The Bass Raider 10E is a small pontoon fishing boat with a weight capacity of 600 pounds.
Pelican boats are generally stable and have a good reputation for practicality.
However, there are some issues with them, including:
- Water collecting inside
- Faulty wiring
- Heat deformation
- Warranty & boat registration problems
We’ve researched most common problems and focus on them in this article.
Let’s get started!
1. Water Collecting Inside
There are complaints that the seams between the boat’s elements are not fully sealed.
Poorly sealed seams in Pelican Bass Raider 10E result in water seeping into the hulls.
“My father in law has a Pelican Bass Raider 10e that has a small leak (takes the entire season to be noticeable) but every winter we have to pull it out and drain the pontoons because they’re full of water […]”
[Source]
That usually happens when the water splashes from the bottom and enters by the rub rails. It can also occur after heavy rain.
The best way to prevent this is to regularly inspect and seal the seams of your boat.
2. Impossible to Fully Drain
Once the water gets in between the two layers, you want to get rid of it.
There is a drain plug on the end of the boat, but it is too high and it can be impossible to get all the water out.
Even if you flip the boat, it won’t fully drain. This can be not easy to do, as the boat can get very heavy with the water gathered inside.
Trapped water is especially problematic if your boat spends some time in freezing conditions. Frost can damage the boat and cause costly repairs.
3. Faulty Internal Wiring
Pelican Bass Raider 10E comes pre-wired so that you can quickly install a trolling motor on them.
Unfortunately, the wiring sometimes fails, as the fuses have a tendency to blow. If you’re not ready for it, it can get you in a tricky situation, for example, if you find yourself in strong currents and suddenly lose power.
Make sure to check all the connections, as they are responsible for voltage drop and increased current flow. Also, replace the old fuse with a circuit breaker.
Don’t forget to check if the wire gauge can handle the amp draw of your trolling motor.
4. Can Deform in the Sun
Due to its lightweight construction, Pelican Bass Raider 10E is not very resistant to heat.
If it stays in the sun for an extended period of time, it can get deformed and warp.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to store your boat in a cool and dry place if you’re not using it. Covering it with a tarp is also a good idea.
5. Making Holes Can Void Warranty
Most people will want to mount things on their boat, such as fish finders, rods etc.
Unfortunately, if you drill a hole in your boat, it can void your warranty.
Check the terms and conditions of your warranty before drilling any holes. If you’re not sure about what type of fastener to use, contact Pelican directly.
6. Problems with Registration
This applies especially to boats sold on Amazon.
You may have a problem registering the boat if Amazon doesn’t provide you with the Manufacturer’s Statement Of Origin.
You will then need to contact Pelican to receive the missing documents and to get the boat registered.
7. Other Issues
Rusty Staples
This seems to be a mostly cosmetic issue, but it’s a shame that higher-grade stainless steel is not used on the Pelican Bass Raider 10E.
You can try to remove them and replace them with stainless steel ones if you’re prepared for a bit of work.
Also, make sure to keep your Bass Raider cleaned and covered when not in use. It will help prevent the rust from spreading further.
Not As Durable as Aluminum
The polyethylene used on the Bass Raider is light, but it is simply not as durable as aluminum or fiberglass.
It won’t handle hard impacts as well and it can be prone to cracking in extreme temperatures.
Assembly Hardware Missing
Another common issue with the Bass Raider is that it often comes with some of the necessary assembly hardware missing.
This can be problematic, as you won’t be able to fully assemble your boat and you will have to purchase additional parts.
No Instructions Provided
This doesn’t have to be the case for everyone, but many buyers got their boats without any manual or even basic instructions included.
It’s inconvenient, as you’d have to figure out how to assemble the boat correctly.
Conclusion
Pelican Bass Raider 10E has a very attractive design at a low price point. It can be a great boat for fishing, but it does have a few issues.
Most of the problems we mentioned are minor. Unfortunately, the water getting inside is a serious one.
We are looking forward to Pelican fixing this issue soon.
Have you experienced any other problems with this boat?
