Trickerie Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 Was wondering if anyone had any experience with this little pontoon boat? I have a guy wanting to sell me one for $150, with a minkota trolling motor. I do not have a boat, and have never had anything that floats, even. So, my concern is the weight capacity. Im a 230lb guy, but my brother-in-law whom I always fish with is 260-70. The weight capacity on the specs are only rated for 500 lbs of cargo total. However, Ive heard mixed reports that two big guys can fit on it without issue. Even the guy selling it, whom sees to be honest, says him and a friend would use it all the time. Anyone have any experience with it? If not I'm willing to take the chance to get out on the water for only $150 Mark Quote
Midnight Splash2 Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 I own a 8' Raider and I wouldnt buy it for what you are wanting to use it for. Its just too small and cramped with two people. The 10' would suit you much better. Check out this thread.... Quote
Bassin_0502 Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 You need to look over in the Bass Boats etc section, there's a thread that's about 20 pages long on this type of boat. I'll give you my 2 cents though...It would be hard to pass up a deal like that, 150 bucks which includes the trolling motor, however...the 8 foot is a little small for two big guys, not necessarily from the loading standpoint, just from the lack of room. I have a 10 foot with a 40 lb motor and love it. I'm a big guy as well, no problems with loads etc. The extra 2 feet I think makes a big difference though. It would be real tough to walk away from your deal though, even if you find it's only really big enough for you alone. Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted February 23, 2012 Super User Posted February 23, 2012 There are lots of different brands on pond boats out there. Most of them are very similar. I've never ridden in this particular brand of pond boat, but I owned a different brand of one for a while. The 8 foot size is a great one man boat. It sucks as a 2 man boat. 8 foot is just too small for 2 guys, you will just get in each others way. That being said, go ahead and get the boat. Be aware that you're going to spend at least $150 on auxillary items. Be sure and get the biggest deep cycle battery you can find. Don't forget a paddle. A life jacket is a really good idea. One of those auto inflatable life vests that you'll wear all the time is an even better idea. How are you going to transport this boat? Even throwing it on the back of a pickup, it is a good idea to strap it in. Quote
BIG M Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 I've had that same boat for several yrs and it is not for 2 people fishing. Get a 10ft if two people are going to fish. Quote
Ima Bass Ninja Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 I had an 8 ft bass hunter boat.. i'm going on 240 and a friend of mine is close to 300 and it floated fine with both of us in it. I used it mainly for pond management in my field of work but have been fishing in it with some other large guys and never had a problem. Quote
Trickerie Posted February 24, 2012 Author Posted February 24, 2012 Well I decided to get it. Fits in the bed of the truck, trolling motor works fine. Had to buy a battery, a charger, and and oar. Took it out with two diff guys, one almost 300 lbs and it floated fine even at full trolling speed. Can't beat it for the money I paid! Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 24, 2012 Super User Posted February 24, 2012 I have one for pond fishing, I am a big guy over 6' tall and 300 lbs. It's fine.............for me, and some gear. I would not dream of putting 2 people in that boat. It may have been "fine", but your exceeding the max. recomended capacity of the boat. Quote
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