On 2/22/2017 at 3:56 PM, frosty said:

 I'm concerned my 3 year old will think throwing my rods in the water will be a good idea!

I had the boat for only 1/2 a season last year and I had 2 rods, on separate days, go overboard. Thankfully caught 1 before it sank and got lucky and snagged the other from the bottom. I am still looking for some strapping system to secure the rods. 

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I had the boat for only 1/2 a season last year and I had 2 rods, on separate days, go overboard. Thankfully caught 1 before it sank and got lucky and snagged the other from the bottom. I am still looking for some strapping system to secure the rods. 

There was one displayed a few times in posts past. Looks very simple, and similar to how real bass boats "strap down" on the deck. Small bungees and those small mount plastic things you screw into the boat. I can't wait to do this mod!   Simple, quick and effective!

6 hours ago, MrTightLInes said:

There was one displayed a few times in posts past. Looks very simple, and similar to how real bass boats "strap down" on the deck. Small bungees and those small mount plastic things you screw into the boat. I can't wait to do this mod!   Simple, quick and effective!

Dang it, I was really hoping to not have to put holes in this thing. I think I'm going to try some industrial self stick Velcro. Maybe cut some pvc pipes in half and put the Velcro around it so I don't have to put holes in it. 

Hey all, new to the forum and looking to get one of these as I am tired of being stuck on the shore. I know this thread has been going for years and wonder how your boats have held up.

 

Looking at the Pelican originally, but the Sun Dolphin is 45lbs lighter to start and a little cheaper. I'm going to be loading it in/out of my Tacoma truck bed by myself most times so any weight saved would be nice.

 

So to those pelican, sun dolphin sportsman owners... how have they held up?

Thanks and look forward to joining in on this awesome thread!

I've been in about all of them and have a few observations.  (I will leave the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 out of this discussion as it is by far the best plastic hulled boat but a big jump up in money.)

 

I currently own the Pelican Predator 103.  It is by far the most stable of the boats in it's class and the best bang for your buck. Two big guys can stand up to fish with no issues.   

 

It only weighs 140 lbs.  They are very durable on the water but pushing them on ground can easily damage them over a short period of time as small rocks and sticks are capable of puncturing the hull. Pushing or pulling them on concrete for even a few inches is a no no.  They quickly wear down on the contact points and will crack.  There is a good plastic welding kit out there for about $70 that Pelican recommends and works great and can get you back in the water in minutes.

 

You will want to have two people to carry it to the water or buy a boat dolly like the one I reviewed earlier on this page.

 

Academy seems to always beat everyone on the Pelican prices by quite a bit.  I think I saw this boat the other day for $800.

 

The Bass Raider is a nice boat too but not quite as stable.  The beam is almost a foot shorter so it stands to reason it would be less stable but the fact that the pontoons give only a narrow space to stand makes it difficult.

 

The Intruder 12" Jon boat is spacious but also not very stable with a beam of only 48".  The bench seats are very uncomfortable to sit in for any stretch of time and traditional Jon boat seat clamps don't work on the plastic seats so you won't be able to mount swivel seats without some serious customization.

 

For moving it yourself, remember that a battery will add about 40lbs and a trolling motor another 20.  Also, invest in a 15 lb anchor as just a little wind blows these boats around like a ping pong ball.

 

If you can back your truck right to the water, any of them can be moved by one guy.  You can put the battery and motor in after the boat is in the water, otherwise I would bring a friend.

On 2/28/2017 at 0:00 PM, MrTightLInes said:

Small bungees and those small mount plastic things you screw into the boat. I can't wait to do this mod!

 

Please post pics when you do this - I really need to find something to secure my rods.

Just now, Chowderhead said:

 

Please post pics when you do this - I really need to find something to secure my rods.

My Lowrance Hook 5 will be here Monday, and my Raider is now just about entirely rigged! I did a lot over the last week on it, and will get pics as soon as I can and explain each mod and where I put it.

I'm very very happy with the end result.

You know what, I'll even post a video on YouTube probably. Do a little VLOG thing.

Well I went out to take the video and my GoPro battery..... Yep, the battery was dead so no video today. Also, the sun was coming through the garage doors in such a way that it made composition for the pictures terrible.

Never the less, here's some shots I took today Please excuse the boat being dirty. I figured mod it, then let it warm up and wash it before I take it out for a year worth of slime.

 

Did loads of upgrades. The Lowrance Hook 5 will be here tomorrow, but I already installed the RAM mount for it and bought a dedicated battery for it. I installed 2 anchor cleats, one on each side near the back. I installed Pad Eye anchors for tiny bungee's to strap down the poles on each side of the Raider (took a picture of the screws I used. I do not use the screws that come with the pad eyes). Added a donated old Die Hard trolling motor that works! It's on the back mostly acting as a rudder for the front mounted motor, that I installed a "Big Foot" switch on. Also added a nice marine grade carpet to the plywood flooring. I will LOVE this, especially during the summer! Added front and back lights for it, and registered the boat so I'm legal to go in any waters I dare take it! lol. Majorly upgraded the seats!! Those 10-15+ hour days will feel loads better now.

Here's some shots. Excuse the dirty boat please.

Looks good on the upgrades but wondering if the anchor cleats will hold with just screws. Seems a possibility they could put out under a load. 

1 hour ago, WildmanWilson said:

Looks good on the upgrades but wondering if the anchor cleats will hold with just screws. Seems a possibility they could put out under a load. 

We will find out for sure! I know I yanked on them pretty good and it would certainly take a lot of force.

Keep us updated. I may do the same. 

Was also wondering what people put their fish in. I've always used a floating wire fish basket. If it gets very full I always pull it in before moving any great distance. Can be a bit of a hassle but it's the only thing I can think of to do. 

14 minutes ago, WildmanWilson said:

Was also wondering what people put their fish in... 

 

I put mine in a large container called the lake... 

 

Years back, I made a livewell out of an old cooler (there was an aeration kit for DIY).  If you fish by yourself, you could use that in the back of the boat - it would help counterbalance your weight on the front.  If there will normally be 2 of you, then you might have to get a little creative with it and figure out how to get one under the seat.

14 hours ago, MrTightLInes said:

Well I went out to take the video and my GoPro battery..... Yep, the battery was dead so no video today. Also, the sun was coming through the garage doors in such a way that it made composition for the pictures terrible.

Never the less, here's some shots I took today Please excuse the boat being dirty. I figured mod it, then let it warm up and wash it before I take it out for a year worth of slime.

 

Did loads of upgrades. The Lowrance Hook 5 will be here tomorrow, but I already installed the RAM mount for it and bought a dedicated battery for it. I installed 2 anchor cleats, one on each side near the back. I installed Pad Eye anchors for tiny bungee's to strap down the poles on each side of the Raider (took a picture of the screws I used. I do not use the screws that come with the pad eyes). Added a donated old Die Hard trolling motor that works! It's on the back mostly acting as a rudder for the front mounted motor, that I installed a "Big Foot" switch on. Also added a nice marine grade carpet to the plywood flooring. I will LOVE this, especially during the summer! Added front and back lights for it, and registered the boat so I'm legal to go in any waters I dare take it! lol. Majorly upgraded the seats!! Those 10-15+ hour days will feel loads better now.

Here's some shots. Excuse the dirty boat please.

Not trying to be a party pooper, but found out the hard way myself, silicone caulk won't work long term on these type of boats. They are made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) and caulk will not adhere to them and will begin to allow water inside the shell. There is a HPDE glue you can get from Sun Dolphin I believe and it will actually adhere to the plastic and then use the caulk over it.

28 minutes ago, Advantage said:

Not trying to be a party pooper, but found out the hard way myself, silicone caulk won't work long term on these type of boats. They are made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) and caulk will not adhere to them and will begin to allow water inside the shell. There is a HPDE glue you can get from Sun Dolphin I believe and it will actually adhere to the plastic and then use the caulk over it.

Thank you very much for caring! It's really appreciated Advantage!

With that said, these few small holes, with the amount of silicone (waterproof silicon) I used on the screws and the area...I'm not worried about these TINY holes well above the waterline!!  I will never get water in the hull unless I flip this thing, and even then it would take pushing it down to even have that happen more than likely. I'm not worried about it too much.

Unless the screws fall out, I shouldn't have any real problems. Rain and splashing won't get water in the hull with what I have done here.

I'd love to hear your personal experience a bit more in depth though! I don't want sound stubborn or anything, I just feel sure of myself here.

37 minutes ago, MrTightLInes said:

Thank you very much for caring! It's really appreciated Advantage!

With that said, these few small holes, with the amount of silicone (waterproof silicon) I used on the screws and the area...I'm not worried about these TINY holes well above the waterline!!  I will never get water in the hull unless I flip this thing, and even then it would take pushing it down to even have that happen more than likely. I'm not worried about it too much.

Unless the screws fall out, I shouldn't have any real problems. Rain and splashing won't get water in the hull with what I have done here.

I'd love to hear your personal experience a bit more in depth though! I don't want sound stubborn or anything, I just feel sure of myself here.

Any waves or rain can get water inside the hull that way. And I was wrong, it's not Sun Dolphin who has the repair kit. It's Pedal Boats website that has it. The way I found out is I bought my BassHound 9.4 used and it has a livewell in it and noticed the drain plug area was allowing water in as well as the 2 areas on the aft that they used to inject the floatation foam inside the hull were taking on water, due mostly to age I assume, I tried to use silicone caulk...it didn't work so started doing some research and found out about HDPE and the HPDE cement/epoxy. 

Also installed the base for my gps/depthfinder on the lid for the battery compartment and used screws/silicone. 

4 minutes ago, Advantage said:

Any waves or rain can get water inside the hull that way. And I was wrong, it's not Sun Dolphin who has the repair kit. It's Pedal Boats website that has it. The way I found out is I bought my BassHound 9.4 used and it has a livewell in it and noticed the drain plug area was allowing water in as well as the 2 areas on the aft that they used to inject the floatation foam inside the hull were taking on water, due mostly to age I assume, I tried to use silicone caulk...it didn't work so started doing some research and found out about HDPE and the HPDE cement/epoxy. 

Now this fully explains it. Those holes are so close to the water line (low on the vessel., etc) and the drain plug probably nearly always had water on it. Also, it's old and you tried to silicon all that stuff in place without taking it apart and reinstalling? Yeah, it's going to leak.

I'm 110% less worried now, thank you Advantage. I truly don't think I have a single thing to worry about, but I'm a mans man and if I get a leak I will come right back in here and tell you I'm sorry I didn't listen ahead of time and that you were right. This will not be the case though, hah

Thanks again for looking out! Sorry about your experience

12 minutes ago, MrTightLInes said:

Now this fully explains it. Those holes are so close to the water line (low on the vessel., etc) and the drain plug probably nearly always had water on it. Also, it's old and you tried to silicon all that stuff in place without taking it apart and reinstalling? Yeah, it's going to leak.

I'm 110% less worried now, thank you Advantage. I truly don't think I have a single thing to worry about, but I'm a mans man and if I get a leak I will come right back in here and tell you I'm sorry I didn't listen ahead of time and that you were right. This will not be the case though, hah

Thanks again for looking out! Sorry about your experience

Wasn't necessarily saying that this applies to you right here right now and in this instance. Was just putting it out there in general to everyone who thinks using silicone caulk only as a sealant will work. Just trying to help the group overall.

2 minutes ago, Advantage said:

Wasn't necessarily saying that this applies to you right here right now and in this instance. Was just putting it out there in general to everyone who thinks using silicone caulk only as a sealant will work. Just trying to help the group overall.

Awesome! That's great, and I definitely don't want to "nay say" anything. Heck, I'm purely a noob... unfortunately I tend to be a very confident noob, which sometimes doesn't go well

That's a great thing to know, and I certainly would've bought a more proper item had I known ahead of time, so thanks again for putting it in the thread! I would have to agree to use whatever is best near water lines and heck, anywhere really, but in my issue I think I'm going to be in very good shape. Near the waterline, I'd want to do the most proper thing possible as well! Cheers man.

The Lowrance Hook 5 came and it's now installed. I installed the transducer to the trolling motor with the proper bracket, and I made a small spot to hold my battery for the sonar.

There's a slow moving river that's open up here, that I may head out in tomorrow. Supposed to hit 50 degrees, so maybe I will even get a fish to bite. Mostly going to test out the raider now that I've added all the mods. Get used to the Lowrance and things of that nature.

5 minutes ago, MrTightLInes said:

The Lowrance Hook 5 came and it's now installed. I installed the transducer to the trolling motor with the proper bracket, and I made a small spot to hold my battery for the sonar.

There's a slow moving river that's open up here, that I may head out in tomorrow. Supposed to hit 50 degrees, so maybe I will even get a fish to bite. Mostly going to test out the raider now that I've added all the mods. Get used to the Lowrance and things of that nature.

 

Wow, looks great. 

3 hours ago, Chowderhead said:

 

Wow, looks great. 

Thank you very much Chowderhead. I can't wait to get it on the water!

So I just bought a used Bass Hunter EV and I've decided it's a horrible design. The seats slide on an aluminum rail and makes it nearly impossible to put them in.  I took a cutting wheel and cut the lip off one side and it's much easier now. 

 

The part that I hate the most is there's no place to put rods. It has raised cup holders and storage that leaves no flat area and no lip on the outside to keep them from falling out. I was looking to put a  bungee cord on it to at least strap them down but they are all still stacked in a pile and get tangled once you try and use a different rod. 

 

I think it's one piece molded design it very good but the engineering is horrible. If anyone has a better way to store the rods let me know. Otherwise I'm selling it. 

There's a couple videos on YouTube that show different rod holders. I guess you could make a small rod locker in the bottom but then you're going to sacrifice already minimal floor space. 

Sometimes I keep one rod on both sides railings.I keep extra rods in the bottom with them sticking up over the rails.Four rods is usually all I carry anyway.

I love mine.I give up some space but it's more comfortable with the seats,compared to my jboat

12 hours ago, WildmanWilson said:

So I just bought a used Bass Hunter EV and I've decided it's a horrible design. The seats slide on an aluminum rail and makes it nearly impossible to put them in.  I took a cutting wheel and cut the lip off one side and it's much easier now. 

 

The part that I hate the most is there's no place to put rods. It has raised cup holders and storage that leaves no flat area and no lip on the outside to keep them from falling out. I was looking to put a  bungee cord on it to at least strap them down but they are all still stacked in a pile and get tangled once you try and use a different rod. 

 

I think it's one piece molded design it very good but the engineering is horrible. If anyone has a better way to store the rods let me know. Otherwise I'm selling it. 

That's one of the reasons I went the BassHound, I can put 3 rods on each side...4 on each side can be done but starts to be a pain at that point. I am going to be going with some kind of tod strap/bungee strap system this year for a little extra safety though.