Conference wahoo::fishing

    MVP Sports (in Nashua at least) has 2 Crawdad models.  I don't know the
    models, but one has the carpeted floor and swivel seats and the other
    is the plastic floor model with fold down swivel seats.  Can't recall
    exact prices, but around 479 for the first and 539 for the second.  You
    also get a $25 rebate and don't pay sales tax if purchased in the great
    tax free state of NH.
    
    The more expensive one is prewired for a trolling motor, if that helps
    you determine if its the RamX Pro XT.
    
    On a slightly different path, Bass Pro has a pretty nice Bantam ?X for
    499 and it comes with a livewell.  I was down there in April and liked
    it, but didn't think it would be welcome luggage on my flight home.
    When I called BPS the other day to inquire about shipping costs: the
    guy said $150 max, probably 135.  A call to Shimano, the maker, says 
    Bantams are not available locally, unless you live near BPS. 
    

    The BassTracker dealerships usually carry the Bantams as well. My next
    door neighbor bought one from Marine USA on Rt. 20 near the Shrewsbury
    - Worcester line. He didn't have to wait, they had it in stock.
    
    I think their number is 508-791-7116.
    
    
    Jack
    

    
    Would you know the directions from boston to the MVP Sports in Nashua
    by any chance??

 Two ways: 93N to 495S to 3N into NH. Take exit 8. Go right onto Amherst St.
MVP Sports is about 2 miles down the road on the left hand side, next to 
Greystone Plaza (also on the left hand side.)

 The other way is to take 128 to 3N, and follow 3 into NH (same directions from
this point.) Either way can be faster depending on the time of day and the
day of the week. The bottom line is that you want to get to Rt 3N...

 The Doctah

    There's an MVP store in Woburn, Mass in case you want to just look at
    one w/o going all the way up to New Hampster. 
    
    You also might also find Crawdads at Rich's and BJ's Wholesale
    Warehouse stores as well. I know that Rich's has had some great deals
    on the Crawdads in the past, so give them a call just in case.
    
    You also might consider a used one. That's how I got mine, and for a
    few minor scratches and wear (which you'll put on yourself anyway), you
    can save more than you can in a sale. AND it will be already assembled!
    Don't overlook that benefit! They're a PAIN to put together. I
    assembled a Coleman 17' canoe a few years ago - less work than a
    Crawdad, but a giant PAIN just the same.
    
    Also, I have to tell you in case you don't know, Crawdads are HEAVY.
    Mine - an XT model with carpeted floor and swivel seats - weighs over
    150lb. If you are planning to car-top it you might want to think again.
    It's all I can do to load and unload the thing myself, and I've had a
    few pretty tense moments in the process. But if you will have help
    available - of better yet a little trailer - you'll be ok.
    
    Otherwise Crawdads are GREAT. I love fishing from mine... (If I can
    ever get out!)
    
    Ed

    
    Thanks for all the input everyone.
    
    I called the store in woburn but they want about 25.00 dollars + tax
    more than the store in New Hamshire. I also called Rich's and they 
    said they do not carry Crawdad boats. I'd be willing to buy a used one
    if someone had one for sale but I can't find a used one.
    
    The Crawdad xt weighs 145lbs and I already have a little 4x8 trailer
    that I'll be using to move it around so it shouldn't be a problem.
    
    I'm also interested in one of those 3 hp electric motors if I can find
    one at a good price.
    
    Well thanks again. Let me know if you hear of a used one for sale...
    I'll most likely be buying mine this weekend coming up-
    
    
    thanks
    Matt-

    Matt;
    
        Did you find a 3 hp electric motor yet. Today in the Boston Globe
    in the sports section Hermans sporting goods has the minkota 3 hp
    on sale for $280. They have three stores in N.H. so you won't have 
    to pay the sales tax. I plan on going up there this weekend to pick one
    up for my bantam 3x I have on order.
    
       Best of luck
        Scott
        

    
    
    I ended up buying a Motorguide 28. I got a good deal on it and liked
    the way it was designed with the new style handle. I hope the weather
    holds out this weekend I dying to try the new XT out with the motor.
    
    I have the boat all registered and am ready to go fishing.......thanks
    for the message on the 3hp.
    
    
    Matt-

    
    I forgot to mention last weekend I bought the Crawdad-xt from MVP
    sports in Nashua N.H. The only problem was I received the wrong manual
    with it. The manual I got was to the basic Crawdad but it was pretty
    close except for the seats and front and rear flotation covers. It took
    be 5 hours to get it together but it looks great!!. I have everything
    now motor, battery, charger, rods, and hopefully good weather to try it
    out this weekend. I'm still looking for a good deal on a used 5hp or
    below gas engine. I like the electric trolling motor but I'd also like
    to pick up a small gas engine.
    
    
    Thanks for all the help-
    
    Matt-

    
    I have a 7HP ESKA, it's air cooled so it's lighter in weight than a 
    water cooled 5HP.  Runs OK last season in use was 88.  $150.
    
    HARBORMASTER
     

    
    Update on the Crawdad....
    
     I've been out about 7 times in the boat and it's worked out great. I
    installed lights because I plan on doing some night fishing and also
    installed rod and drink holders. The 28lbs motorguide motor works 
    excellent. I bought a huge marine battery and it lasts all weekend
    without being recharged.
    
    I've been basically hitting a lot of lakes in Carver mass with good
    luck. Last Sunday I caught about 20 bass the largest being 2lbs. I
    can't wait till the weekend.
    
    Matt-