good segment Wayne. i think you have to consider the state of the water you are going to be running in. is it a flat lake, is it a river or a choppy bay. i think if there is chop, the Dingy will ride the best and handle the water the best although the tri-hull will likely do pretty well too. good point about the side benches. they're more conducive to tiller motors. i think there is a lot of "store loyalty" when people purchase items, much like a car manufacturer loyalty. thanks for sharing.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy for some reason, i think there is a stigma associated with Tractor Supply. I got a little Pelican Catch Pwr 100 Kayak there a couple of years ago. its a great little boat but a little too tippy for my big butt. will probably cut it from the "fleet" soon. only been in the water once....lol
I acquired a West Marine 9.4 Water Tender a week ago in basically brand-new condition. I did a bunch of research and found three potential issues with it. They're kind of infamous for not being sealed well between the top and bottom shells, and so they can take on water. There is no drain plug in the transom; it's in the bow nose. And, the transom only supports the motor; the support does not run all the way between the gunnels. SO - I took off the rubrail, grabbed a saws-all and separated the hulls. I added several support plates in various places (I use downriggers and needed something to attach them to) on the underside of the top shell, added support plates on the transom so I could attach transom wheels, sealed the existing hull styrofoam with Flex Seal liquid and then Gorilla tape, added foam supports topped with aluminum plates in the bottom shell so there's not to much give when standing in the boat, ran all my electrical for my two lithium batteries and enclosed them, ran electrical for my Garmin, installed rod holders and permanently affixed a seat on the bench so that I can lean back, etc (bad back). Added small drain holes in the top shell so no water collects in the top, and installed a transom drain plug. Then I put heavy butyl tape between the shells and heat-welded the shells together where previously they were only stapled. It added a total of 24 pounds of weight and took about 30 hours of work, but I now have a rock-solid full-on fishing boat that is super stable, strong, almost no wires anywhere, and can be used in super-shallow or big waters. Was worth every penny and hour spent.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I looked around for several months trying to find the right boat. Had an inflatable for years, but there's very little interior room. For the same outer dimensions as my inflatable, my new West Marine has SO much more interior space. I can kick my legs out, I have more than enough room for all my gear, and it still just fits in the back of my shortbed truck. Still don't need a loading ramp, marina, or anyone to help me launch/load. I love this thing; can't say enough good things about the stability, the hull shape, etc. LOVE this thing. Would do it again in a heartbeat, and hope other people will take the time to customize theirs as well.
I also didn't see your video until I had already done all the work, but I couldn't agree with you more. The Water Tender is THE way to go - at least for my own area and style of fishing.
@@concernedcitizen8481 yes, 3mph is pretty standard. 3.5-4mph if wind/current or both is on your back. About 3mph punching through. I have a 46lb and fish windy and choppy conditions perfectly fine. 55lb would be even better but suck more power
Yay! My boat was in your video! I chose the West Marine Classic Dinghy. On our reservoir down the street, gas motors aren’t allowed. A 40 or 55lb thrust trolling motor with a lightweight lithium battery yields a full day of cruising around. I bought oars with it as well-you can save the battery and still get around just fine! Loved this video-your channel is always entertaining and informative.
My water tender runs a 6hp Tohatsu four stroke like a champ. Top speed planed out is 15 with me, 3 gallons of gas, trolling motor with heavy battery, seats, etc. Highly recommend it.
I have a Bass pro shop pond prowler 10 foot boat payed $800 new. It's a great stable small boat. The only issue I have is it's a little heavy for loading up in a truck and if there's a breeze it will blow around pretty easy. But it is a great fishing boat for the price. 🙂
I have a Sun Dophin Sportsman and love it. Me and my friend both fish out of it, I am 215lb and he is 285lb and with our gear it is a very stable boat. All I use is a M K 45lb trust trolling motor which moves it around very well, I would remanded it to anyone.
This is the price point where building one can be beneficial. The Sun Dolphin 8.5 reminds me of the Skimmer plans from Duckworks. It's two sheets of plywood and a few sticks of lumber, and can take up to a 15hp motor.
Wow, not only is your content well researched, presented, & helpful but your video editing is top notch as well with all the graphics, pop-ups & transitions. Well done, sir!
I had one of those plastic sun dolphins for a month. Tried it on a local river and wasn't impressed with the stability. Ended up selling it. If anyone is looking to get into a small boat go used aluminum.
Good segment but reveiws like these have sky rocketed the price of these boats. So they are no longer under 600.00 anymore. This makes it harder for guys like me to get a good starter boat for fishing with my kid. Gotta keep saving my pennies.
I own the west marine dinghy. It is incredibly stable, and moves along quite well with a 30lb thrust trolling motor. I stand up to fish. The bottom flexes some, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem. I’ve found that it’s a bit on the heavy side, and bought a trailer for it.
I would suggest looking for these used because sometimes they are dirt cheap but still in good condition. Also the Porta Bote is very expensive but sometimes you can pick one up fairly cheap if you’re lucky and willing to drive a distance.
The sun dolphin is junk it’s made with super cheap plastic I’ve had a bunch that were shredded on the bottom. And it’s foam filled so once water gets in it’s crazy heavy
The West Marine dingy has a drain on the bow to help keep it from getting too much water in it. I got mine used dirt cheap and have found it to be pretty decent for what it is.
Water tender is a quick little boat but nowhere near as stable as the pontoon models. Not great for fishing but phenomenal for cruising. Used to have one
West marine tender is probably the most stable tender I have owned for the money. My true kit discovery is increasingly stable at 5x the price. The weight of the water tender is not too bad. Handles a small engine well I put a 7hp evinrude 2 stroke on it. My main point of the west marine tender is stability. Easy to work out of off the side. Classic dinghy is. Scary unstable. Had one of these as well game with the boat was immediately replaced. Dumping the wife in the water not an option.
Hey Wayne, still watching but it should be said that the max HP rating is really just a suggestion. You putting a 3 or 4hp on that prowler isnt gonna hurt anything. You should do an update of your small boat video from a few years ago since Tracker re-released the smaller jon boats now!!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy that is true. Here in NY I couldn't find anything in the laws that said that specifically said that needed to be followed. We have a 7.5hp on a boat rated for 4hp with no issue. The waters these boats go in normally just get a game warden, no coast guard boats around here. I also hardly see game wardens around here in general. Normally a few state police will come around the parks and just check with people.
I been looking for something to tow behind my jet So I could bring extra fuel chairs camping stuff out to the islands The water tender might be a good for that
The sundolphin, quest, and cabelas jon boat are all the same boat but the pelican jon boat is actually a very different boat. It would be nice to have a real water comparison between the two. I have the cabelas version, and it’s lightweight with higher side walls, although a bit more flexy than I would like.
I just to got to ask , You say the ploy craft TUFFY is expensive for it size , But I watch video's of people in Australia and England and these people out on the OCEAN some for miles in open Ocean and love how good boat handles the seas? ,Maybe you should contact the NJ sale center to let you try a boat ?
Buy used, as they say the two times a boat owner is the happiest is the day he buys it and the day he sells it which means you can get a deal on it when the seller either moves up or rarely used it..
Cheap boats... ? I found one of mine in a pasture.. a 14' Alweld flat bottom jon boat. Price was a penny more than this comment cost me😅 Anyhoo, I'm 63 years young. Bigger guy .288# Been reading rave reviews on the. Tohatsu 6 HP motors. Tohatsu/Mercury.. Fabulous fuel economy.. Have you ever reviewed one ? Thinking of just cruising around the Truman lake here in Missouri..and the sac and Osage rivers.. Me.. my dog.. cooler of ice and soda water . (Small dog).... Wonder if I could get on plane? Or ? Just not worry about speed.. and enjoy the views and being on the water.. If you don't think that'll work . I'll steal my boy's 1972 Johnson 9.9 😅 I very much appreciate your videos..good stuff.
I hear good things about small Tohatsus as well. A 14 foot with a 6 might be perfect for cruising with your dog! I enjoy traveling a little slower myself especially when I'm the one 'driving'!
Not only the boats are a personal preference and it all depends on what kind of waters you're taking it in? Their cheap boat only for a ponds and small lakes. I wouldn't take that out on any major lakes?
It really depends on how fit you are, the weather, and what you're brining along - but 3 miles could be considered a long walk with nothing! For example if you bring an anchor, trolling motor, lead acid battery, and some other gear it could easily add another 100 lbs. to what you're pulling. Plus it could be a downhill to the water, and an uphill trip coming back.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Got it. I understand. Thanks a lot! I do not plan on adding much of anything but fishing rods small tackle box and oars. I'm feeling confident I can do it. Plan to store boat about that distance from a small lake. And pull it on a paved walking trail. No hills. 😁
The simulated clinker Classic style obviously looks more attractive but will have limited room aboard and will be unstable / wobbly on the water if you shift your weight to either port or starboard. Great for getting out to a sailing yacht or for rowing purposes but the West Marine cathedral twin hull design will be much better suited to most people due to it's much greater stability and smooth gunwales which are ideal for young children clamouring back on board after jumping into the water for a swim. The amount of freeboard will be better too with the twin cathedral hull especially if there are 2 or 3 people in the boat.
It depends on the state. Where I live we need to register any boat that is mechanically propelled (even if it's just a trolling motor). But the fees are based on length of boat and maybe size of engine. I think I pay nothing to renew my registration on boats 12 feet and under - but there was a small initial title fee.
well wayne the boat guy im sure youve already got the idea that the marine world is a lot like the death care industry theyre as crooked as a broken nose and looking to get every penny they can out of you in 2011 i bought myself a brand new tracker topper ten i bought on brand recognition BIG MISTAKE the paint was peeling within a week of purchase the aluminum under the transom mount wasnt painted thats a big no no with aluminum it either needs to be all painted or all raw it will corrode my boat was purchased on sale i couldve bought a better built aluma craft at that time for the exact same price i guess overall i dont regret buying the tracker but will shop around in the future if i decide to buy again instead of build
I don’t know if I can totally agree you… I have the west marine classic as my dinghy it boats just fine and does everything I ask it to, I’m pretty sure the water tender would work well too. That and if all you want to do is get out there and harass the local fish population on the local pond/lake/other protected bit of water, all the others would do you just fine as well and will catch just as many fish as the fancier “real boats” just not with as much style.
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
![KSI - Thick Of It (feat. Trippie Redd) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/At8v_Yc044Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![KAYTRANADA - Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jGK3YVmGZ3Y/mqdefault.jpg)
good segment Wayne. i think you have to consider the state of the water you are going to be running in. is it a flat lake, is it a river or a choppy bay. i think if there is chop, the Dingy will ride the best and handle the water the best although the tri-hull will likely do pretty well too. good point about the side benches. they're more conducive to tiller motors. i think there is a lot of "store loyalty" when people purchase items, much like a car manufacturer loyalty. thanks for sharing.
Good points! I was quite surprised at the differences in price for the same boat.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy for some reason, i think there is a stigma associated with Tractor Supply. I got a little Pelican Catch Pwr 100 Kayak there a couple of years ago. its a great little boat but a little too tippy for my big butt. will probably cut it from the "fleet" soon. only been in the water once....lol
I acquired a West Marine 9.4 Water Tender a week ago in basically brand-new condition. I did a bunch of research and found three potential issues with it. They're kind of infamous for not being sealed well between the top and bottom shells, and so they can take on water. There is no drain plug in the transom; it's in the bow nose. And, the transom only supports the motor; the support does not run all the way between the gunnels. SO - I took off the rubrail, grabbed a saws-all and separated the hulls. I added several support plates in various places (I use downriggers and needed something to attach them to) on the underside of the top shell, added support plates on the transom so I could attach transom wheels, sealed the existing hull styrofoam with Flex Seal liquid and then Gorilla tape, added foam supports topped with aluminum plates in the bottom shell so there's not to much give when standing in the boat, ran all my electrical for my two lithium batteries and enclosed them, ran electrical for my Garmin, installed rod holders and permanently affixed a seat on the bench so that I can lean back, etc (bad back). Added small drain holes in the top shell so no water collects in the top, and installed a transom drain plug. Then I put heavy butyl tape between the shells and heat-welded the shells together where previously they were only stapled. It added a total of 24 pounds of weight and took about 30 hours of work, but I now have a rock-solid full-on fishing boat that is super stable, strong, almost no wires anywhere, and can be used in super-shallow or big waters. Was worth every penny and hour spent.
Wow - that’s taking a cheap boat to the next level!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I looked around for several months trying to find the right boat. Had an inflatable for years, but there's very little interior room. For the same outer dimensions as my inflatable, my new West Marine has SO much more interior space. I can kick my legs out, I have more than enough room for all my gear, and it still just fits in the back of my shortbed truck. Still don't need a loading ramp, marina, or anyone to help me launch/load. I love this thing; can't say enough good things about the stability, the hull shape, etc. LOVE this thing. Would do it again in a heartbeat, and hope other people will take the time to customize theirs as well.
I also didn't see your video until I had already done all the work, but I couldn't agree with you more. The Water Tender is THE way to go - at least for my own area and style of fishing.
Pond Prowler 10’ owner here. I take mine out on the bay with big chop and large large wake. Handles like a champ!
Im looking at the PP 10 also. I need to be able to troll for salmon in the salt water. Do electric trolling motors hit at least 3mph on that boat?
@@concernedcitizen8481 yes, 3mph is pretty standard. 3.5-4mph if wind/current or both is on your back. About 3mph punching through. I have a 46lb and fish windy and choppy conditions perfectly fine. 55lb would be even better but suck more power
Yay! My boat was in your video! I chose the West Marine Classic Dinghy. On our reservoir down the street, gas motors aren’t allowed. A 40 or 55lb thrust trolling motor with a lightweight lithium battery yields a full day of cruising around. I bought oars with it as well-you can save the battery and still get around just fine! Loved this video-your channel is always entertaining and informative.
Nice little boat for that kinda stuff!
My water tender runs a 6hp Tohatsu four stroke like a champ. Top speed planed out is 15 with me, 3 gallons of gas, trolling motor with heavy battery, seats, etc. Highly recommend it.
I have a Bass pro shop pond prowler 10 foot boat payed $800 new. It's a great stable small boat. The only issue I have is it's a little heavy for loading up in a truck and if there's a breeze it will blow around pretty easy. But it is a great fishing boat for the price. 🙂
I have a Sun Dophin Sportsman and love it. Me and my friend both fish out of it, I am 215lb and he is 285lb and with our gear it is a very stable boat. All I use is a M K 45lb trust trolling motor which moves it around very well, I would remanded it to anyone.
That's cool!
Just Love my Water Tender. A lot of boat for $550. Very stable, functional, and good looking. Actually looks like a boat. Easy to launch as well.
I highly recommend going up to the 12' line for stability and outboard purposes!
Yes you should always buy your second motorcycle first....
I used the the Sun Dolphin for years at work. They're tough little boat. Just add Hull protectors.👍🤠
They are wider than a kayak you could have allot of fun in small boats like those of course understanding what precautions need to be observed
This is the price point where building one can be beneficial. The Sun Dolphin 8.5 reminds me of the Skimmer plans from Duckworks. It's two sheets of plywood and a few sticks of lumber, and can take up to a 15hp motor.
That's a good point!
Wayne your graphics and how the photos were presented was very professional . Good Video. Very informative.
Thank you!
Wow, not only is your content well researched, presented, & helpful but your video editing is top notch as well with all the graphics, pop-ups & transitions. Well done, sir!
Wow, thank you!
Wayne,
You answered some of my questions
Thanks…
Thanks again for doing a great insightful post on the Bridge several days ago..
Greg
Always happy to be of assistance!
I had one of those plastic sun dolphins for a month. Tried it on a local river and wasn't impressed with the stability. Ended up selling it. If anyone is looking to get into a small boat go used aluminum.
Man, nice don't forget the Coleman Crawdad, I had one not sure if they still make it !
That hasn’t been manufactured for some years.
About 20 years.... ?
Got my Pond Prowler 10 on the BPS club deal. It's friggin great.
Good segment but reveiws like these have sky rocketed the price of these boats. So they are no longer under 600.00 anymore. This makes it harder for guys like me to get a good starter boat for fishing with my kid. Gotta keep saving my pennies.
I own the west marine dinghy. It is incredibly stable, and moves along quite well with a 30lb thrust trolling motor. I stand up to fish. The bottom flexes some, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem. I’ve found that it’s a bit on the heavy side, and bought a trailer for it.
I would suggest looking for these used because sometimes they are dirt cheap but still in good condition. Also the Porta Bote is very expensive but sometimes you can pick one up fairly cheap if you’re lucky and willing to drive a distance.
That tri hull is the best boat in my opinion, looks lighty stable and I bet it could handle a 6hp
Never knew about West Marine. Come to find out, it's one right here in Chicago . Thanks. Will check them out.
I like the look of the classic dingey.
The sun dolphin is junk it’s made with super cheap plastic I’ve had a bunch that were shredded on the bottom. And it’s foam filled so once water gets in it’s crazy heavy
I bought a 12ft boat and made a fiberglass mold out it and made my own boat for around 200$
The West Marine dingy has a drain on the bow to help keep it from getting too much water in it. I got mine used dirt cheap and have found it to be pretty decent for what it is.
Water tender is a quick little boat but nowhere near as stable as the pontoon models. Not great for fishing but phenomenal for cruising. Used to have one
West marine tender is probably the most stable tender I have owned for the money. My true kit discovery is increasingly stable at 5x the price. The weight of the water tender is not too bad. Handles a small engine well I put a 7hp evinrude 2 stroke on it. My main point of the west marine tender is stability. Easy to work out of off the side. Classic dinghy is. Scary unstable. Had one of these as well game with the boat was immediately replaced. Dumping the wife in the water not an option.
Hey Wayne, still watching but it should be said that the max HP rating is really just a suggestion. You putting a 3 or 4hp on that prowler isnt gonna hurt anything. You should do an update of your small boat video from a few years ago since Tracker re-released the smaller jon boats now!!
But technically, in some places the Coast Guard or DNR people could have an issue if we overpower our boats
@@WayneTheBoatGuy that is true. Here in NY I couldn't find anything in the laws that said that specifically said that needed to be followed. We have a 7.5hp on a boat rated for 4hp with no issue. The waters these boats go in normally just get a game warden, no coast guard boats around here. I also hardly see game wardens around here in general. Normally a few state police will come around the parks and just check with people.
My new idea telsa boats
After extensive research the boat wasn't named after Dolly Parton although being extremely top heavy.... 😮
I been looking for something to tow behind my jet
So I could bring extra fuel chairs camping stuff out to the islands
The water tender might be a good for that
The sundolphin, quest, and cabelas jon boat are all the same boat but the pelican jon boat is actually a very different boat. It would be nice to have a real water comparison between the two. I have the cabelas version, and it’s lightweight with higher side walls, although a bit more flexy than I would like.
I just to got to ask , You say the ploy craft TUFFY is expensive for it size , But I watch video's of people in Australia and England and these people out on the OCEAN some for miles in open Ocean and love how good boat handles the seas? ,Maybe you should contact the NJ sale center to let you try a boat ?
I liked the video, and can appreciate the effort.. but I've got a bathtub bigger than some of these watercraft selling as boats.
Excellent video thank you very much I am considering moving away from my inflatable what do you think about the West Marine john 12 dinghy
Hi Wayne, can u make one on the new e-propulsion lite 500w and compare it to a trolling motor please?
I hope to get my hands on one of those sometime soon!
Buy used, as they say the two times a boat owner is the happiest is the day he buys it and the day he sells it which means you can get a deal on it when the seller either moves up or rarely used it..
Cheap boats... ? I found one of mine in a pasture.. a 14' Alweld flat bottom jon boat.
Price was a penny more than this comment cost me😅
Anyhoo, I'm 63 years young.
Bigger guy .288#
Been reading rave reviews on the. Tohatsu 6 HP motors.
Tohatsu/Mercury..
Fabulous fuel economy..
Have you ever reviewed one ?
Thinking of just cruising around the Truman lake here in Missouri..and the sac and Osage rivers..
Me.. my dog.. cooler of ice and soda water .
(Small dog)....
Wonder if I could get on plane?
Or ? Just not worry about speed.. and enjoy the views and being on the water..
If you don't think that'll work .
I'll steal my boy's 1972 Johnson 9.9 😅
I very much appreciate your videos..good stuff.
I hear good things about small Tohatsus as well. A 14 foot with a 6 might be perfect for cruising with your dog! I enjoy traveling a little slower myself especially when I'm the one 'driving'!
Got a 2021 Lund 1032 Jonboat with a trailer for 500 last summer but realized it’s easier to just toss it in the back of my 95 f150
Nice!
Thank you for your research.
The waters I fish on do not allow motors so I need a boat that rows well. This one does not have oars.
Not only the boats are a personal preference and it all depends on what kind of waters you're taking it in? Their cheap boat only for a ponds and small lakes. I wouldn't take that out on any major lakes?
Walmart sells some of those boats cheaper than all of those companies you used
Would it be possible to pull any of these on a dolly by hand for approximately 3 miles or so?
It really depends on how fit you are, the weather, and what you're brining along - but 3 miles could be considered a long walk with nothing! For example if you bring an anchor, trolling motor, lead acid battery, and some other gear it could easily add another 100 lbs. to what you're pulling. Plus it could be a downhill to the water, and an uphill trip coming back.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Got it. I understand. Thanks a lot! I do not plan on adding much of anything but fishing rods small tackle box and oars. I'm feeling confident I can do it. Plan to store boat about that distance from a small lake. And pull it on a paved walking trail. No hills. 😁
The simulated clinker Classic style obviously looks more attractive but will have limited room aboard and will be unstable / wobbly on the water if you shift your weight to either port or starboard. Great for getting out to a sailing yacht or for rowing purposes but the West Marine cathedral twin hull design will be much better suited to most people due to it's much greater stability and smooth gunwales which are ideal for young children clamouring back on board after jumping into the water for a swim. The amount of freeboard will be better too with the twin cathedral hull especially if there are 2 or 3 people in the boat.
Do these need to be licensed like larger boats?
It depends on the state. Where I live we need to register any boat that is mechanically propelled (even if it's just a trolling motor). But the fees are based on length of boat and maybe size of engine. I think I pay nothing to renew my registration on boats 12 feet and under - but there was a small initial title fee.
tractor supply $229 delivery fee should be considered
I hadn’t considered delivery fees but they can be pretty steep if your local stores don’t carry stuff. Sometimes delivery to store is free.
Whaly Boats!
well wayne the boat guy im sure youve already got the idea that the marine world is a lot like the death care industry theyre as crooked as a broken nose and looking to get every penny they can out of you
in 2011 i bought myself a brand new tracker topper ten i bought on brand recognition BIG MISTAKE the paint was peeling within a week of purchase
the aluminum under the transom mount wasnt painted thats a big no no with aluminum it either needs to be all painted or all raw it will corrode my boat was purchased on sale i couldve bought a better built aluma craft at that time for the exact same price i guess overall i dont regret buying the tracker but will shop around in the future if i decide to buy again instead of build
Are you talking cheapest or least expensive? Big difference.
How about "Lowest purchase cost"?
Idk if I would call these things boats 🤣
I don’t know if I can totally agree you… I have the west marine classic as my dinghy it boats just fine and does everything I ask it to, I’m pretty sure the water tender would work well too.
That and if all you want to do is get out there and harass the local fish population on the local pond/lake/other protected bit of water, all the others would do you just fine as well and will catch just as many fish as the fancier “real boats” just not with as much style.
two men plus gear and motor would sink these boats
It’s better to buy a cheapest bath tub which can float very well onto water
WaterTender -----> Excellent Boat
Sportman ----------> will capsize 100%, not ever recommended