Thinking about purchasing a  cartopper but can't decide if I should go with the crawdad or pelican gator. From the look the gator looks more quality but wondering if anyone has experience with both?

Welcome man!   I'm no help to answering your question but hopefully someone on here can

Welcome aboard.

Glad you are with us.

Good question but I have no idea.

I am sure someone will be able to give you some suggestions.

Keep those posts coming!

I'm partial to the crawdad because it was free.  

I personally have the 10' "Bass Raider" from Pelican.  Very stable and hold TONS of weight.  The gator looks good too though.

No experience with Crawdads

Can't help you but WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Try to find an old used crawdad...before they went all plastic. Find one like the one pictured above.  You can modify them with a nice floor, and trolling motor mount.  I have fished off them and they are perfect for 2 people.

Welcome!!

I have the Bass Raider 10 and I believe it is a bit bigger and heavier than the Crawdad (PM Matt  5.0 to see) I usually have two 200lb. + guys and our gear and I have not had any problems. It weighs about 150lbs. so depending on your definition, I don't know if it is a car-topper. I got a small used flat bottom trailer to lug it around...alot easier...look on peoples lawns etc. this time of year. I scored my trailer for $40.00. The Bassraider is pretty stable. One guy at a time can stand up...CAREFULLY. Pelicn sells the pre-wired and "not wired" models for trolling motors. For the extra $$ I can't see getting the pre-wired.

PS Depending on your fishing style and area, you might want to choose a canoe..they are A LOT lighter and a definite car topper!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!  

Loved my Crawdacious We made flipping decks and everything on it. OOOOO I miss it. :'(

Welcome! I have owned both and prefer the crawdad over the Pelican for mutiple reasons and only my opinion.

Pelican Pro's:

Sturdier

The E comes prewired

Lower daft capabilities(runs in shallower water).

Con"s:

Once water gets between the seems it's next to impossible to drain. Heavier 200lbs or so

Much harder to control in the wind

Seat frames are weak

Not enough room for gear

No safe area for rods,they rest on the high sides along the outer edge near seat tracks

Crawdad Pro's:

Lighter I believe 80lbs

Much more room

Can be customized w/floors

Seperate area for battery

Easily carried by one person

Easeir to car top

Con's:

If abused and after years of use alluminium frames become loose

Personally I went with  12 jon boat this time around and prefer it over the Pelican or the Crawdad. I do stand up in all of them and without modifications felt they were all about the same. Once I put the floor in the Crawdad it was uch easier to stand in, though a floor will also add to the weight.