Seeking Portable Boat Small Lake And Pond Use 2024
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
I've recently begun searching for a portable boat which would replace the inflatable pontoon boat that seems to be more of a hassle to take apart and put back together again when I drive it over to a launch site at the nearby lakes and ponds. Since I fish on days off as a hobby and don't have much of an income to begin with, I've been looking at various options I consider within my means. Bass Pro Shops has a couple of different makes and models to choose from:
Uncle Buck's Pond Prowler series (8', 9' and 10')
Bass Hunter series (Bass Baby, EX and Ultra)
The main means of transportation will be a midsize pickup truck with a 6' bed (Chevrolet Colorado XT), so I don't want to get a boat which is too large for it to safely carry. I may be able to load the boat onto a frame set into the bed and roll it off to be wheeled down to the launch site. I can use some old trolling motors which still seem to work quite well with it (a 30 lb and 36 lb model). The width of the truck bed is probably just shy of 6', so I may be able to load at least the Bass Hunter EX or 8' Pond Prowler without much effort.
My question is this: Which would you consider the better value for its price (between $600 and $700 USD)?
Most reviews that I've read on BPS have been positive with only a few minor quibbles. For that reason, I need some better information before deciding whether to chip in on one.
It should be obvious that I couldn't take it out on a river or a large lake, but what would you consider a threshold for "large lake"? Most lakes in my area do not reach 200 acres or get much deeper than 6 feet; only one or two that I've been to exceed that depth. I'm more likely to take it out on shallow water anyway.
Any responses are appreciated
Fishbone reply :
I have a Porta boat for sale.
This boat was purchased new in March of 2007. We were to pack it with us on trips with our travel trailer for fishing. The fishing trips did not happen. The boat has been used on a local lake about 6 times. It is spotless and in very new condition. The web site can show it's features and functions in great detail www.porta-boat.com . Set up takes minutes and is easily rolled to water's edge on the removable wheels. It can be powered by a gas outboard or electric trolling motor. It moves very easily with little power. Great for "electric only" lakes. Purchased new would cost $1,349.00 for the boat and $229.00 for the wheels, for a total of $1,578.00. Oars and set-up stick (used for assembling) are included. I can transport to a meet point within reason and gas cost compensation.
Photos can be supplied.
Asking $1,100 or make an offer.
CFFF 1.5 reply :
Just get a 12 foot jon boat, it will be more stable they are super light and east to get in and out of the bed of a truck. I have a 12' jon that is older and heavier than the current jon boats on the market and I can easily load and unload my 12' jon boat in the back of my GMC Yukon. You will be happier with a jon boat.
Marty reply :
QuoteIt should be obvious that I couldn't take it out on a river or a large lake, but what would you consider a threshold for "large lake"?
It's not that obvious to me. I know nothing about the style of boat that you want, but I don't hesitate to go out on a large lake with my canoe. It's the conditions that matter, not the size of the lake. For example, I go to a 10,000 acre lake a few times a year. It's 15 miles long, but if there's a south wind and I'm fishing the south end, it doesn't matter to me whether the lake is 1/2 long or 50 miles long.
But regardless of conditions, I don't stray very far from the launch.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
Good advice, Marty. Even that 230-acre pond with lots of shallow flats near my house can get pretty choppy with a steady wind blowing SE or NW. I used to put an 11' Coleman Crawdad in there and putter around with a trolling motor, but spent most of one day having to weave my way back from one corner of the pond into a headwind that threatened to push me back into that corner if the battery drained out on me. The same should apply to any small, light boat.
As for Fishbone's offer, 11 Grand is still a bit steep for what I'll be willing to pay (Thanks for the offer, but...). I'd be better off with the option of buying the jon boat. Still, I'm waiting for an answer to the types of boats mentioned in the starting post.
The truck I'll be transporting this thing in will have a slightly shortened bed (about 6' or so), not including having the tailgate down.
Fishbone reply :
Eleven hundred. not eleven grand.....unless you insist. ;D
Get what fits your needs best. 
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
Here's some more info about the truck that'll be carrying the boat:
Chevrolet Colorado (with extended cab)
Bed Proportions: (L) 6', (W) 5'
The truck has the wheel wells molded into the bed, so I'll have to find some way to prop up the boat to prevent scratching the paint on the wells. Also, any of the options that I've seen so far will overhang at least a few inches behind the truck, even with the tailgate open (an additional 21 inches). I'm thinking of building some sort of frame to support the boat and keep it off the paint, so long as it's well-fastened and doesn't slip off.
I am open to the jon boat option, though. It'd still be tight in there, rubbing up against the wheel wells but I think I can manage with a 10-footer hanging its aft end a couple of feet behind the truck. The 8-foot foam/plastic boats are preferable because of not having that much exposure to the tailgating idiots out there...
Wayne P. reply :
I carried a 10' aluminum jon boat (30" bottom) in the back of a S-10 Blazer and later in the short bed of a S-10 pickup for many years without any paint damage. I just used carpet to protect the surfaces that the boat touched. The tailgate, when down on both vehicles, gave plenty of support. Load the boat transom end first and use a red flag tied to the front carrying handle as a extended load warning.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
That's something that I'll be doing when I get the boat. It's still pretty much a toss-up between going for one of the two foam/plastic boats that I mentioned in the opening post and an aluminum jon boat like CFFF recommended. It's all in what I feel comfortable in handling.
The jon boat is an acceptable option if I can put more stuff in it and I already have had experience using one because of an old Ram-X plastic one I had in the 1990s. That boat was fun to get out on the water.
The main reason I was looking in on the shorter Pond Prowler or Bass Hunter boats was that they could carry more of a load (up to 400 lbs or so) and were supposed to be able to squeeze into places that most boats couldn't. In addition, one of the makes pre-wires their boats for a battery and trolling motor. Still, if a 10' jon boat can replace the Ram-X Crawdad, I shouldn't have to worry about it as long as I can more easily lift and carry the boat (I actually plan on outfitting a sort of dolly for rolling the boat over to a launch ramp instead of having to drive the truck on and off of it).
dman reply :
Im actually considering one of these smaller boats too for 10-50 acre ponds but wasnt sure of the stability because i would want to stand. Its just a one man boat 6 12 feet long but it will fit inside my SUV and thats a big thing....Id prefer the longer 2 man just for the space but i dont want to get into getting a utility trailer for it and all that....I just want something to quickly hop around ponds with....Do you guys think this would be ok standing in (i guess im average build 6' 190 pounds)
Heres what im looking at:
http://www.broadrivergroup.com/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=2
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteIm actually considering one of these smaller boats too for 10-50 acre ponds but wasnt sure of the stability because i would want to stand. Its just a one man boat 6 12 feet long but it will fit inside my SUV and thats a big thing....Id prefer the longer 2 man just for the space but i dont want to get into getting a utility trailer for it and all that....I just want something to quickly hop around ponds with....Do you guys think this would be ok standing in (i guess im average build 6' 190 pounds)Heres what im looking at:
http://www.broadrivergroup.com/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=2
Yes but wear a good floatation vest.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
Actually, it would be a good idea to wear PFDs no matter what you're sitting in because you'd never know when you might get capsized. It's common sense, especially in the smaller boats.
roch1 reply :
I have the bass raider 10e and couldnt be happier. It is plenty stable to stand and can go anywhere.
I have had it out on Lake Ontario with no problems. As mentioned above its the conditions not the size fo the water that counts.
MSPbass reply :
Carmen, I was in the same boat ;D
Let me start by saying, I love my pontoon. But I inherited a 10 foot jon a few years ago and was super excited. I had plans to floor it & make it into everything the pontoon wasn't. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to happen. The boat was small, loud and unstable. It was harder to load on my car and way more work in just about every way. On the water, I kept wanting to stand, but felt like I would end up in the drink every time. Drop one sinker or rod and it's like smashing two frying pan lids together. I know you're looking at those plastic boats, but you will lose a lot of the stealth advantage of the pontoon.
I took the jon out 2-3 times and just happened to sell it last weekend. This summer, I just kept my pontoon together in a spot behind the garage that was all shade. That was a great way to go. Before that, I kept the frame together and hung it on the garage wall on those plastic covered screw in brackets and left the pontoons inflated. That way, all I have to do it strap the frame to the pontoons and throw it on the car.
I guess I'm saying, if you can swing it, get the boat before you let go of your pontoon. It might not be the kind of change you're looking for. Good luck.
J Francho reply :
QuoteMy question is this: Which would you consider the better value for its price (between $600 and $700 USD)?
Honestly, you'd do a lot better on a kayak, for that kind of $$$. Lots of used ones around, for a a bargain. I looked at the small bass hunter style boats as an option, and they just didn't feel seaworthy. I take my SOT fishing kayak out in Lake Ontario, 3-4' waves, no problem. It tears up smaller water.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
Good advice to offer, FishCat and J Francho...
I think the saying "Try Before You Buy" comes to mind here. I know there's a couple of shops around here that I can go to to get a closer look at the boats that I'm interested in, but that's nothing like having a chance to actually put one in the water to see how it works. As for dealing with a jon boat, I know what you mean. I usually try to make the least amount of noise that I can whenever I get out on the water, but sometimes that can't be helped.
As for the fishing kayak, I doubt you could stand up in that one; it'd be too much like being seated on the pontoon. I will, however, consider keeping that pontoon just for those situations where even the Bass Hunter or Pond Prowler can't be used, especially if I think I can refit it with the newer style bladder/skin set that's available from the manufacturer. The main reason I want to get a boat is the ability to stretch my legs a bit and get a better vantage point on where I'm casting to.
J Francho reply :
Stand up? That what this particular model is built for. And being deaf in one ear, I am not the most well balanced guy.
If I couldn't stand, I wouldn't have bought it
BTW, I'm working on a deal where I'll be promoting these boats: http://www.freedomhawkkayaks.com/products.php. No issue standing on these as well.
aceman387 reply :
that's a neat looking rig you have j francho ,what does something like that sell for?
J Francho reply :
You can get into a rig for about a grand, new.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
The kayak looks nice. It would probably be worth the grand if I had it. I could take it to places which I'd be reluctant to put the pontoons into (so long as I was careful with the driving fins and resorted instead to paddling along), so that could get retired. I'll keep it in mind.
One question, though: do you still need some instruction in how to use a kayak? I seem to recall seeing signs requiring kayaking instruction before using them in certain places (like public parks). Otherwise, all I need is to get a good PFD and know where I can and can't safely use it and I'm ready.
J Francho reply :
I've seen used boats for $300 to $600 recently, mostly people upgrading to bigger or more advanced boats. Check local forums and craigslist.
I didn't take any instruction. Its not too hard to figure out how to paddle; trial and error on a calm pond. When its warm, you might want to practice reboarding from the water. State laws vary, but generally, a Type III PFD, whistle, and a signaling device, like a mirror or flare gun is standard. Safety is a complex issue, that's sort of out of scope here, but you can find plenty of info out there. www.kayakfishingstuff.com would be a good start.
Steve_IA reply :
The grass usually looks greener... On the small lakes you are talking about I'd keep the pontoon.
BobP reply :
I also have a 12' polyurethane Porta-bote (see the ad to the left!) outfitted it with a 6 hp motor it will do 20 mph. They have room for 2-3 people, are durable, very stable (you can stand to fish in calm water) and unsinkable. Weight for the 12' is about 80 lbs and it fits in the back of a pickup when assembled. Folded up, it's the size of a surf board. JMHO, you're going to be happier fishing from a 10+ ft boat and if you want true convenience, get an inexpensive trailer for it (cost $250-500). That way, you can transport it ready to fish and just dump it in the lake. Makes a big difference.
Carmen J Bernardo reply :
I have the trailer. It's just going to require a little bit of work getting it back into condition after many years of non-use, getting the truck set up with a hitch and getting the trailer registered again (I let it lapse). However, I want the convenience of not needing the trailer for moving a portable boat around.
Still, thanks for the suggestion.
zerofivenismo reply :
You have some very good advice from the members regarding your available options. Given what you have described as far as what you have and what you're looking for, I have a similar vehicle and boat that might give you some insight with your decision. I have a '05 Nissan Frontier shortbed 5ft as my loading/towing vehicle. I have a 10ft Pelican Bass Raider 10E as my vessel with 3hp Gamefisher outboard and Minkkota trolling motor. Boat hangs about 3.5ft off with the tailgate down, and fits inside the wheel wells with about 1 inch clearence on each side. Difference is that my bed has LineX coating. After reseaching here, I was able to build a boat dolly that I use to transport the boat to and from the boat ramp. I can load/unload the boat with the outboard by myself. Takes some practice, but it can be done. Initially, I only wanted to spend $600 tops, but ended up spending close to $1k . Here's a cost line up for you to consider, but you can PM me and I can hook you up with more info, pics, and a couple vids to give you a better idea.
Boat - $350 craigslist
Outboard - $225 craigslist
Bow mount trolling mtr - $75 craigslist
Used Exide dual purpose batt - $25 neighbor
Schumacher marine batt charger - $25 craigslist
Boat dolly - free lumber, wheels from Harbor Freight - $20
Boat registration - $33
Fire ext - $12
Cheap depthfinder w/trolling mtr transducer adapter - $95.
Rod Saver straps, boat decals, oil, misc - $20
Of course, cost would less if you don't go with an outboard & fishfinder. Sorry for the winded post.
ikefan reply :
carmen,
i have the 9' uncle buck pond prowler and love it. it's as stable as can be..i fish standing all the time. i had a 10' jon that i just sold last weekend. i had great plans for the jon, but the 1032 was just too narrow and unstable. i'm so much happier with the prowler. i throw it in the back of my pickup with little problem. i picked mine up on craigslist for $500..came with 30lb trolling motor, oars, battery and charger. it's well worth the money and i'm sure you could find a similar deal. the guy who sold it purchased it from bps this year and just found he had no time to use it. i think this is exactly what you're looking for.
Pantera61 reply :
Quotecarmen,i have the 9' uncle buck pond prowler and love it. it's as stable as can be..i fish standing all the time. i had a 10' jon that i just sold last weekend. i had great plans for the jon, but the 1032 was just too narrow and unstable. i'm so much happier with the prowler. i throw it in the back of my pickup with little problem. i picked mine up on craigslist for $500..came with 30lb trolling motor, oars, battery and charger. it's well worth the money and i'm sure you could find a similar deal. the guy who sold it purchased it from bps this year and just found he had no time to use it. i think this is exactly what you're looking for.
let me resurrect this old thread ... I'm in a bit of a holding pattern because we'll be relocating down South. I currently have a 15' jon boat that I really don't want to put any money or sweat into but I don't want to buy anything until I see the situation in the new area. I do want something decent to fish from for the next couple of years though so I was thinking about the BPS Pond Prowler, which is getting good reviews overall.
Any further feedback, Ikefan or others with the boat? Thanks.
Fishes in trees reply :
Good luck with finding a boat that is the right fit for you. Everything about small boats is a compromise and what suits one guy bugs another. Let me share some thoughts concerning small boats with you.
Prior to getting my current boat, I've owned two different pond boats and fished with a bunch of different guys who had assorted boats. I like the pond boats better compared to a 10' or 12' jon boat. I think that they are just more stable. Any small boat that you stand up in has the potential for balance issues. I prefer the pond boats. Get one of those inflatable life jackets and wear it. It is just a matter of time, sooner or later you will fall out of the boat.
Jon boats and pond boats have issues in wind. After a year or so you will understand fishing in the wind much better than you do now. My second pond boat ( a Buster boats Trophy), I somewhat solved the wind issue with a 55 lb 12 volt trolling motor and three deep cycle batteries. You keep telling yourself that the wind is your friend, and get a drag chain to slow down your drifts.
I know that the notion of putting the small boat in the back of your pick up sounds like a good idea. And it is, yet there will come a time when you're returning from a fishing trip and you're tired, and the last thing you'll want to do is to remove the boat from the bed and store it away.
Unless you're going to keep the boat in the bed of the truck all the time (that is an option, I've had professor pals who exercised that option) a boat on a trailer is a better idea. You get home, throw a tarp over it, bungee the tarp down and you're done.
Some of my thoughts, hope they help, good luck on finding a boat you like.
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