Mini Bass Boat-Help Me Decide

FlatsNBay · September 08, 2019, 01:12:23 PM

After having a Bass Tracker Bantam mini bass boat for over 20 years, I've missed having the little boat. I'm in the market for a good used mini bass boat and I've found a couple of awesome deals. If anyone has some pros or cons for each brand, let me know!

First Choice is a used 2015 Bass Hunter Baby in excellent condition. $400. Comes with just the boat and seats with no motor.

Second choice is a new Sun Dolphin Sportsman 8. Comes with seats and no motor, $300

I know that the Bass Hunter is the Cadillac of mini bass boats and has a one piece construction with thicker and more rigid plastic and has wheels. I've heard mixed reviews on the Sun Dolphin because it's a 2 piece construction with thinner plastic.

Any thoughts or advice?

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WTodd · September 08, 2019, 01:21:24 PM

First I don't know anything about mini-bass boats but based on what you said about each one, IMO the decision is simple; pay the extra $100 for the Cadillac.

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Capt. BassinLou · September 08, 2019, 02:16:56 PM

Quote from: WTodd on September 08, 2019, 01:21:24 PM
First I don't know anything about mini-bass boats but based on what you said about each one, IMO the decision is simple; pay the extra $100 for the Cadillac.

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What Walt said. 100$ more for the piece of mind of having a better quality boat is a no brainer imho.

FlatsNBay · September 08, 2019, 07:24:59 PM

I checked out the Sun Dolphin first because it was local. It was new but in damaged condition. It had a pretty deep gouge in the plastic. It also didn't come with seats. Strike that one off the list! I'll probably pick up the Bass Hunter later this week. The seller is nice enough to hold it for me until we can meet.

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WTodd · September 08, 2019, 07:30:37 PM

Post a couple of pics if you buy it

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Capt. BassinLou · September 08, 2019, 09:23:10 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on September 08, 2019, 07:24:59 PM
I checked out the Sun Dolphin first because it was local. It was new but in damaged condition. It had a pretty deep gouge in the plastic. It also didn't come with seats. Strike that one off the list! I'll probably pick up the Bass Hunter later this week. The seller is nice enough to hold it for me until we can meet.

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The Rooster · September 10, 2019, 12:14:45 PM

See my post a few posts down about my own Sundolphin Sportsman to know just what is possible with these boats. They're great! That said, $300 for one with no seats and damaged is awful since they can be found for $400 brand new with seats.

FlatsNBay · September 13, 2019, 04:27:25 PM

I saw your post Rooster. There's a ton of options and upgrades that you can do to these little boats.

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