Any Pelican Bass Raider Owners Out There?

[scaleface]

have a Bass Baby with built in wheels , so I can launch it easily by myself .

 

 

["hamma"]

21 hours ago, scaleface said:

have a Bass Baby with built in wheels , so I can launch it easily by myself .

 

 

sweet little rig Scaleface!

[Vicdougle]

Hey y'all... Couple more additions to the BR.  Will put up pics ASAP but I just had to say this if you're on the fence....fishing without a rudder is **** show.  Burned half my battery just keeping the boat in place.  Went out today and I forgot it thinking I would just make do and I will never make that mistake again.  Light intermittent wind made it even worse.  Ya I know Spain...balance and distribute weight evenly blah blah blah....no.  Rudder means I can fish alone without a hassle!

 

[Vicdougle]

Hey guys...Here are a couple more pics of the progress.  Installed the Garmin Striker 4DV and wired through the hull like the trolling motor.  I didnt like how the TM wires were always in the way so I mounted the FF wire from the outside of the boat...don't foresee any problems there.  Bought a tripod adapter mounting kit off amazon for 7 bucks and epoxied (sp?) the female end to my waterproof bluetooth speaker so it can be taken off for charging and transport.  Added another mount to the back just because.  Waterproof bag for the iphone.  Im trying a pull out drawer under my seat with plano boxes in it because my tackle backpack was too cumbersome.  Jury is still out.  Glued a couple magnets around the boat for tools/forceps.  Hung a few carabiners from the seat for nips and a fish rag.  Mounted the transducer on the TM which is up front with me .  Still workin on it but I love it so far.  

I am still debating just adding seat risers or mounting a pedestal seat....any insights.  Thanks!

[Vicdougle]

On 9/28/2016 at 7:32 PM, nimbus2065 said:

Mod's I made to my 8' Sun Dolphin.  Has made it much more enjoyable to fish out of.  

Hey Nimbus...how does that gardening stake hold up?  Doesnt it get bent?

[nimbus2065]

On 10/5/2016 at 8:55 PM, Vicdougle said:

Hey Nimbus...how does that gardening stake hold up?  Doesnt it get bent?

Its not as bad as you'd think. I usually only use it in 3' or less anything more yes it does bend but other then that its good I have a metal ring wrapped in electrical tape around it tied to the para cord seems to help with the flex as it floats up and down it.

[nimbus2065]

On 10/5/2016 at 0:31 AM, Vicdougle said:

Hey guys...Here are a couple more pics of the progress.  Installed the Garmin Striker 4DV and wired through the hull like the trolling motor.  I didnt like how the TM wires were always in the way so I mounted the FF wire from the outside of the boat...don't foresee any problems there.  Bought a tripod adapter mounting kit off amazon for 7 bucks and epoxied (sp?) the female end to my waterproof bluetooth speaker so it can be taken off for charging and transport.  Added another mount to the back just because.  Waterproof bag for the iphone.  Im trying a pull out drawer under my seat with plano boxes in it because my tackle backpack was too cumbersome.  Jury is still out.  Glued a couple magnets around the boat for tools/forceps.  Hung a few carabiners from the seat for nips and a fish rag.  Mounted the transducer on the TM which is up front with me .  Still workin on it but I love it so far.  

I am still debating just adding seat risers or mounting a pedestal seat....any insights.  Thanks!

Awesome setup.  What kind of blue tooth speaker is that?  Go with the seat riser I had a pedestal seat mounted and didn't like it when my brother went out with me

[Okiefisher29]

On ‎9‎/‎8‎/‎2016 at 6:39 PM, d-camarena said:

Just got this, i got a question for you guys. What tackle storage bags/ boxes/ systems do you use for these small boats? 

I have the same setup only in green.  I wish I had the outboard like you though.  How does it run? As far as tackle bags, I just have a backpack with some plastic trays I take with me.  Usually 4 rods max for me.  Been meaning to add some rod straps to one of the sides to at least keep the rods off the ground.  You will love that bass hound!  I too can stand and flip easily with a partner standing as well.  Enjoy

[Vicdougle]

21 hours ago, nimbus2065 said:

Its not as bad as you'd think. I usually only use it in 3' or less anything more yes it does bend but other then that its good I have a metal ring wrapped in electrical tape around it tied to the para cord seems to help with the flex as it floats up and down it.

So it was a freebie from my pop's company but amazon lists a pretty sweet one that I was gunna buy til this one fell in my lap...link is at the bottom.  I wanna do an anchor pole instead of conventional and have been looking for the right material and I finally found it.  Grainger sells a 10' fiberglass pole that is 3/4" thick and I think it'll be perfect.  Plus its only 40 bucks.  Since Ive got a 10 foot raider ill mount it the same way you did.

 

https://www.amazon.com/AOMAIS-II-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Generation/dp/B01K9NLCV8/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1475885128&sr=1-12&keywords=Waterproof+bluetooth+speaker

 

took her out today and slammed em....

 

 

[Vicdougle]

Finished my trailer tonight.  Harbor freight trailer with two 4' x 4' carpeted plywood pieces.  Used adhesive and staples to keep it all in place.  Then carpeted the railing in the same way just to prevent side to side slipping while trailering.  I made it into two pieces instead of one so the trailer can still fold and stow should I choose to do that.  It's a nice feature of this trailer and I didn't want to lose it.  The boat fits snug and placement keeps the weight forward.  I think it will work great.  

[Vicdougle]

Picked up a 10' fiberglass rod from Grainger for 39 bucks.  Sharpened one end and put a 3/4" PVC T-joint one the other.  Wrapped top couple feet in electrical tape then Plasti-Dip sprayed over it to hold in place.  Not really sure why though... Always tinkering.  BPS has Light Pole Holders for a couple bucks that fit it perfect so I mounted those on the side and VIOLA!  Cant decide if I wanna do the paracord to carabiner setup up or if I am just going to drop it through the 1" drain at the back of the boat... Any reason why that would be a bad idea?  I think it would be pretty convenient....

[nimbus2065]

14 hours ago, Vicdougle said:

Picked up a 10' fiberglass rod from Grainger for 39 bucks.  Sharpened one end and put a 3/4" PVC T-joint one the other.  Wrapped top couple feet in electrical tape then Plasti-Dip sprayed over it to hold in place.  Not really sure why though... Always tinkering.  BPS has Light Pole Holders for a couple bucks that fit it perfect so I mounted those on the side and VIOLA!  Cant decide if I wanna do the paracord to carabiner setup up or if I am just going to drop it through the 1" drain at the back of the boat... Any reason why that would be a bad idea?  I think it would be pretty convenient....

The drain would probablybe a good idea the problemI found with mine is havin only 1 pole I spin.

 

[Vicdougle]

 

10 hours ago, nimbus2065 said:

 

The drain would probablybe a good idea the problemI found with mine is havin only 1 pole I spin.

 

Since the drain is centered at the back I was thinking if it a windy day or something I could just leave my TM on Low in the direction I wanna face and it would hold me.....?  I'll try it out and let you know.  

[Vicdougle]

Went ahead and made a short video of the BR.  

 

 

[Swamp Rat]

Vicdougle, great job. Having run kayaks for the last 5 years, and because I am about to turn 61, I have been thinking about grabbing something like this. I also will make it mine with modifications, and you gave me a couple of additional ideas.

[etex]

Vicdougle, nice work and I appreciate the video of your accomplishments.  One thing you may want to consider is to load the boat on the trailer with the trolling motor to the rear.  There are two advantages to this in that it is easier to get the boat started onto the trailer with the trailer backed onto the ramp.  The other advantage is that the trolling motor does not hang out over your hitch without having to loosen the clamp and move it further into the boat.  Forgetting to make that adjustment could result in damage to tailgate or trolling motor.

 

Nice work!

[Bassnatcher]

Hello. This is a great boat. I've had mine for 3 years and have caught over 300 bass in it. I used to only paddle it. I made an 11 foot kayak paddle using a 9 foot steel clothes hanging rod and 2 paddle ends from a kayak paddle. Had to make it since no company makes one. Now I use a 30lb MK trolling motor mounted up front with the battery in the back for when I'm alone. When my cousin comes with me I mount his 55lb MK in the back. Both setups get us where we need to go. I prefer lakes that only kayaks and canoes can get on. This boat is perfect for that. I still bring my 11ft paddle since I need it when deep in the lilly pads here on the central FL lakes I fish. This paddle also works great as a push pole and I use it for that often. One of the paddle ends snapped off leaving 10% of the paddle end. I did not replace it since it still works as a paddle and I can use this end as the push pole end. I replaced my seats with some nice bass boat seats from Gander Mountain which cost about  $214. Gets some good seats if you plan on being on your boat for 8 to 10 hours. I also made a transom mounted anchor deployment system. Works really well. I lined the floor with 1/2" closed cell foam then put 1/2" plywood on top. Makes standing and fishing a lot more stable than the stock plastic floor and it eliminates foot fatigue. I have not drilled any holes in my boat and don't plan to. The only way I would is if I could put a washer and nut on the inside but that's not possible unless you separate the top from the bottom. I know other people drill holes but this is my personal preference. I like not having to use a trailer. I just slide it into the bed of my jacked up Z71 and it's read to go. 

The only thing I have to buy now is lures, line and batterys. Life is good.

For some reason I can't upload my pictures from my phone. I can only upload a picture by using my camera so next time I have my boat out I'll upload some pics.

["hamma"]

Bassnatcher, if you send your phones pics to facebook, they will automaticlly be sized to a smaller size, then you can load them from there, to here.  

 Someone here informed me of this and it worked for me

[jr231]

42 minutes ago, "hamma" said:

Bassnatcher, if you send your phones pics to facebook, they will automaticlly be sized to a smaller size, then you can load them from there, to here.  

 Someone here informed me of this and it worked for me

Or if you're on your phone you can just go to your gallery and crop them . In "photo details" you can see the image size. Adjust accordingly. 

[Advantage]

1 hour ago, "hamma" said:

Bassnatcher, if you send your phones pics to facebook, they will automaticlly be sized to a smaller size, then you can load them from there, to here.  

 Someone here informed me of this and it worked for me

Yup, that's how I do mine too.

[Bassnatcher]

Thanks for trying to help. I am not on Facebook so th as Y's not an option. 

I have a Galaxy S4 phone so not sure why I am not able to upload pictures. When I select the attachment icon on this site I am given 4 options. Camera, camcorder, voice recorder and documents. Gallery doesn't come up. I tried putting some pics on my 10 inch tablets screen and take a picture with my phone but got the pic size warning. 

I am really puzzled why gallery doesn't come up as an option.

Oh well. I've really enjoyed reading all the posts on this thread about the bass raider. Nice to see others like this boat as much as me. Just wish I could post my pictures and possibly help others with what I've done.

Going out Saturday to a hard to access lake. No houses on it. No docs only thick woods. Only one way on through a 40 foot spooky path of 12 foot high reeds. Got to push pole it. This keeps most people off the lake. But once you get in open water it's a bass anglers dream. Spring fed lake with shallows, deep holes, lily pads and reeds. This weekend will be the 5th week in a row my cousin and I have gone. The best part.....haven't seen one other person on the lake every time we've been there. Catching nice bass every time. Looks like they've never been hooked before and fight like it too! Lovin life right now. 

[Reaper73]

Been reading this thread a few times over the past couple of months. Loving the mods and tips. Bought a used BR10E back in July. Barely used, MK Endura 55, both seats, a little paddle and life vests. Not bad at $600. Used most every weekend, I average about 7hrs on Saturdays and Sundays. I was going out most days after work, until this early dark thing happened. I am using an old TM on the back as a rudder. Plus f my main TM goes down I have a backup. Will post a few pics soon..

["hamma"]

  Seeing as I've had a 8' bass hunter for over 30 years, I figured I may find some upgrades on this thread, so I just finished reading all 99 pages yesterday. I found some helpful tips and will be finally adding a new seat,.yeah,..I still have the original plastic "bucket" seat, some clips for my oar, and maybe even a new telescoping oar at that. Even thinking of the push pole/anchor pole option as well. Which is actually a neat idea.

 Ive had 2 anglers, 2 batteries, and 2 motors on it and actually did so on its maiden voyage. Its kinda tight, but so much fun, and I caught my pb bass off of it prefishing for a tourney with 2 anglers on it. Do I recommend 2 anglers on a 8 ftr? not really. If you plan on fishing 2 anglers off your puddlejumper, get a 10 ftr or bigger, you will need the room. Just because I was crazy many years ago, doesnt mean you need to be as well,...lol,  

  With the 2 motors and 2 batteries, larger waters, rivers, and long days on the water, were more available to me, as well as, the faster moving rig being better for short outings, pinpointed approaches, leaving the boat in the back of the truck for the next days outing, not having to re-group, and recharge the batteries, knowing its still got enough juice to "safely" use. I didnt ever have to switch a single motor from the front to back, ever have to paddle back to the ramp, or turn around to properly control the boats position. Having 2 motors and batteries is a "option" on these rigs, that I highly do recommend.

 When loading and unloading at the ramp? I just take the 2 batteries, and the back motor off. My 8 rods are strapped in at both ends of the pontoons, I have a dry box for the saftey requirements and "essentials" positioned in the rear of the boat and tackle bag next to it. Life vest is attached to the seat. So, in and out,.. is a quick and easy deal.

 Motors and batteries wiring have minn kota's quick connect plugs for all connections and I do recommend these as well. They make it alot easier to deal with all around. So nothing is really "loose", and only a few attachments are needed.

 This allows a quicker and easier transition at the ramp, I'm in, and fishing in just about 3 minutes at the ramp, and same when heading home. I dont have boaters staring at me, with a hateful gaze, thinking I should be elsewhere. And "roadside" launchings go quicker too, so traffic really isnt a issue.

 Before I got this boat I already had a full sized 8' foot bed on my truck.  Once the boats in the bed, no tiedowns, no straps, close the tailgate and Im done. The seats never flew off on the highway as the seats were kinda hard to remove, and vests are not loose, nothing did I ever "loose". I did later get a cap for the bed, making it even better as rain doesn't pool up in the boat, and my "expensive" rods/reels aren't in the wide open for thieves to prey upon.

 These puddlejumpers are unique, smart, and quite effecient if you set them up right. Over the years I've got alot of compliments, added a few upgrades, and had some incredible outings on it. And if this bass hunter ever goes to the junkyard? I will replace it with another similar rig. I do also have a deep-v tracker, but thats no good for the thousands of puddles holding great bass fishing. 

I look back on the 30 years of fishing off this platform I've been graced with, and couldn't be happier with its performance, comfort, and adaptability. Ive fished on waters that range from tiny "puddles" right up to the Conn. river, and coves/ bays on Lake Winnepesaukee. Seen some simply incredible sunrises and  sunsets all over New England, wildlife I never knew was present here, and found hidden "gems" on the web searching satillite images that I deem "incredipuddles" as the bass were untouched, large, and lure friendly. We, as pontoon puddlejumper owners have a great tool to use for our sport, we can hit waters bass boats cant, and even fish their lakes if we choose.

 Just be careful out there, we are not invincible,.. just thrifty, fortunate, and capable.

  In summary? things I'd recommend to "new" raider owners? 

  Use 2 motors and batteries, variable speed motors if possible and around 55 pd thrust, and check out the minn kota quick connect plugs, well worth the 10 bucks a set

 add a fishfinder, doesnt need to be expensive

 get a plano drybox for safety requirements and essentials ie: flares, flag, horn, docking ropes etc. but when out fishing ?, have the horn out and ready

 Smaller tackleboxes/bags are your friend, you dont "need" a tackleshop out there with you.

 add some rodstraps on both ends of the pontoons,..trust me here.

 BE AWARE!     large wakes, weather changing, and idiots out powerboating and not paying attention,... can be deadly. YES! DEADLY!,..... Its easy to get focused on "fishing" instead of "boating" on these rigs, so keep your wits about you

[Okiefisher29]

On 10/27/2016 at 8:45 AM, Vicdougle said:

Went ahead and made a short video of the BR.  

 

 

Great video!  Did you silicone your transducer to trolling motor as well or is it solely attached with the meta clip?

Did you silicone the oar clips on or use screws?  

 

Thanks for for the great ideas!

[J Francho]

23 minutes ago, Okiefisher29 said:

Did you silicone the oar clips on or use screws? 

Silicone is for sealing, not for a fastener.  You use screws, well nuts, rivets, or other fasteners to attach, and silicone to seal those fasteners.