Small plastic boats?

[CP]

Anyone have any experience with these, good or bad?  Pond Prowler, Pelican, Sun Dolphin or something similar?

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting one of these for use on smaller lakes that don’t allow outboards.  Just an idea, not sure if it’s a good one.

[DaNewb]

I don't have any experience with the plastic boats but I am familiar from my own research. Everyone I've seen talking about the pond prowler has been happy with it. The sun dolphin is similar in design. I imagine the pelican isn't much different in size/shape...so it all comes down to features I guess.

last year I was asking the same questions though...I wanted something really easy to deal with, SAFE, small enough to handle solo and fit into the back of a truck, but could take an electric motor...and was not a kayak.

I ended up going a different route and picked up an 8' Livingston for $100...it only weights 100lbs and they're readily available dirt cheap and they're much more stable IMO. I spent the $$'s to get it registered so I can put a gas motor on it if I want, but you don't need to register if you're only taking it on lakes with no gas motor larger than 10hp.

I picked up a harbor freight 8' trailer used and completely rewired it and replaced the bearings and added a hitch jack and spare tire/mount, kitted the boat out with a 50ah batt box, dual scotty pole holders, fish finder, oars, transom wheels and an anchor system. I need to figure out a decent chair setup for it but so far I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.

I think I've got something like $1500 into it all told, including licensing for boat and trailer and it's ready to travel. I've got Kokanee dreams.

I grew up rowing a 12' boat around the river by the house so it's what works for me.

[CP]

I don't have any experience with the plastic boats but I am familiar from my own research. Everyone I've seen talking about the pond prowler has been happy with it. The sun dolphin is similar in design. I imagine the pelican isn't much different in size/shape...so it all comes down to features I guess.

last year I was asking the same questions though...I wanted something really easy to deal with, SAFE, small enough to handle solo and fit into the back of a truck, but could take an electric motor...and was not a kayak.

I ended up going a different route and picked up an 8' Livingston for $100...it only weights 100lbs and they're readily available dirt cheap and they're much more stable IMO. I spent the $$'s to get it registered so I can put a gas motor on it if I want, but you don't need to register if you're only taking it on lakes with no gas motor larger than 10hp.

I picked up a harbor freight 8' trailer used and completely rewired it and replaced the bearings and added a hitch jack and spare tire/mount, kitted the boat out with a 50ah batt box, dual scotty pole holders, fish finder, oars, transom wheels and an anchor system. I need to figure out a decent chair setup for it but so far I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.

I think I've got something like $1500 into it all told, including licensing for boat and trailer and it's ready to travel. I've got Kokanee dreams.

I grew up rowing a 12' boat around the river by the house so it's what works for me.

Thanks for sharing that.  Livingston was first thought but a friend suggested that look into the Tupperware boats, new tech and all.  I may make a trip up to BassPro and see if they have any.  Meanwhile I'm keeping an eye out for a Livingston or maybe a small, reasonably priced Whaler if I get lucky.

[millerwheeler]

Have ya looked at any of the folding boats? Pretty neat concept

[HntnFsh]

Here ya go.
Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/dWn4pZ82P1b

[ASHQUACK]

I.use.an aquapod sportsman for fishing small creeks, ponds and small bodies of water. Very stable, easy to paddle and really light.

[Kingofthemountain83]

I had a Pelican... It was kinda light... Fit in the back of my truck... And pretty stable... Would take me and two kids with all the gear and row across a lake and anchor up... Would sit low with another buddy in it and a case of beer... Sunk at the dock once with my way fatter friend... Had a 325# weight limit on the sticker I found after that... It was about 7 1/2' long... We had to always be over the weight limit unless it was me and the kids when they were young... Caught a lot of fish out of that thing... And buzzes... Should've kept it... Guessing that thing probably has to have 450#+ before it starts taking on water at the dock over the sides... Went down like the Titanic... Except the water was warm and all nasty... Got swimmers itch...

[HntnFsh]

Heres a bigger one.
Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/3bHqnKpPQ1b

[DaNewb]

Heres a bigger one.
Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/3bHqnKpPQ1b

There are 4 Livingston boats w/o trailer on Portland CL right now...2-8's a 10' and a 12' for $500/less. Just make sure it has a title that can be transferred if you want to register it.

The actual Livingston trailers are kind of hard to find, and they're almost always for a longer boat than an 8'. I'm currently shopping for either a dual motorcycle or jetski trailer for mine to upgrade from my harbor freight trailer.

[branches]

Have you looked at Dogfish boats? They might have something for lakes and ponds.

[HntnFsh]

Heres another option.
Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/URU8rMTaU1b

[Born2late]

My dad has 2 8’ ers.
One is a Livingston one is a sorenson.
The Livingston he went through and dug out all the foam and put access covers in the back and repainted the inside.
The Sorensen needs some fiberglass work. He will let them go for pretty cheap. Pm me if you are interested in looking at them.
We are in Arlington

[CP]

My dad has 2 8’ ers.
One is a Livingston one is a sorenson.
The Livingston he went through and dug out all the foam and put access covers in the back and repainted the inside.
The Sorensen needs some fiberglass work. He will let them go for pretty cheap. Pm me if you are interested in looking at them.
We are in Arlington

PM sent.