Have about decided to get a Pelican Bass Raider after reading about all the other brands. Mainly because it is available locally, owners seem to like it, and Academy prices are better than most of their competition. Will also get a small trailer since I don't have a pick-up truck. Remaining decision is whether to get the 10 ft. boat or the 8 ft. boat.

Am thinking the 10 would be a little more stable and roomy. The 8 would be lighter, require less trolling motor power and cost less. I will be launching the boat on a ramp, so won't have to lift it. Won't be using this boat often since I fish with my buddy in his boat. Would use it when he is out of town and when I want to go more often. We are both retired, but he only goes one morning each week. Sometimes, I'd like to fish a couple of mornings per week, so having a little boat would allow me to go any time the urge strikes.

Would like to hear options concerning whether you would go with the 10 ft. or the 8 ft. I haven't been on the water in either of these boats, so am definitely open to suggestions.

10 foot "E" model.
you will immediately appreciate the extra room really fast. I would not even fish 2 people on a 10... but that's me.
I can stand up in it no problem. practice in shallaw water please.

I have a 50lb thrust motor. 40 probably ok. you will apprecaite the extra motor when the wind comes up and you are going back to the ramp, against the wind.

get some clear goop marine glue, and 8 or 10 clear plastic hook/picture hangers from hardware store.
glue these to the sides in and out, and use small bungee cords to hold your rods on the boat.

very important: make a rudder from an old trolling motor mount. Use 12" square or thereabouts of any friendly free/cheap material.

mount your trolling motor in front, (pulls the boat) the battery in back. that is how it is wired anyway.

A pvc pipe with a top cap or flange can be easily used to mount a FF in front, slide it behind the plastic bracket thing on the front interior of the boat. This will be easy to install/remove the FF.

and get a really decent replacement seat! not a $30/40/50, get a $100 seat.
might find a used seat, on craigslist or tff.

Thank you very much Timbertoes.. Very helpful reply. I was also wondering how many pounds of thrust trolling motor I would need, and you helped me with that too. I was planning to put the trolling motor on the front, the only problem will be getting the boat back on the trailer, but I think I can manage that.

Nice rudder on Fishbonz's boat.

I have a 12' standard style trailer.

I do not rig the boat until I am at the ramp. (not on the ramp though) lol.

the weight of the trolling motor bounces it a lot if on the boat while on the trailer.
At this time, I also keep the battery in my vehicle until the ramp area.
So still need to improve on my trailer/rigging setup..

it is not too difficult to pull it back on the trailer, just watch your feet do not slip

Also replaced the Pelican's Battery fuse with a 50amp ( i think) re-settable circuit breaker.

10E for sure. I have the 8ft and really wish i got the 10. The 10 will be my next purchase along with a 4hp suzuki. I'm thinking of selling my Minn kota 30...

The shortest trailer I see on the Academy website is 12-14'. I guess that would work for the 10' Pelican, don't you think?

I would get a standard utility trailer.
look at your craigslist, I see some in the 700+ range.
A boat trailer I doubt will work.
these will be good long term, good pulling trailers.
BTW a dual axle trailer is SO MUCH easier to back up, and if a tire blows..well you can keep going.

now the other question....

I see you have a friend with a boat where are you at thought wise on something like a 16, 17 or 18' aluminum boat ?

I actually find it faster to launch my 17' tin boat than the plastic boat!

PS 15mph+ winds. you need to stay close and out of the bigger areas.

I have never heard anyone say they wish they got the smaller boat.

Except me... But that's not about size its about lay out. I have the Bass Hunter EX. Love it. Except....

The rod storage sucks and I knock a rod in the lake every time I go.

Will be adding rod holders but even then its a pain. The high gunnels on the 8 footer would prevent this problem.

But yes to what the other guys said.

Yacht Club PWC trailer has worked well for myself and a buddy for our 10' boats. We replaced the bunks with 8" wide boards for a little more piece of mind.

Go with the 10', you wont regret it. Check Craig's List and TFF classified. If you not in a hurry you will find one and save money you can apply to accessories. Just make sure you get a TITLE!!
I bought a 2.5hp 1994 Mercury outboard for $150 on Craig's lists, it only weighs 28 pounds and doubles as a rudder when not is use. It will save a lot of battery juice when going from spot to spot and tops out at whopping 5 mph! If you do get an outboard make sure it has a built in gas tank so you won't have have external tank wasting valuable floor space.

Habor Freight has this and other inexpensive trailer options. http://www.harborfreight.com/1090-lb-cap...ires-90153.html

I don't use a trailer, the 10' fits in the back of my Ford Ranger nicely and I can still load and unload easily with some dragging to water.