Mini boat safety

[Passion]

How safe is a mini bass boat like a BassHunter boat? Would a wake from a passing boat knock me over? Also would I need insurance? Could I just put it in a lake and go fishing or would I need a license other than my fishing license? I live in MN. Thanks in advance.

[Fisher of Men]

I fished from a two-man boat for years.  At one point in time we lived on Lake Palestine (Texas) and I'd fish in our cove.  Occasionally, larger @#!?!

boats would pass by too close and shake me up a little, but as long as we'd stay seated and ride with it, we never went belly up (and my boat is only 7'6").  Here in Texas, you must register all "motorboats" regardless of length.  A trolling motor attached to it caused me to have to register it. (I think non-motorized boats under 10' don't have to be).  As far as insurance, I don't think it's required on boats in TX, and as far as liability is concerned, what kind of damage is a waterscamp going to do anyway?  I'd check with your state wildlife agency regarding registration/insurance/etc. before you purchase.  Also if you ever plan on going out with more than two people, you might consider a jonboat or one of those plastic boats.  I recently bought a 12 ft. jon because we are a family of three and my daughter can go with us.  

Tightlines, Fisher

[hipster_dufus]

i used one for years also. in small lakes i would stand up when alone. i never used it in large lakes. in ga we have to register every thig with a motor also. no insurance required

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I have used one for about 7 years now and I would consider them safe.  I have got in trouble one time though.  I took it out on a larger lake and went across main lake to a cove on the other side of the boat ramp.  When I was heading in, the main lake was capping and it was extremely slow going.  I have the biggest 12V trolling motor you can have too, 50 lbs. thrust I think.  We ended up getting blown way off course and it was a journey to say the least, but I didn't feel unsafe at anytime.  Mine is filled with foam, like most I believe, so even if you take on a lot of water you will still stay afloat.  Mostly I take mine to small lakes, or larger ones where there is a nice cove right by a boat ramp or a place where I could put in.  Passing boats will definetly rock you a little bit, but nothing to be too worried about.  I do not have insurance, but I do have to have the boat registered in the state of Kansas.