I don't necessarily need a Bass boat, but thought this would be the appropriate forum to ask my questions.

 

A few trips ago to my favorite lake, some guys brought inflatable electric motor boats.  One guy told me that one of the boats was a few hundred and the other was several thousands.  The internet shows me some even cheaper models.  I don't need the cheapest thing out there, but am not spending thousands.

 

This is what I'm looking for.

 

1 - Inflatable

2 - Electric Motor

3 - I don't need a world class aerated livewell, but would like some compartment that is designed to be filled with water to hold fish.  

4 - I might consider something to hold 2 people, but am initially looking for a 1-seater.  It should have some room for my tackle box and an extra pole or 2.

 

Here are my "newbie" questions:

 

1 - Are there models that deflate small enough to fit in the trunk or back seat of a full-sized car, or would I need to travel with a mini-van?

2 - Need info on the electric motors - How long to fully charge?  How long (miles - or hours) will the charge last?  How fast do they go?  I'm probably going to exclusively use the boat in one lake, which is around 3 miles long and not more than half a mile wide anywhere, so I won't need anything terribly powerful.

3 - Anchoring systems - do these types of boats come with anchor poles?

4 - Durability - I know these things are tough because I watched guys launching from shallow rocky areas, but what does it take for one of these things to pop?

 

I'm sure there are many reputable sellers here, but I want to buy something new.

 

It's late in the season now, but would love to get one by next spring.   

 

Can somebody also send me links to a good company that sells what I am looking for.

 

Thanks as always.

 

 

 

I tried this last year, I went with the Intex Seahawk 4. I believe it's an 11' boat, marketed as a 4 person boat but 2 people with gear/tackle is definitely the max for comfort. It would be a great 1 person boat. They can be had for around $100 I believe, maybe less. Fully deflated and folded it can fit into any trunk/backseat. I powered it with a Minn Kota Endure C2 30 trolling motor, it pushed it around pretty well, definitely beats paddling all day. Inflatables are a good low cost and portable option, but if you're set on going this route I'd highly highly highly recommend building some kind of plywood floor, the squishy floors are a pain to stand on and uncomfortable to sit down on, IMO. There's tons of videos online on the Seahawk model boats, and people customizing them with floors, seats, storage compartments, ect. They are pretty sweet when done right. 

34 minutes ago, Dtrombly said:

I tried this last year, I went with the Intex Seahawk 4. I believe it's an 11' boat, marketed as a 4 person boat but 2 people with gear/tackle is definitely the max for comfort. It would be a great 1 person boat. They can be had for around $100 I believe, maybe less. Fully deflated and folded it can fit into any trunk/backseat. I powered it with a Minn Kota Endure C2 30 trolling motor, it pushed it around pretty well, definitely beats paddling all day. Inflatables are a good low cost and portable option, but if you're set on going this route I'd highly highly highly recommend building some kind of plywood floor, the squishy floors are a pain to stand on and uncomfortable to sit down on, IMO. There's tons of videos online on the Seahawk model boats, and people customizing them with floors, seats, storage compartments, ect. They are pretty sweet when done right. 

Cool - It looks like I can buy your combo at Cabellas for under $200.00

 

How do you charge the motor?  For how long?  How long does it last?

 

Ty

I use this battery- 

 

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-xps-power-series-12-volt-marine-starting-battery

 

You can buy a marine battery charger at walmart, they're pretty cheap. I've never come close to draining that battery. After a full charge and 6-8 hours on the water it's usually around 60-70% battery life when I get home. 

Can't really help with the inflatable boat questions. As far as livewell goes, you can use a 50 quart ice chest(or any size you prefer). They make portable aerators that will attach to the inside of the ice chest with suction cups. I got one for my dad a couple years to use for live bait. It works well and if I remember right it only cost about $30-40. 

38 minutes ago, Troy1985s said:

Can't really help with the inflatable boat questions. As far as livewell goes, you can use a 50 quart ice chest(or any size you prefer). They make portable aerators that will attach to the inside of the ice chest with suction cups. I got one for my dad a couple years to use for live bait. It works well and if I remember right it only cost about $30-40. 

Yep, works great for bass as well. 

1 hour ago, Dtrombly said:

I use this battery- 

 

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-xps-power-series-12-volt-marine-starting-battery

 

You can buy a marine battery charger at walmart, they're pretty cheap. I've never come close to draining that battery. After a full charge and 6-8 hours on the water it's usually around 60-70% battery life when I get home. 

What do you use to charge the battery.  Do you have some sort of setup like this?

 

 

1 hour ago, Pkfish49 said:

What do you use to charge the battery.  Do you have some sort of setup like this?

 

 

My charger is almost identical to that one 

Yes, I have that charger as well and it works great. Charge time depends on how drained the battery is, but the trick is to just charge it when you get back from a trip. Maybe 4-6 hours for a typical charge. 

 

I’ve been doing the inflatable thing for the past couple of years and it’s a great way to get out on the water at minimal cost. I’m surprised it’s not more popular. I’d definitely recommend an electric pump that you can plug into your car, similar to what you use for an inflatable mattress. It should only take a few minutes to inflate vs. 10-15 with a manual pump. 

 

I’ll second the Minn Kota Endura C2. I have the 32 and it’s plenty of power for my needs. I’ve never run below maybe 75% battery (the charger will let you know once you get back). 

 

I am also looking into building a floor with a seat.   Sitting on the side is fine for 2-3 hours but any longer and I might be a little sore after. That and “deflating” when the air or water temp are cooler than when you inflated are the only negatives I can think of.