zerofivenismo

You have some very good advice from the members regarding your available options. Given what you have described as far as what you have and what you're looking for, I have a similar vehicle and boat that might give you some insight with your decision. I have a '05 Nissan Frontier shortbed 5ft as my loading/towing vehicle. I have a 10ft Pelican Bass Raider 10E as my vessel with 3hp Gamefisher outboard and Minkkota trolling motor. Boat hangs about 3.5ft off with the tailgate down, and fits inside the wheel wells with about 1 inch clearence on each side. Difference is that my bed has LineX coating. After reseaching here, I was able to build a boat dolly that I use to transport the boat to and from the boat ramp. I can load/unload the boat with the outboard by myself. Takes some practice, but it can be done. Initially, I only wanted to spend $600 tops, but ended up spending close to $1k . Here's a cost line up for you to consider, but you can PM me and I can hook you up with more info, pics, and a couple vids to give you a better idea. Boat - $350 craigslist Outboard - $225 craigslist Bow mount trolling mtr - $75 craigslist Used Exide dual purpose batt - $25 neighbor Schumacher marine batt charger - $25 craigslist Boat dolly - free lumber, wheels from Harbor Freight - $20 Boat registration - $33 Fire ext - $12 Cheap depthfinder w/trolling mtr transducer adapter - $95. Rod Saver straps, boat decals, oil, misc - $20 Of course, cost would less if you don't go with an outboard & fishfinder. Sorry for the winded post.

BWell, I have the same boat as you (pelican 10e) with a 3hp Gamefisher outboard. Take it from the other guys and stick to the recommended power rating. DNR will likely tell you the same thing. 3hp is slow as heck, but it gets me from A to B and back to A just fine. Hope that helps you with your decision.