Any Pelican Bass Raider Owners Out There?

[basshead1]

Basshead, I purchased that same trailer from Harbor Freight.  I got the smaller one first, then thought better of that idea and then returned it for the larger foldable one.  I stopped by our local notary and found out all the fun and $ involved with getting a trailer kit trailer road ready.  First a $100 inspection (so I'm told at least) and then another pile of $ for title, plate, etc.....  If I would have known that, I may have just gone with someone's used one or one from some kind of dealer.  When I finally get the raider out on the water this spring, it should ride nice and high because my wallet will be much lighter.  Finishing up the trailer wiring, then I'm off to get it inspected.  Could have used the boat today looking for ice out crappie/perch.  We weren't reaching them by wading.  The small boats made out today......

Did you get the title from the manager when you bought it? Mine came with a title that the manager had to sign over to me. I think it cost like 30 bucks for a 2 year registration and a like 15 for a plate.

[jlearsi67]

I did get something that looks like a title of sorts, but I never really checked it out yet.  It has the manufacturer's origin and stuff like that, but I'll have to look it over a bit closer.  This trailer inspection is the killer though.  I have to get the trailer to the inspection place without having a plate and title for it yet.  Luckily it's fairly close.  I like the trailer and all.  Putting it together wasn't as bad as I thought it could be.  A little help from You Tube and I was on my way.  I just need to see the light at the end of the tunnel and imagine my raider sitting on top of this finished trailer in the garage ready to go.  Got the trolling motor ordered and picked up a couple cleats for tying rope off so that should get me started with the bells and whistles.  Can't wait to add to it though.  I just need to get it out on the water and bring in the first load of crappies instaed of watching everyone and their brother do it for me on tv.

[basshead1]

I did get something that looks like a title of sorts, but I never really checked it out yet.  It has the manufacturer's origin and stuff like that, but I'll have to look it over a bit closer.  This trailer inspection is the killer though.  I have to get the trailer to the inspection place without having a plate and title for it yet.  Luckily it's fairly close.  I like the trailer and all.  Putting it together wasn't as bad as I thought it could be.  A little help from You Tube and I was on my way.  I just need to see the light at the end of the tunnel and imagine my raider sitting on top of this finished trailer in the garage ready to go.  Got the trolling motor ordered and picked up a couple cleats for tying rope off so that should get me started with the bells and whistles.  Can't wait to add to it though.  I just need to get it out on the water and bring in the first load of crappies instaed of watching everyone and their brother do it for me on tv.

It sounds like PA is trying to get your money. Down here we only need inspections and to be weighed if it is a home made trailer or a trailer without a title.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

One of the nicest things about these crafts is that you can beach launch them. I wouldn't get too hung up on a trailer. I picked up one of the light utility trailers from Lowes on sale and built a dolly for when I can't get to the water's edge with a vehicle. These float in just inches of water so only have to get to the waterline. I can see where a boat trailer would be handy when there is a ramp as it saves you loading all your gear after it's launched. 

[sctrailhiker]

I live in south Carolina and they don't care as long as u have lights lol. They rip your money off on boat titling .

[basshead1]

I had mine in the salt, Matlacha Pass, this weekend and even got hit by a few big boat wakes and this thing is stable and dry as you can get for $500. And I can go where the kayakers go and the $30,000  flats boats can't. I did have a Carolina Skiff fly by me in a no wake zone and I flipped em off. Next time I will bring some rocks to throw at em. lol

[JaxBasser]

The one I was looking at on craigslist is gone, guy said he sold it just before I got ahold of him.

Thinking about just buying a new one.

[Fish_Whisperer]

Don't know if anyone mentioned this, but I found this interesting...  http://www.pelicanflatsboats.com/#!ambush/ca4p

[sctrailhiker]

That is pretty cool

[Fish_Whisperer]

That is pretty cool

It is.  I've seen people put 13 hp on those and getting along pretty quickly.  Have also heard of verified claims that you can pole that thing in inches of water.  Very lightweight, can fit on a jet ski trailer.  Not to mention, they just look awesome and very high quality.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

A cool pic of it's capabilities. 

 

I do not own one, nor am I affiliated with the company who makes these. I'm just exposing an option for those looking for a relatively cheap way to get around on the water and fish.

[Checky]

Okay, I've read most of the posts on this forum, and I haven't seen anyone with this problem. I'll provide as much information as I can, and hopefully I can fix it with help from y'all.

I bought a used Bass Raider 8E last year, late in the season. I've gone out on it a few times and it holds up fairly decent, however, there have been plenty of times when the pontoons/sides stay to sink in. The best way I can describe it is like they are going flat or there is too much weight in the middle.

Now, I'm fairly certain I'm not overloading it. I weigh 225lbs, and with battery, tackle and trolling motor, I'm not even close to being over the weight limit. After the last time I went out last year, I took off half the rubber rail. I used a silicone sealer, that I've used for industrial applications in the past, and some toggle bolts to reseal the seam. Today I went out on the water for the first time this season, and I d**n near feel in the lake because the pontoon collapsed on me.

So, my question to the community is what should I do at this point? I'd like to fix it rather than replace it. Should I just remove the entire rubber rail and reseal the whole thing? Does anyone know if I can buy a new rubber rail?

[basshead1]

Okay, I've read most of the posts on this forum, and I haven't seen anyone with this problem. I'll provide as much information as I can, and hopefully I can fix it with help from y'all.

I bought a used Bass Raider 8E last year, late in the season. I've gone out on it a few times and it holds up fairly decent, however, there have been plenty of times when the pontoons/sides stay to sink in. The best way I can describe it is like they are going flat or there is too much weight in the middle.

Now, I'm fairly certain I'm not overloading it. I weigh 225lbs, and with battery, tackle and trolling motor, I'm not even close to being over the weight limit. After the last time I went out last year, I took off half the rubber rail. I used a silicone sealer, that I've used for industrial applications in the past, and some toggle bolts to reseal the seam. Today I went out on the water for the first time this season, and I d**n near feel in the lake because the pontoon collapsed on me.

So, my question to the community is what should I do at this point? I'd like to fix it rather than replace it. Should I just remove the entire rubber rail and reseal the whole thing? Does anyone know if I can buy a new rubber rail?

It collapsed on you? It is hard to imagine without a picture.

Is there a hole somewhere else? Like in the bottom from dragging it.

I can take my boat all day without a rubrail and still not sink, I haven't done it but even in the salt water unless there is a big wave or boat wake the water is not reaching the rubrail. My rubrail is actually a little torn up in spots from tieing off to docks in the chop and going to get my trailer and I still never get water inside.

 

Anyways if you want a new rubrail you can buy one here for $60:

http://www.pedalboat.com/parts/parts.php

 

If you have a whole from dragging it you can get a plastic welding kit from Harbor Freight here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=plastic+welding

 

Good luck.

[Checky]

It collapsed on you? It is hard to imagine without a picture.

Is there a hole somewhere else? Like in the bottom from dragging it.

I can take my boat all day without a rubrail and still not sink, I haven't done it but even in the salt water unless there is a big wave or boat wake the water is not reaching the rubrail. My rubrail is actually a little torn up in spots from tieing off to docks in the chop and going to get my trailer and I still never get water inside.

Anyways if you want a new rubrail you can buy one here for $60:

http://www.pedalboat.com/parts/parts.php

If you have a whole from dragging it you can get a plastic welding kit from Harbor Freight here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=plastic+welding

Good luck.

Yeah, collapsed is about the beat way to describe it. It's the same appearance like when someone is sitting in a half deflated inner tube. There are a couple screw holes in the flir from what I assume to be an attempt at adding pedestal seats. I siliconed them, but never patched them. I think I may end up getting that plastic patch kit and really giving this thing a once over.

If I have the collapsing issue again, I'll take some pictures. Yesterday it happened after 45 minutes, but I'm hoping that me sealing the rail helped out. The rubrail isn't as tight and secure as I'd imagine it should be.

Thanks again for your input! I'll probably by a new rubrail just in case.

EDIT: Okay, I'm at work today, but I had my girlfriend measure the boat for me. Turns out this boat is mislabeled. I looked at a few pictures, making sure my boat was the same as the one I was buying parts for. I have a 10E. Also, I never really looked at how the rubrail looked on a new boat. The one I have is definitely a mickey mouse repair. Previous owner used rivets with Nickel-sized heads on them, every foot or so. Also, I don't think he properly glued the upper and lower sections together before replacing the rubrail.

I'll have to order the new rail and reglue this thing back together. Most likely, I'm going to pull the old rail off, clean the sections of old glue, lightly sand the area that I'm going to put the adhesive on (better grip, I hope), and then glue and clamp it together. Let it sit overnight, check out how it set, and then wait for the rubrail to arrive.

[fishcat]

That boat sounds messed up. That plastic should not sag. Mine floats like a cork, high and dry. Sounds like those pontoons are taking on water. before sealing it up (I hope you can) be sure to dry it all out and be sure the foam is in decent shape.

[Checky]

That boat sounds messed up. That plastic should not sag. Mine floats like a cork, high and dry. Sounds like those pontoons are taking on water. before sealing it up (I hope you can) be sure to dry it all out and be sure the foam is in decent shape.

They aren't taking water, that much I'm sure of. That's what I thought at first, so I pulled the drain plug and tipped it. Not even a drop. I'll be dealing with this tomorrow and Tuesday, so I'll give a better update. Hopefully no else has to experience this embarrassing headache.

[basshead1]

That plastic should be hard and not able to collapse. Maybe something is chemically wrong with it. Like fishcat says, mine floats like a cork.

 

 

 

 

[Checky]

That plastic should be hard and not able to collapse. Maybe something is chemically wrong with it. Like fishcat says, mine floats like a cork.

That's what mine looks like when I first hit the water. I stand in it, I walk around it, and I'm not worried about it's durability at first. As I stay out on the water, it starts bowing. Like someone standing on a beam or whatnot. I get out of work tomorrow morning, and I'll be hitting up home depot and harbor freight before I even get home.

If you guys know what kind of epoxy, glue, whatever to use, I'm all ears. Any tips are welcome to. I'm not getting rid of my boat if I can help it.

[Mainebass1984]

 I bought a bass raider last fall. It is awesome. Last fall I caught some huge bass in it. There already has been more big bass caught in it then any bass boat I have ever been in . I live in Vermont and fish Maine a lot. Last fall I managed to catch an 8-1, am 8-3 and a 9-1 in Maine.  Going for a 10lber this year !!!

[Brock Grigsby67]

Does anybody know the best way to put a fish finder on a Sun Dolphin Sportsman?

[kwaldeier]

^^x2. Also which one?

[Bomber7]

Does anybody know the best way to put a fish finder on a Sun Dolphin Sportsman?

I got one of these and it works great - I mount it on the side so I can adjust it when needed.  It clamps on the side of the boat and hangs over into the water - like I said works great for what I need.  I also have a Sun Dolphin Sportsman as you know. 

 

http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-110-Fishin-Buddy-Ultimate-Portable-Fishfinder/product/97460/

[jlearsi67]

The more I think about it, this Humminbird is the way to go with a raider.  I've been trying to figure out what unit to get for my raider and this unit seems to solve all kinds of issues.  My only concern is the quality of the unit - as far as bells and whisles go. It seems too basic.  I like the features that many fish finders have now............I mean the practical ones.  I don't care about color, but I do like some of the super high def imaging that some provide as an example.  I still may pull the trigger on this one eventually.  The ease of use really sells it for me.

[jlearsi67]

The Humminbird I was referring to is the Fishin' Buddy from Bomber's post.  Just like to clarify that.....

[bartdude186]

What does everyone here think of a 1999 johnson 4hp for my 10e? i have one in my sights for a good deal, im just worried it might be too much.