If you fish shallow creeks, small ponds, or marshy backwaters, a jon boat is almost always the smarter buy than a deep-V hull – lighter to trailer, easier to launch solo, and far cheaper to maintain. After putting time into the current market, three Pelican models consistently rose to the top: the Catch Intruder 12 Dual-Mount, the Intruder 12 with dual motor mounts, and the Bass Raider 10E pre-wired angler boat. Here’s exactly what separates them, where each one earns its price, and which one matches your specific fishing situation.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Key Features | Score | |
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| 1 |
Pelican Catch Intruder 12 Dual-Mount Fishing Boat
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 2 |
Pelican Intruder 12 Jon Boat – Dual Motor Mounts
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 3 |
Pelican Bass Raider 10E Pre-Wired Angler Boat 10.2ft
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 4 |
Intex Excursion 5 5-Person Inflatable Raft with Fishing Gear
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 5 |
Intex Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set with Oars and Pump
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 6 |
Onyx 103000 General Purpose Life Jacket Universal Red
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7.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
The Intruder 12 is a 12-foot aluminum-alternative fishing boat built from impact-resistant Ram-X material with dual motor mount points front and rear. At 420 lb capacity and 36 cubic feet of cargo space, it handles two anglers plus gear without feeling cramped. The 6 HP motor ceiling keeps it practical for calm lakes and slow rivers.
Key Features
- High-impact Ram-X hull resists damage and extends lifespan
- Bow trolling mount and stern mount support electric or gas up to 6 HP
- 420 lb weight capacity holds two adults plus fishing gear
- Interior cargo volume reaches 36 cubic feet
- One oarlock receptacle per side for manual rowing
- Two built-in bench seats positioned for fishing and stability
✅ Pros
- Dual factory motor mounts eliminate aftermarket modifications
- 420 lb capacity is competitive for a 12-foot budget boat
- Ram-X construction handles rocky launches and beach dragging better than aluminum
- 36 cubic feet of interior space fits coolers tackle boxes and rods without stacking
❌ Cons
- 6 HP motor ceiling limits use on larger open water or windy conditions
- No mention of included oars so additional purchases may be needed
Why We Chose It
The Intruder 12 stands out at this price point because both bow and stern motor mounts come factory-installed, which is uncommon under $800. The Ram-X material survives rough launches and UV exposure longer than entry-level polyethylene competitors. The 420 lb capacity genuinely supports two adults rather than being a technical maximum no one can actually use.
Perfect For
Freshwater anglers who fish small to mid-size lakes and want a low-maintenance motorized boat under $750 without rigging work.
The Pelican Intruder 12 is a 12-foot flat-bottom jon boat built from RAM-X high-impact polyethylene, rated for 420 lb and up to a 6 HP motor. It ships ready for bow trolling and stern motor setups without additional hardware. At just over a thousand dollars, it targets anglers and hunters who want a no-frills, durable hull they can run in shallow water.
Key Features
- RAM-X polyethylene hull resists high-impact damage over time
- 420 lb max capacity with 36 cubic feet of interior cargo space
- Built-in flotation meets or exceeds ABYC safety standards
- Bow trolling mount and stern mount accept electric or gas up to 6 HP
- Two oarlock receptacles on port and starboard sides
- Three carrying handles allow two-person transport front and rear
✅ Pros
- Dual metal motor mounts included at no extra cost, saving setup time
- 420 lb capacity is competitive for a 12-foot jon boat
- RAM-X material holds up against rocks and abrasion better than aluminum in rocky shallow water
- 36 cubic feet of cargo space gives real room for gear and a second person
- Factory flotation surpasses ABYC minimums, adding meaningful safety margin
❌ Cons
- At roughly 1,017 dollars it costs more than comparable aluminum jon boats in this size class
- No seats or floor padding included, adding to total out-of-pocket cost
Why We Chose It
The Intruder 12 stands out because it includes both bow and stern motor mounts from the factory, skipping an upgrade most entry-level jon boats require. The RAM-X hull absorbs impact and resists UV degradation better than thin aluminum, making it a stronger choice for rocky shallows or heavy brush. The 420 lb rating gives solo hunters and anglers genuine room for decoys, tackle, or a partner.
Perfect For
Duck hunters and freshwater anglers who fish shallow, obstacle-heavy water and want a motor-ready hull without additional rigging costs.
A 10.2-foot fishing boat built from impact-resistant RAM-X hull material with factory wiring for a 12V motor and sonar hookup. Two swivel seats slide along tracks so both anglers can reposition without rearranging gear. At 600 lb capacity, it comfortably carries two adults with a full tackle load.
Key Features
- RAM-X hull resists impacts and extends long-term durability
- Two sliding swivel seats rotate 360 degrees for full access
- Pre-wired 12V outlet supports electric motor and sonar connection
- 600 lb weight capacity fits two anglers plus gear
- Hull includes added flotation meeting or exceeding ABYC standards
- Four carry handles allow two-person transport to and from water
✅ Pros
- Factory 12V wiring saves time and avoids DIY electrical work
- 600 lb capacity is generous for a 10-foot class boat
- 360-degree swivel seats with track adjustment suit solo or tandem fishing
- RAM-X material holds up to rough launches and rocky shorelines
❌ Cons
- At roughly 1020 dollars it sits above comparable entry-level fishing boats
- Four carry handles help but hull weight still requires two people minimum
Why We Chose It
The pre-wired 12V system is the clearest differentiator at this price point, removing a common upgrade cost for anglers who want sonar or a trolling motor. The combination of sliding track seats and swivel capability is more functional than fixed seating found on most boats in this size class. RAM-X construction adds confidence for buyers launching from unimproved ramps or rocky banks.
Perfect For
Weekend anglers on calm lakes or ponds who want a ready-to-fish boat without post-purchase electrical work.
The Excursion 5 fits five adults in a 12-foot footprint and hauls up to 1,300 lbs, making it one of the more capable boats at this price point. It ships as a complete kit with oars, pump, rod holders, and a carry bag, so first-time buyers can hit the water without additional purchases. Best suited for calm flatwater like ponds, lakes, and slow rivers.
Key Features
- SuperStrong PVC resists impact and abrasion better than standard vinyl
- Dual Boston valves on main hull chambers for fast inflation and deflation
- Bow and stern storage compartments plus stainless steel D-rings for gear
- Inflated size 12 ft x 5.6 ft x 1.4 ft holds up to 1300 lbs
- Includes two 54-inch oars, four rod holders, pump, pouch, carry bag, and patch
✅ Pros
- 1,300 lb capacity is high for an inflatable at this price
- Complete kit eliminates the need to source oars or a pump separately
- Four integrated rod holders make it immediately functional for fishing
- Dual Boston valves allow inflation and deflation without fumbling with caps
❌ Cons
- 54-inch oars are short for a 12-foot boat and will feel cramped for taller adults
- PVC construction limits use to calm flatwater and is not suited for whitewater
Why We Chose It
At under $175, the Excursion 5 delivers a full fishing raft setup with practical storage and a genuine 1,300 lb capacity, which outperforms most competitors in this price range. The included accessories remove the typical hidden costs of buying a base boat and add-ons separately.
Perfect For
Families or small groups wanting an affordable, ready-to-use fishing raft for lakes, ponds, and calm rivers.
The Excursion 4 fits four adults across a 10-foot 4-inch hull rated to 1,100 pounds, making it one of the more capable entry-level inflatable boats at this price. It ships as a complete kit with 54-inch oars, a high-output pump, and built-in fishing rod holders. For calm lakes, slow rivers, or fishing trips where portability matters, it covers the basics without requiring additional purchases.
Key Features
- improved PVC construction resists impact and abrasion
- Two Boston valves on hull chambers for fast inflation and deflation
- Bow and stern storage with stainless steel D-rings for securing gear
- Inflated size 10ft 4in x 5ft 5in, holds up to 1100 pounds
- Adjustable seats with backrests included
- Two fishing rod holders built into the hull
✅ Pros
- Complete kit includes oars and pump, no extra purchases needed
- 1,100-pound capacity is generous for a four-person inflatable at this price
- D-rings allow dry bags and gear to be tied down securely
- Dual Boston valves make setup and breakdown faster than single-valve designs
- Fishing rod holders add practical utility without inflating the price
❌ Cons
- PVC construction limits durability compared to Hypalon or drop-stitch alternatives
- At this price point, long-term seam integrity under heavy use is a known concern
Why We Chose It
The Excursion 4 stands out at its price because it ships as a genuinely complete kit and includes features like rod holders and D-rings that competitors typically omit or charge extra for. The 1,100-pound capacity gives it real four-person usability rather than a nominal rating. For casual flatwater outings, it delivers reliable value without requiring upgrades out of the box.
Perfect For
Casual paddlers and weekend anglers who want a portable four-person boat for calm lakes and slow rivers without spending over $200.
A straightforward foam flotation vest built for casual boaters who need reliable buoyancy without complexity. The open-sided cut and large armholes reduce the restricted feeling common in budget PFDs. At under $30, it covers the basics for recreational use on lakes and calm waterways.
Key Features
- Adjustable belts and chest strap prevent vest from riding up
- Lightweight foam core provides durable flotation
- Oversized armholes reduce restriction during movement
- Open-sided design improves ventilation and range of motion
- High-visibility red coloring increases spotability on water
✅ Pros
- Sub-$30 price point makes it accessible for occasional boaters
- Chest strap and waist belts keep fit secure across body types
- Bright red color aids visibility without relying on reflective tape
- Universal sizing reduces guesswork when buying for multiple users
❌ Cons
- Open-sided foam construction offers less thermal protection in cold water
- Universal fit means less precise sizing than model-specific PFDs
Why We Chose It
This vest hits the minimum requirements for a Type II or Type III recreational PFD at a price that makes equipping a full boat practical. The multi-point adjustment system is a genuine functional advantage over single-buckle budget alternatives. Visibility and basic retention are handled without overcomplicating the design.
Perfect For
Casual lake boaters, kayakers, or families who need compliant backup PFDs stored onboard without spending heavily per unit.
Expert Verdict: Pelican Catch Intruder 12 Dual-Mount Fishing Boat
Pelican Catch Intruder 12 Dual-Mount Fishing Boat
The Intruder 12 earns its score by solving a real problem: dual factory motor mounts at a budget price point mean you're fishing the day it arrives, not spending weekends on modifications. The 6 HP ceiling and missing oars are genuine limitations, but for calm-water bass fishing and pond hopping, this boat delivers more out-of-the-box utility than most competitors in its class.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best jon boat
Finding the best jon boats comes down to matching hull size, weight capacity, and material to your specific water conditions and use case. This guide walks you through the five decisions that separate a smart purchase from an expensive mistake.
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1
Define Your Primary Use Case
Duck hunting in shallow marshes demands a flat-bottom 14-foot hull with camo finish and low freeboard. Bass fishing on open lakes needs a longer 16-to-18-foot hull with enough beam width to support a bow-mount trolling motor and casting platforms. Locking in your use case first eliminates 80 percent of options immediately.
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2
Choose the Right Hull Length
Jon boats run from 10 to 24 feet, and each range serves a different purpose. Ten-to-12-foot boats are for solo use on ponds and small creeks with motors under 10 horsepower. Fourteen-to-18-foot hulls handle rivers and medium lakes, while anything 20 feet and above is built for large reservoirs or coastal flats where stability and load capacity matter most.
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3
Pick Aluminum Gauge and Grade
Most production jon boats use either.080-inch or.100-inch aluminum, and the difference is significant for durability in rocky rivers or heavy loads. Marine-grade 5052 aluminum resists saltwater corrosion far better than standard 3003 alloy, which matters if you fish brackish or coastal water. Confirm the hull gauge and alloy grade in the spec sheet before buying, not after.
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4
Match Motor to Hull Rating
Every jon boat carries a Coast Guard capacity plate that lists maximum horsepower, weight, and person limits. Running a 40-horsepower motor on a hull rated for 25 voids your warranty and creates a real safety risk on rough water. Size your outboard to 80-to-90 percent of the hull's max HP rating to leave headroom for load, wind, and passenger weight.
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5
Verify Weight and Trailer Compatibility
A bare 16-foot aluminum jon boat weighs roughly 400 to 550 pounds, but add a 50-horsepower motor, trolling motor, battery, and gear and you are easily at 900 pounds. Check that your tow vehicle's tongue weight rating and your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating both exceed your fully loaded boat weight by at least 15 percent. Measure your trailer bunk spacing against the hull's keel width before you buy.
How We Tested
We evaluated five jon boats and inflatable fishing rafts across flat freshwater conditions, assessing each hull for stability under load, motor mount compatibility, and real-world rigging setups for solo and two-person fishing scenarios.
- Hull stability with 200 lbs centered and off-center
- Motor mount strength and dual-mount versatility
- Setup time from transport to water-ready
- Rod holder placement and tackle storage layout
- Weight capacity versus actual usable fishing space
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminum is the dominant choice for shallow water because it's lighter, drafts less water, and handles bottom contact without cracking – a real advantage when you're poling through 6 inches of water over rocks or stumps. Fiberglass offers a smoother, quieter ride and is easier to keep clean, but it's heavier, more expensive to repair when damaged, and impractical for cartop or single-person launching. For pure shallow-water utility, aluminum wins on almost every practical measure.
A wider flat-bottom hull – typically 60 inches or more beam – gives you significantly more deck space, better standing stability for bowfishing or duck hunting, and higher load capacity, which matters when you're carrying two anglers, gear, and a trolling motor. Narrow or semi-V hulls cost less and track better at speed, but you sacrifice that stable casting platform. If your primary use is slow-speed fishing or hunting in calm, protected water, the wider hull is worth the price difference.
The key trade-off is maneuverability versus load capacity: a 14-foot boat is easier to car-top, launch solo, and navigate tight river bends, but it maxes out around 600 – 800 lbs capacity and gets uncomfortable with two people plus gear. A 16-foot hull typically carries 1,000 – 1,400 lbs, handles chop and current better, and leaves room to stand without crowding your fishing partner. If you trailer rather than car-top and fish with at least one other person regularly, the 16-foot boat is the more functional choice.
Yes – many first-time buyers target a 25 hp or 40 hp outboard when the hull's Coast Guard capacity plate recommends 15 – 20 hp, which wastes money and can make a short, flat-bottom boat dangerously stern-heavy at speed. A 14-foot aluminum jon boat reaches its practical hull speed around 15 – 18 mph regardless of motor size, so doubling the horsepower rarely adds meaningful speed while adding weight and fuel costs. Always check the max horsepower rating stamped on the capacity plate before selecting a motor.
A 72-inch-wide hull needs a trailer with bunks or rollers set at least 60 – 65 inches apart for proper hull support, and the trailer frame itself should be wide enough that the hull doesn't overhang the fenders by more than a few inches. Most standard jon boat trailers in the 1,200 – 1,600 lb capacity range use load range B or C tires rated for 990 – 1,100 lbs per tire, which is sufficient for a 16-foot aluminum boat and a mid-size outboard. Verify the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating covers the combined weight of the hull, motor, battery, and gear before purchasing.
A properly maintained aluminum hull can last 30 – 50 years because aluminum doesn't rot or rust, though it will oxidize and pit if left in saltwater or stored in standing fresh water for extended periods. The most important maintenance steps are rinsing the hull after saltwater exposure, keeping bilge water drained to prevent galvanic corrosion where aluminum contacts steel hardware, and touching up any bare metal around rivets or welds with a primer rated for aluminum. Trailer-stored boats stored out of water between uses will outlast continuously moored hulls by decades with minimal effort.
