer both motors while they are both running, it could be a little tricky. Ultimately though 2 TM's sounds like a good idea, both for speed and battery life.

 

Brian

 

Edit: Added bonus to having the 10E model is that you can wire both Trolling motors to one battery without running cords all over the deck!

[tnriverluver]

First off, welcome to Bass Resource! Stop by the Introductions thread and introduce yourself.

 

I personally only have one TM, but I have seen some guys in the same boat you and I have with two transom mounted trolling motors. I don't see why you couldn't do what you are saying (one TM in front, one in back). As for running 1 or 2 batteries, I personally would start off trying to use only one battery, and if you need more run time go buy another. This way you can see whether or not you need another battery. One thing to consider is how you would steer both motors while they are both running, it could be a little tricky. Ultimately though 2 TM's sounds like a good idea, both for speed and battery life.

 

Brian

 

Edit: Added bonus to having the 10E model is that you can wire both Trolling motors to one battery without running cords all over the deck!

Think you would be better off getting a stronger trolling motor rather than trying to run 2 at once.  The additional drag created will offset much of the speed.  Especially if you end up needing 2 batteries.  Yeah more money but it is still a B.O.A.T. LOL

[Brian6428]

Think you would be better off getting a stronger trolling motor rather than trying to run 2 at once.  The additional drag created will offset much of the speed.  Especially if you end up needing 2 batteries.  Yeah more money but it is still a B.O.A.T. LOL

Good point, I didn't think of that. Only downside to that is the fact that when I troll and fish (aka no wind haha), even 1st gear on my 30lb TM is too fast to fish even a spinnerbait. I feel like a 70 or 80lb tm would be strictly for going from spot to spot and would be too fast to fish while trolling in first gear. Either way B.O.A.T. holds true!

[tnriverluver]

Good point, I didn't think of that. Only downside to that is the fact that when I troll and fish (aka no wind haha), even 1st gear on my 30lb TM is too fast to fish even a spinnerbait. I feel like a 70 or 80lb tm would be strictly for going from spot to spot and would be too fast to fish while trolling in first gear. Either way B.O.A.T. holds true!

Get a variable speed motor and problem solved.  I have the same problem with my MK40 on my 8 ft BassHunter.

[Ronbo]

I got the idea from checking out the Twin Troller X10. It has 2 built in 36# motors and seems to scoot along pretty good. They claim that a 29 series battery will run both motors full speed for 3 hours so I would hope to still be able to get 5 or 6 hours fishing time out of it. Running a 40 and a 30 at the same time should be similar I'd think.

 

True one more powerful motor would be less drag, but I already have the 40 and another 30 would cost a lot less than buying a 55 and possibly give me more speed. I think 55 is as powerful as you can go with 12 volts anyway.

 

If I was fishing alone I would lock the front motor so it points straight ahead and control it with a foot switch. That way I could steer from the back and shut off the front motor when needed. I have seen a couple of videos on Youtube and the boats with 2 motors seem to move along pretty good. That would be handy if a guy wanted to get off the lake faster to get out of a storm or had some distance to cover to get to where you want to go. I was just hoping that someone else had already tried it and could lend some advice.

[fishcat]

I still think a larger TM, like 55 lb thrust, is the way to go, instead of 2 TM's. You could control your drift using a drift sock. Bass Pro has them for $20-40. I plan to try this next spring.

[fishcat]

On a different topic, has anyone assembled and used a small trailer from Harbor Freight? Sure looks like an inexpensive way to go for trailering the Pelican to local ponds. Any problems with these trailers?

[eagle91]

Yes I use one of the harbor freight boat trailers. I modified it to fit my Basshound 10.2 boat. It makes things alot easier to handle.

[tnriverluver]

On a different toopic, has anyone assembled and used a small trailer from Harbor Freight? Sure looks like an inexpensive way to go for trailering the Pelican to local ponds. Any problems with these trailers?

I have one from Northern Tool (same thing) that I built to use behind my Goldwing.  Several thousand miles and no problems.  Replace the grease they have the bearings packed in.  It appears to be vasoline.  Also at some point try to put some better quality tires on it just for peace of mind.

[fishcat]

Has anyone had water inside the shell of a Pelican Bass Raider? If so, where is it coming in? Along the middle seam? How would you get it out?

[Montanaro]

im starting to lean towards these boats. how hard is it for one to put it in the back of a truck? it takes my dad and i to put his coleman crawdad in his truck. how well can you stand and fish? i can hardly fish sitting down which is why im ruling out most kayaks.

[pawnature]

im starting to lean towards these boats. how hard is it for one to put it in the back of a truck? it takes my dad and i to put his coleman crawdad in his truck. how well can you stand and fish? i can hardly fish sitting down which is why im ruling out most kayaks.

I am 61 years old and own a Bass Raider 10E and use my Toyota Tundra to haul it around all the time. Loading and unloading it  by myself with not problem. I do have a harbor freight trailer though that I have used for a while also, just makes it a lot easier getting it in and out of the water with a 4.5 outboard.

As for standing and fishing, I have done it but not much of a fan for this even on a big boat.

[fishcat]

I have the Pelican 8E. It weighs about 80 lbs. I sold my Coleman Crawdad because it was too long and heavy for me to handle alone. I can easily lift one end of the Pelican onto the tailgate of my pickup, and then walk to the back and push it up into the bed. In order to avoid scuffing the bottom of the plastic boat, I launch the boat on grass or a sandy beach, rather than a concrete boat ramp. I covered two 2x6 boards with indoor/outdoor carpet to fit across the molded slots of the pickup liner. Doing this keeps the Pelican sitting above the edge of my Ford Ranger and doesn't scuff it as I slide it in and out. (You can skip this with a full size pickup with a wider bed.) When it's not in use, I stand the Pelican upright against the garage wall in a "cradle" made from 2x4's, and run a strap from two screw eyes to hold it upright. Very slick setup. The Pelican runs well with a 40 lb Minn Kota on the front end.

[fishcat]

I also use a Fishing Buddy 130 depth finder running on 6 AA lithium batteries. Bought a 22" Plano toolbox for storing all my stuff. Added a velcro strap on one side to keep rods from falling in the water. I use a smaller Cabelas AGM battery so I can carry it alone. I have never run it down. The secret is to use the trolling motor on speed #4 (20 amps), rather than #5 (40 amps), which uses double the amps. Also, carry an extra fuse, boat bailer (made from a plastic bleach jug), whistle, and wear your pfd. I don't stand up very often, since the seat keeps you pretty high in a Pelican bass raider.

[py8pointer]

wow, glad i have come across this site. lots of cool mods done to these boats. I have done a couple to mine.

1. drain plug...didn't like it filling up with water when it rains. and it rains alot here in florida in the summer

2. rod hold downs... keeps em nice a secure on the move

3. handles for the sides of the boat....makes it easier to move when you have two people, not having to walk backwards

4. rudder....keeps her nice and straight

5. big foot switch... almost hands free now...turn it to one speed and step on the button

This is why i love this little boat.

[Bomber7]

wow, glad i have come across this site. lots of cool mods done to these boats. I have done a couple to mine.

1. drain plug...didn't like it filling up with water when it rains. and it rains alot here in florida in the summer

2. rod hold downs... keeps em nice a secure on the move

3. handles for the sides of the boat....makes it easier to move when you have two people, not having to walk backwards

4. rudder....keeps her nice and straight

5. big foot switch... almost hands free now...turn it to one speed and step on the button

This is why i love this little boat.

1466244_640135609370248_802847532_n.jpg

These little boats are tons of fun - only got mine last year and even though I'm tied up with chasing whitetails right now and plus everything is frozen, I can't wait to hit the ponds in search of a whooper like you are holding there.  Nice fish - I've have done plenty of different mods to my boat too - a lot of which I got the ideas from this thread.  Plus it's fun looking at all the pictures people post of their rides. 

[py8pointer]

These little boats are tons of fun - only got mine last year and even though I'm tied up with chasing whitetails right now and plus everything is frozen, I can't wait to hit the ponds in search of a whooper like you are holding there.  Nice fish - I've have done plenty of different mods to my boat too - a lot of which I got the ideas from this thread.  Plus it's fun looking at all the pictures people post of their rides. 

Hey Bomber7, good luck on chasing those whitetails.  But i will have to say that it is my favorite thing to do is bow hunt whitetails. And had a good season up in Indiana.  Just in the last year have i got back into fishing for the big ole bass, considering the whitetail hunting here in south Florida isn't worth a crap. 

[basshead1]

I have bass fever right now 

py8pointer

.

We may need to share some spots.

I know a few good spots down here.

I know one that I have caught my 3 biggest bass and there are people around everywhere but I rarely see someone fishing.

 

Do you ever go to Babcock/Webb?

[py8pointer]

I have bass fever right now 

py8pointer

.

We may need to share some spots.

I know a few good spots down here.

I know one that I have caught my 3 biggest bass and there are people around everywhere but I rarely see someone fishing.

 

Do you ever go to Babcock/Webb?

I personally have not fished Babcock/webb, but my fishing partner has many times. and usually does well. Just to give you and idea of the fish he catches, since Jan1, he has caught over 1500 bass this year alone, and that is no joke.

[Fishing Rhino]

This has to be the longest lived, most popular thread on the forum.  Almost 200,000 views.   Cheers!

[basshead1]

I personally have not fished Babcock/webb, but my fishing partner has many times. and usually does well. Just to give you and idea of the fish he catches, since Jan1, he has caught over 1500 bass this year alone, and that is no joke.

I fish there pretty often in the winter. One day I caught over 20 bass in about 2 hours then it turned off. 

I was just there on Thanksgiving and caught a nice 5 pounder but usually I catch lots of babies. I was searching all day on Thanksgiving and had no luck then 2 minutes after my wife called me telling me dinner is almost done it turned on.

I was late for dinner. lmao