Our verdict
The Pelican Bass Raider 10E Jon Boat is a budget-friendly, lightweight option for anglers who fish calm lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. Its durable RAM-X hull and simple flat-bottom design make it easy to transport and maintain, though it's best suited for solo or two-person fishing trips rather than rough water or heavier loads.
Why it made the list
- Lightweight easy transport
- Stable flat-bottom hull
- Budget-friendly fishing boat
Pros & cons
What we like
- Very lightweight, easy for one person to load/unload
- Stable flat-bottom hull great for calm lakes and ponds
- Low-maintenance hull resists corrosion and dents
- Affordable entry point into jon boat fishing
- Simple to clean after muddy or sandy outings
Watch out for
- Limited to small electric or low-hp gas motors
- Not rated for rough or open water conditions
- Basic seating comfort for long full-day trips
- Low weight capacity compared to aluminum jon boats
- Can feel tippy with more than two adults aboard
Spec sheet
| Length | 10 ft |
|---|---|
| Hull Material | RAM-X polyethylene |
| Max Weight Capacity | 390 lbs |
| Max Horsepower | Trolling motor or small gas motor up to 2hp |
| Boat Weight | 74 lbs |
Features at a glance
- Rugged RAM-X polyethylene hull construction
- Flat-bottom jon boat design for stability
- Two swivel fishing seats included
- Multiple flat surfaces for tackle and gear storage
- Transom reinforced for small outboard motor mounting
- Lightweight design for easy trailering and launching
- Built-in rod holders and carrying handles
Full review
The Pelican Bass Raider is a compact jon-style boat built for anglers who want a lightweight, easy-to-handle craft that can slip into tight coves, shallow backwaters, and narrow creeks where larger boats simply cannot go. Constructed from Pelican's RAM-X material, a tough multi-layer polymer, the hull resists dents, scratches, and corrosion far better than traditional aluminum jon boats, while also eliminating the noisy hull slap that can spook fish in quiet water. Its flat-bottom design provides excellent stability for standing while casting or working a trolling motor, making it a favorite among bass fishermen who fish solo or in pairs and want a boat they can trust on calm lakes, ponds, and slow rivers.
Despite its rugged build, the Bass Raider remains remarkably light, allowing it to be car-topped, trailered, or even hand-launched without the need for a boat ramp. The open layout offers generous deck space for tackle boxes, rod holders, and coolers, and many versions feature fold-down seats or bench seating that can be adjusted to suit different fishing styles. Transom mounts are rated for small outboard motors, giving anglers the flexibility to add power for covering more water quickly, while the shallow draft keeps the boat maneuverable in skinny water where bass often hide among lily pads, stumps, and brush piles.
Beyond its core fishing functionality, the Pelican Bass Raider is designed with low-maintenance ownership in mind; the UV-stabilized RAM-X hull won't rust, rot, or require the yearly upkeep associated with aluminum or fiberglass boats, and its color is molded throughout so scratches don't expose bare metal or gelcoat. The boat's compact footprint also makes storage simple, whether it's kept in a garage, on a small trailer, or flipped onto a rack, and its lighter weight compared to traditional jon boats reduces strain during loading and unloading. For anglers seeking an affordable, durable, and highly portable platform dedicated to bass fishing in tight, skinny-water environments, the Pelican Bass Raider delivers a purpose-built solution that blends convenience with dependable on-water performance.
Ready to rig it?
Pelican Bass Raider 10E Jon Boat
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