The solo skiffs are really sweet. If i was going to fish backwaters in the gulf or something with a longer run required that would probably be at the top of the list.
There is no one on here that's had more seat time and real world experience with a Bass Raider than I have.... Have had my 8 footer for coming up on 10 years
(I don't have any pics of it set up for fishing because I just got a new phone at the begininng of hunting season so all the pics I have are duck hunting)
Believe me when I tell you these things are built LIKE A TANK. In these 10 years, this thing has fallen out of the bed of the truck with a battery sitting in probably 5-6 times, it's been drug on concrete for miles, it's been abused in saltwater, it's been around the state of Texas, it's been in 2-3 chop on the middle of Lake Somervile and Livingston, it just has been THROUGH HELL. I've had this thing in bad enough sea conditions that there was water above my ankles in the boat. FINALLY just a few weeks ago I found out it rubbed its first hole in the bottom.. The best part is, these things are foam filled... I knew I was taking on water in a pontoon bad, but it still had no issue floating and maintaining stability... Fixed it with fiberglass/cloth resin, like new! Keep in mind, this is after 10 YEARS of some serious abuse.
I use it mainly to throw around in ponds around town and sometimes take it to big lakes when I don't feel like dragging the big boat. But during duck season, I use it as my portable floating duck blind (pictured.) I literally strap it on the front of the big boat, transport it where i wanna hunt, park the big boat, get in the raider, drive to where I wanna hunt, and set up.
It's been "repowered" 3 times. It's on it's 3rd Minn Kota 30# thrust. I actually have a Garmin Striker 4 Plus mounted on it for fishing and it gets 3-4mph with the 30# and just me
Don't worry about stability.. I'm 5'9" 180lbs, my close running buddy is about the same. We can both stand up in this boat without any issue. To really explain how stable it is, when we're duck hunting, we gotta hop out the boat to go retireve are ducks. We'll be in waist deep water and have to climb our way back into the boat.. The boat turns on it's side in at least a 45 degree angle but does not flip whatsoever. Super super super stable little dinghy. My dad is about your size and has no problem with me in the boat.
I'll tell anyone... If you want a bulletproof little boat to throw in the bed of the truck and haul around, get you a Bass Raider. If you have any questions let me know... I've put more hours in this thing probably than the big boat.
OH YEAH! And, I've pulled this thing ON PLANE behind the big boat one time....Long story about that, but it happened and had absolutely no issue.
Last edited by dk2429; 12/23/2007:02 PM.
Majek 22 Extreme/225 Optimax Pro XS hauled by a 2500HD Duramax
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