Phil,

Great question and look forward to getting others opinions. There are 5 properties that are hand launch only.

Personal preference I waould say. I have owned the Tracker, Ranger, and now a 2 man water spider (Pelican brand). I prefer the Pelican type boat with swivel seats that I can easily load in the back of by truck by myself. Some of the club boats leak and bench seats hurt me after a 1/2 day of fishing. I need a back on the swivel seat. The pivate lake (PWF) is preferred to the larger waters requiring the larger boats. I catch many more fish now as opposewd to public water fishing and it’s a much different enjoyable experience to have the waters to yourselves…. No jet skis here! Without a truck, an inexpensive trailer will work well for you I would think. A small front wheel drive car will pull it. Hope this helps. Can’t answer your storage issue although. Got a fishing buddy that can store it for you.

I must be biased by my recent experience Steve - 5 is really low.  Cleburne is one, but they have two good boats so it’s not an issue.  The mini-pontoon at Six-O is perfect for stand-up fishing.  If I could figure out a better tackle organization system it would be much easier to jump in and out of different boats.

I have a 12 ft sit-on kayak that has

- rudder
- mount to rods and depth finder

I have also added a feature to hold a small trolling motor.

All features are easily removed for transportation and easily installed once at the property.

I have a SUV and put kayak mounts on the luggage racks. Recently I obtained a small trailer (6ft) which I can move by hand.

If you would like photos of my set-up, let me know.

One good benefit of this set-up is the battery will last an entire day.

Wfetech@2fastmail.com

Bill Fetech

I have a bass tender 10.2.  It weighs 175 pounds. I put it in the bed of my pickup.  Drawbacks are battery storage on mid boat port side. So automatically you have 75 pounds to offset.  Second thing is the weight (175 lbs). 12 years ago no problem picking it up.  Now at 66 no so much fun.  Positives it has backs to the seat and they swivel 360 degrees.  Finally and most important was the cost.  Got it for $400.  Boat, life jackets, paddle, battery and anchor.  Buying used is a better way to go.

I have a Pro-Strike 140 which is a fiberglass boat that is 14’2” & 55” wide. It has 2 swivel seats, aerator, bilge pump, 2 lowrance portable 4x fish finders front and back, Motorguide 46 lb thrust 36” shaft trolling motor, storage compartment under seats one for battery plenty of room for rods and tackle for 2. Weighs about 260 lbs but have a tilt trailer can launch pretty much anywhere. Of course this is for private water only…I have had lots of compliments and people ask where I purchased it… have really enjoyed well worth the cost!

I just sold my 18 foot Tracker that I had not used in two years due to low water in 2011 and then joining PWF in 2012.  I bought a 10 foot pelican that comes with two seats but so far I have fished by myself and leave the second seat at home.  With a 40# trolling motor I can go all day on a good battery.  Added a depth finder and works fine.  As for standing up I am able to but I would not recommend it if you have a large hook set. I don’t think the boat would tip but you can move the boat around with movement and it could slide out from under you.  It is stable enough to stretch and now that I am on private water if I get cramped I go fish the bank to work out the kinks.  It weights just over 100#‘s so I am able to put in back of truck but looking at ways to make a littel easier especially if bank is a little steeper.

I have 10 ft buster boat with livewell and trailer. Bought new I didn’t want risk of buying something that leaked. Have small hummingbird graph 30 thrust trolling motor. Not too bad launching and loading. Wish I had way to stand and cast I thought they used to make buster boat with casting decks not sure about that. Sold my bass boat that I never used to coworker.

My partner and I use a 16-foot camouflage-colored jonboat that was originally custom built as a duck hunting boat.  It has two raised seats, but permits standing to fish in both front and back. We use the plank in the middle of the boat for the depth/fish finder. We rarely fish three out of it, but it’s possible.  It is custom-built with extra width.  Easy to load and unload from trailer.  We have had several fishermen stop us en route to various lakes, wanting to know where we purchased the boat and is it for sale.  We just laugh.  Bob Cantin

I have the Bass Hunter Bass Baby.  I like the nearly unbreakable roto-molded construction.  I really like the built-in wheels for getting it down to the water and back up to the truck.  For a 2-man boat, the tackle trays and rod storage is outstanding.  I have the Bass Hunter EX model (which is FOR SALE!!!) as well, but favor the Bass Bay for the wheels and better storage - although the EX moves thru the water much more efficiently.  I have not seen another 2-man “plastic boat” manufacturer that makes a more durable product.

Jay- ours is a Buster Deluxe with the casting deck. You can easily make one with 1/2 a 2x4, scrap plywood, and carpet. It is not a big platform by any stretch but you can fish standing and mount a Bigfoot trolling motor switch.  Add a seat pedestal to bring the seat back up to a normal sitting position.  I can take some pics and measurements if you are interested. I have centered many a stump with the TM and somehow managed to stay in the boat every time. I can’t say the same for my dad in the back seat. With those two storage areas on each side there is hardly any room for your feet in the middle of a Buster Boat.  You cannot reposition your feet if you start to lose your balance while standing in the middle/back. The storage lids are not strong enough to use as steps when getting in and out of the boat - You have to step over them - keeps it interesting.

All the responses are helpful. Now I just need to wrap my head around the idea of spending $100 a month to store a $2000 boat.

Take a look at Twin Troller X10 by Carolina Electric Boats. I like mine a lot.

Hey Phil,
Let me show you what I did which happens to be my favorite small boat to fish out of.  I bought a Bass Tender 11.3 which was the top of the line some time ago.  They aren’t made anymore but a friend of mine sold me this one really cheap.  It has two batteries that are located on each side of the boat so that it is really stable in the water.  I pulled the floor up and replaced a few things that needed to be fixed but other than that I just gave it a good bath and put telescoping seat posts in it and new seats from Bass Pro.  I now have a foot controlled 55 lb thrust trolling motor that a friend gave to me mounted on the bow and a cheap little graph with a transom mounted transducer that works great.  It’s nothing fancy but it gives you and accurate depth, temp, and shows you what’s below you.  The trick for having a small boat that handles like a large boat is having a good rudder made.  I’ll show you a picture of mine and can get you the dimensions if you are interested.  You simply clamp it on the transom and the back of the boat follows along nicely without acting squirrelly on you.  I had a battery switch added that allows me to use the port, starboard or both batteries at the same time.  The biggest drawback to this boat is that there isn’t a flipping deck in the rear of the boat.  The front of the boat has a raised flipping deck which makes fishing timber a lot of fun.  It has an aerated livewell that works well and a bilge that I do have to kick on in the late afternoon as it has a slow leak somewhere.  If I couldn’t find another Bass Tender 11.3 I would look seriously at the Sun Dolphin 12.  It has a flipping deck in the front and one in the back if you simply have one piece of wood cut to span the width of the boat.  It is a simple conversion and it is actually just as good to fish out of. 
Tight lines,
Jackson

I have two.

One is a Pond Prowler, marketed by BPS but I bought it at a gargage sale. It’s 8ft. long and perfect for one person. MotorGuide up front, upgraded chair and a Humminbird 570 DSI. It easily loads in and out of the pickup truck. I use it on properties that require hand launch and nearly all others when lake levels get too low. (that is important as we all know in the summer). The boat weighs about 80 lbs. Maintenance is nothing, I wash it out with a hose and keep the battery charged.

I also fish a Tracker Grizzly 15 ft aluminum with a Merc 4 stroke, electric start and MotorGuide foot control. Two Humminbird units, a bilge pump and an anchor reel are my only additions to this great boat. It is camo in color and has a gun box that works great for dry storage. Two raised casting seats make it easy to stand and fish, which was something I missed in the Prowler. It is comfortable for two fishermen, trailers great, launches easily and is big enough to use on public lakes, which I still fish.

Two pretty good options. They both suit my needs very well.

Phillip- I live in Southlake. Seems around here dry storage is in demand with the alternative for Grapevine boaters being a $350 a month marina slip (not sure about that exact number but it is in the range).  Storage in Athens for dad’s Bass Buster runs $80. There is some cheaper around Cedar Creek, but we fish Safari Waters and this storage is only about 5 miles away and on 175. My mom and stepdad pay $25 at Fork for the Skeeter.  That rate is probably grandfathered, and the facility has been broken into and all the rods stolen (common at Fork).  You take your chances with storage.  Probably best just to pay for outdoor storage and take the contents with you each time. I would prefer to leave the boat loaded and clean.  I need to price around here. I hope I’m surprised.

Jackson- great setup. I have a clamp on rudder I purchased from Pond King.  Yours appears to be much more substantial.

Dale- two boats - perfect!

I just purchased a humminbird 598ci HD with side imaging. I have not had it out yet. With the new product from Lakemaster just announced at iCast (called AutoChart), we will be able to create our own 3D maps of club lakes.  Cool stuff if you like to mess with electronics.

I have a 16 foot riverhawk. It is light and stable. http://www.riverhawkboats.com/boats.htm

I stand up and so can the bow angler. I have a 55lb thrust on the back and it moves quickly. It could be hand launched.

Here is the boat it is 15 feet and 120lbs. http://www.riverhawkboats.com/15original.htm

These look great too. http://www.riverhawkboats.com/b-60.htm

Both are very stable due to the design.

I have a Coleman Crawdad with 2 padded swivel seats.  It is 11’2” and weighs about 130 #s.  I purchased it without a trailer at first, and carried it in the back of my pickup.  It’s a little heavy and cumbersome for solo hand launching. 

I now have a trailer.  Now I can load it once with gear before fishing and then unload once after.  I picked up both boat and trailer from craigslist.  I found it easier to place wanted ads.  I got tired of chasing deals and have them disappear, while being strung out by the sellers. 

The Crawdad is hard to find.  I prefer it over the 2 man buster style boats, but I do occasionally miss the easier portability of my previous 2 man Bass Hunter.  The Crawdad has more room and is easier getting from front to back. 

I bought an old trolling motor that I use for a rudder on the back.  I use a bow mounted hand controlled trolling motor.  I have thought about getting a foot controlled model, which I prefer.  I have plywood flooring, which allows easy standing.

My Pelican 10’ works fine for me.  Easy to load into my Silverado by myself.  Storage is no problem , I just prop it on it’s side against the garage wall.  Minkotta 30 moves it around with no problem.                                                       

I used the similar type boat provided at Julian Lake on my one trip there.  I liked the setup on that one and the recessed rails for rod storage.  Seemed a.bit roomier than my Pelican.  Anyone know the maker of that boat.

Tom Strother

I have a 10’ Pond Prowler and I bought it because it had a 650 pound capacity rating but was only 130 lbs itself.  That was the highest capacity I could find at the time.  That extra 2 feet provides a lot of stability.  You can stand and fish easily and you have room for gear.  I actually have it suspended from the ceiling in my garage and park my pickup underneath it so I don’t lose precious garage room. Without a truck, though, it would require a trailer.  After fishing out of the pond prowler, few boats are more comfortable.  I launch it by hand alone in most settings, and then load the gear into it. 

Still using my Skif-yak..it breaks down into separate parts…some of you all saw it at the fish fry a couple of years ago..dry weight is about 85 lbs on the one man and with the added passenger section-2 man the dry weight is about 125 lbs. I “upgraded” to a 55 lb thrust Motorguide which gives good torque and speed but the
up/down mechanism is a pain on the Motorguide(have to use a paddle to pry it)..I found the Minnkota mechanism much better. The skifyak has been an ideal boat for smaller water.. The weight cap. is 200 lbs for the one man
and 400 lbs for the 2-man. This boat has little freewall so you have to be careful in chop.

A friend of mine got my daughter and me into kayak fishing about 2-3 years ago and I now have a fleet of kayaks! My first as a Ocean Prowler Big Game. At 13’ long and about 34” wide it is very fast and stable with a weight load of 550-600#. My daughters is an Ocean Trident 11’. Fast/stable with max load 350-400#. My Wife’s is a Hobie Mirage Sport. Its 9’7” with 245# capacity. My boat (The Mothership) is a Hobie Pro Angler 12 with live well. It’s 12’ long and with a 36” beam it makes it a perfect platform for stand up sight fishing. With the Mirage system you trade your paddle for pedals which frees up your hands for more fishing. The comfortable hammock seat along with all its storage room makes it comfortable enough to fish in all day.
(I also build small custom kayak trailers for your rigs.)

I am currently trying to figure this out as well, I need a pond setup. I have done the 10 foot Pelican thing, and would like a little more room for 2 and the ability to stand, but don’t have an endless amount of cash.

Hey Jim Shives, how much you want for your Bass Hunter EX? email me at bigjfrankyl@yahoo.com

It’s awful hard to beat a 14-foot, medium gauge jon boat (flat bottomed) for all around fishing, and ease of launch.  It’s large enough for two men to have room, and small enough for one guy to load/unload easily, and still be pretty stable.  I had a Duracraft for years, and sold it to a friend in Ohio, and recently bought an Alumacraft at Cabelas, with a Karavan trailer.  It slides on and off very easily, and much easier than trying to turn over some of the club boats and just push them into the water for one guy.

I have been working on this problem for years and think I have solved it for me.  I have a couple of Hobie Kayaks but they are not good for traveling.  Because I cannot keep them secure when staying at a hotel or stopping at Cabela’s, etc., because I live in Oklahoma but love fishing in Texas.  So here’s what I have done… I built my own.  It weighs only 25 lbs dry, it is eight feet long, so it will fit in the back of my truck.  Holds four rods easy plus tackle.  Has only a 2 to 3 inch draft.  Cannot figure out how to add pictures here, so I will send them by email to pwf, maybe then add to this comment.  Thanks, Paul Bryan

I just bought an Outcast Fish Cat Deluxe LCS tube. It has accessories to allow for rods to be carried and for a Bass Buddy Fish Finder. Should be great for small water.

Greg Wilkinson

Richard Tedder
For the last two years Gary Guinn and I have used an all fiberglass 14 ft. Pro Strike boat that is a great two man small lake boat.  The boats are made one at a time by Hoyle Floyd in AMERICUS, Georgia.  We put the boats on a tilt trailer which allows launching without getting the tires in the water.  This boat comes prewired and can be rigged out to your requirements.  We ordered ours with nothing but trolling motor wiring, lights, bilge, live well aerators.  Approx. 260 pounds and built in floatation.  I just upgraded to 15.5 foot that is a little wider with two live wells, and a trailer built for the boat.  Hoyle is an awesome guy to work with and can always use the business.  You can contact him at 229-942-1926.  I am not a salesman for him, just a very satisfied customer.  I can send you some pics of both boats if you would like.  My number is 817-694-1870.  Private Waters Fishing is Awesome!

Members can check my boat out under classifieds…. thinking about another model boat reason for selling. This boat has pretty much everything you need for club lake fishing.

Mine is a 12ft. Native Watercraft Ultimate kayak. It’s really more like a skinny canoe. weighs around 50 lbs. and fits in the back of my pickup. The payload is 350 lbs. which is plenty for me and all my gear. It’s actually enough for a two night/three day river trip when I pack light. I’ve added a few gadgets, but it’s pretty much as-is.