Originally Posted by 1stindoor

My .02 cents. I'd go with the aluminum john boat. Although it can get hotter, it's more durable and you can "customize" it about a bazillion different ways. Sheet metal screw...little bit of locktite or silicon and you're done. Want to make a change...cut the screw out, put in a little JB Weld, sand, spot of paint and you're on your way to configuration number 2, 3, 4, etc.

I fished out of a John boat for years before moving up to my first bass boat. My first john boat was a 12'er; looked like a tiny bass boat with trolling motor mounted to the front and my 5hp outboard on back. Set of wheels mounted on the transom meant I could off load from the bed and push it down to the water with ease. Coleman cooler makes a great live well for bait or fish. I normally carried a fish basket or stringer with me and strung that day's catch behind me.

If you go that route, recommend you cut a couple of pieces of plywood to fit on the floor; glue down some indoor/outdoor carpet and you're on your way. I eventually added a homemade canopy for mine as well. Made it with PVC tubing and a tarp. Nice thing about it was I could take it if I needed it, or leave it in parts in the bed.