Thread: Which small boat for ponds?

I gotta second what gilchaser posted.

I looked at getting a plastic boat for small water, and was surprised at how heavy many of them were. I have an alumacraft 1436LT, which, as the name indicates, is lighter than the regular 14'. The hull only weighs 130# and my 9.8 ob weighs about 60 lbs, so the 14' boat and 9.8 merc with couple gallons of gas is about 200#. Most plastic boats I've looked at weigh 125 - 155 lbs for 10 - 12' models, and are limited to 6hp outboards.

My aluminum boat is much more versatile than a plastic boat would have been for my use. I can take the motor off in about a min and have a 14' fishing rig that weighs about the same as many 16-17' canoes, or leave the motor on and head out on the main lake to a crappie hole or duck blind.

A 12' aluminum boat fits easily in the back of a pickup and can be loaded/unloaded easily by two people, or by yourself with a little more effort. I have a cheap trailer for my 14', and it was worth every penny. So, in short, I am much happier with my aluminum boat than I would have been with plastic.

I really like my Pelican Bass Raider 10E. Take look at one of those for smaller lakes.

I have a little 12' Jon Boat that fits in the back of my truck easily. Is light enough for me to load by myself and stable enough for 2 (or maybe even 3) people (depending on size and weight of the individuals).



I've never weighed it but its probably around 75-125lbs.

Any of the 8 to 10 foot plastic boats like pond prowler, bass hunter, etc....I came across a gentleman that had a K&L Industries Sportsman II that I picked up for $100.00 with prewiring for trolling motor/fishfinder. Just ordered some seats from a small craft website and looking forward to hitting some pits, ponds, oxbows here in South Louisiana. Look around the fishing forums, newspaper etc... someone might be trying to get rid of one.

I have a 12' Nucanoe with a 55lb Motorguide variable speed trolling motor. I couldn't be happier. Since the picture here, I added two swivel seats which make it even more comfortable. The Nucanoe is rated for just a 2HP motor. Mine flies with the 55lb thrust. It will fit in the back of a truck - I have a trailer for more convenience. I would pick whatever was the best price for the features between the Nucanoe and the Gheenoe. You can quietly get in some very shallow waters.

I have an 8' Pelican..My wife and I really love this boat...it's stable, light and easy to manuver. I have a 55 thrust trolling motor on and we can fish all day long.