It was a metal hanger that I had in the shop and it hangs down about 3" over the transom.  I was going to use another license plate (bent) until I found the hanger.  Simple and very inexpensive to make.  It just cost me the pipe clamps.

I added a floor in my 10E this weekend as well.  Went to Lowes and bought 3' of green indoor/outdoor carpet and had them cut it in 22" and 14" strips.  Since it was 6' wide it made it easier for me to cover the plywood.  I decided to put my floor in sections with the 2 inside sections being 35"X 20.5".  I then had a section on each end that was 13"X 20.5".  This will make it easier for me to remove and or run wires underneath the floor.  This leaves about a 4" opening at each end of the boat in case I need to remove water.

I have decided to mount my fish finder using metal flange screwed into the 3/8" floor and screw a 12" pipe nipple into it.  I will then screw another pipe flange into a block of 4X6 and screw the top of the nipple into it.  I will then screw the fish finder mount into the top of the block.  All of these will be painted prior to protect from moisture.  I think this will be pretty stable and I have avoided any holes drilled into the boat.

 

 

Looks nice.

Is the inside width for the floor 20.5 inches and what is the total inside length of the 10e for the floor?

What is a good thickness for stability for the floor?

I don't have boat or trailer yet but these are things I can do before they get here.  Can't get boat until I get trailer and assemble it.  I'm going to start on deck with 4x8 plywood cut lengthwise and might as well get floor cut at same time. 

I have several pieces of metal and aluminum pipe and 2 license plates laying around so just need a way to mount them over the transom.  I want to be able to raise or lower or remove the rudder so plan on using adjustable collar from TM.  Afraid it might get knocked off launching/recovering.

Yes the inside is 20.5" wide and I think the overall on the floor length was 104" I left a gap at each end for convenience of removal and possible water removal if necessary.  I used 3/8" and it seems sturdy just standing on it.  I haven't fished it yet but others had used 3/8 or 1/4.

My rudder is easy to remove and install as well since it just slips over the transom.  I didn't make it very long as I wanted to avoid hitting any stumps.  I will probably remove when loading and unloading from trailer.  My boat came with one of the Harbor Freight fold up trailers that the guy had mounted 2X10 runners covered in carpet for a base.

For those with experience with rudders on Pelican 10e or similar boat:

What is the best depth for the rudder measured from the transom to the lowest point on the rudder?

With a 36" shaft on the TM does 36" depth on the rudder seem right?

Went the not so creative route of making a rudder. Bought a $12 oar and $25 bracket.

Nice racedad, where did you find the $25 bracket?

12 minutes ago, etex said:

Nice racedad, where did you find the $25 bracket?

eBay. I tried to find a cheap used trolling motor on Craig's list and convert it, but couldn't find one any less than $50 bucks. 

Got the 2 manner out on a good little lake Saturday and got a 21 lb bag on best 5. (4.75, 4.5, 4.5, 4.2, & 3.5) 

 

(Missing pic of one of the 4.5's...literally forgot to get a pic after weighing it)

Anyone painted theirs yet?  Any ideas on the best paint to use?  My Bass hunters is a dingy black/grey two tone, and really want to make it sharp.

1 hour ago, Advantage said:

Got the 2 manner out on a good little lake Saturday and got a 21 lb bag on best 5. (4.75, 4.5, 4.5, 4.2, & 3.5) 

Outstanding bag! Congrats

Really glad you got to thoroughly enjoy your boat this past weekend! All really nice fish!

I went to Field and Stream to compare the Pelican Bass Raider and the Sun Dolphin, I was kind of blown away by the size of the Bass Raider., I haven't seen one up close, might be leaning towards the Dolphin just because of launching and recovering with me being by myself.

10 hours ago, Vayned said:

I went to Field and Stream to compare the Pelican Bass Raider and the Sun Dolphin, I was kind of blown away by the size of the Bass Raider., I haven't seen one up close, might be leaning towards the Dolphin just because of launching and recovering with me being by myself.

If it is just for you, did you look at the Raider 8?  Thats what i use and have no issues launching and no problem with space. I can see the 10 being an issue though for sure if i was alone.

Brand new to this forum.  Like what I have read.  I have a Predator Bass Raider 10E that I have been working on the past several months trying to get it ready to go.  Lots of good ideas on this forum and have appreciated all the advice and suggestions that I have read.

Hello all. I'm new owner of the Sun Dolphin Sportsman. Just bought it used 2015 model for $250. This is my first boat and I'm trying to figure out what kind of trolling motor do I need. Bow or transom? I was going with a  TRANSOM-MOUNT ENDURA C2 or ENDURA MAX. I initially thought that I can put the motor on either end but since read that these models are TRANSOM-MOUNT. I would apreciate any advice on what is the better option transom or bow.

TIA

7 hours ago, alex800 said:

Hello all. I'm new owner of the Sun Dolphin Sportsman. Just bought it used 2015 model for $250. This is my first boat and I'm trying to figure out what kind of trolling motor do I need. Bow or transom? I was going with a  TRANSOM-MOUNT ENDURA C2 or ENDURA MAX. I initially thought that I can put the motor on either end but since read that these models are TRANSOM-MOUNT. I would apreciate any advice on what is the better option transom or bow.

TIA

Like many others here, I have a transom mount and if you want to run it on the bow, you can remove the bolt on the head unit and turn it 180°. You then will be good to go. Good luck and welcome to the puddle jumpers.?

Cool, I didn't know that. Thank you racedad. I will be ordering Minn Kota Endura MAX 45.

39 minutes ago, alex800 said:

Cool, I didn't know that. Thank you racedad. I will be ordering Minn Kota Endura MAX 45.

You may want to spring for the 55. You will be glad you did. I have the endura max 55.

Question about launching, can you leave the trolling motor on it when unloading from the truck bed or attach it afterwards. 

Just now, Vayned said:

Question about launching, can you leave the trolling motor on it when unloading from the truck bed or attach it afterwards. 

I recently have been loading and unloading out of truck bed with the motor mounted. Have had no issues.

6 minutes ago, racedad said:

I recently have been loading and unloading out of truck bed with the motor mounted. Have had no issues.

I second that, no issues.

F&S only had the Sun Dolphin and the Pelican 10ft, 10ft would be too much for me.

 

Picked up the Sun Dolphin with a 45lb Minn Kota. Is a rudder necessary? Bow or transom mounted for trolling motor?

Poor Boy Rod Holders.

 

I clamped $4.97 rod holders on boards and ran them through the handles on the back.  Easily removed for transport and I didn't have to drill holes in my boat

Props to Harken Hoister for letting me use the empty space above my garage door to store my 10E up and outta the way. Comes with all of the hardware required to hoist this bad boy up and over the door. Installation was a piece of cake. I recommend this for anyone who needs to make room for storage!!!