i am looking to buy a small boat.  it is one of those pelican mini pontoon deals.  i think a 10 footer.  i have not looked closely at it yet.  my question is how well do these things handle in windy situations?  with two grown men in it?  do they need to be registered? (texas)  can you stand safely in them and fish?  are they stable?  

http://www.directboats.com/20bara10pofi.html

this is essentially what it is, but it may be an eight footer.  i am hopefully going to go take a look at it this weekend.

any info about this style boat will be much appreciated!!

thanks

Cliff

In the wind...they suck.  If you get a drift sock then it's not too awful, but without one, you really can get blown around.  I actually prefer a canoe or kayak because they can handle moe situations, but those pelicans are a GREAT pond hopping platform.

I have a 10 footer and love it. Would stay away if the one you're looking at is the 8 foot, with two guys the 10 is ok, I think the 8 would be very crowded. As far as the wind, a slow troll in wind is not going to happen. Even when headed back to the ramp at 'high' speed, you need to continuously tweak your heading (with the motor on the rear, front mount might be better, haven't tried it yet.)

for that price you should look the 12' Jon Boats from Bass Pro Shops. The 1232 jon is $604 and the 1032 is $554. Much better option in my opinion. www.trackerboats.com

for that price you should look the 12' Jon Boats from Bass Pro Shops. The 1232 jon is $604 and the 1032 is $554. Much better option in my opinion. www.trackerboats.com

i am not buying brad new, my reel guy has the boat, two motoers and all the extras for $600, i am hoping to talk him down to $500.  going out there in a bit to take a closer look at it.

thanks

Cliff

ANY boat with ANY type of motor in Texas needs to be registered.

thanks for the info.  i went and checked it out tonight.  it is a ten footer but i am having second thoughts about it now.  i dont really know if i will put it to enough use to justify buying it.  i would most likely have to travel 50 plus miles one way to use it, and would only be able to do that once a week.  and with gas the way it is i think i may just stick to the bank for now and buy a new rod and reel or something.

the problem is the only decent spot i have to fish from shore is a golf course, and i am not a member, my buddy is so i have to rely on him to go(which hasnt been very reliable lately, lets just say his annoying girl friend has him by the nuggers)  other wise i fish a couple very very small tanks that produce maybe a 3lber once or twice a year.  i have talked to the course people about me going fishing without a member with me and its a no go, unless i want to pay $100 a month for the membership.  

anyway thanks for the info guys

Cliff