# TLDR Review: Pelican Intruder 12 Boat

*Published: 2026-01-28 | Updated: 2026-01-28 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/pelican-intruder-12-boat*

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## Product: Pelican Intruder 12 Boat
**Brand:** Pelican

## Pros
- The Pelican Boat Intruder 12 performs solidly and meets or even exceeds expectations for its intended use.
- Assembly and setup are straightforward, making it user-friendly right out of the box.
- It’s very sturdy yet lightweight, allowing two people to carry it without a struggle.
- Perfectly suited for shallow canals, flats, and waters where bigger boats can’t go.
- Comfortably fits two smaller teens and two adults, with enough stability to stand while casting.
- Compatible with small engines up to 40 hp and works well for paddling.
- Portable size fits easily in the back of a pickup truck, great for on-the-go fishing or hunting trips.
- Motor reinforcement is solid, showing reliability for adding a small outboard.
- Offers good value for the price with decent quality aligned with its purpose.
- Users highly recommend it for its versatility and practicality.

## Cons
- Some users feel the boat feels weak and unstable under body weight, particularly due to a soft bottom that lacks firm support.
- The overall construction can feel flimsy or less durable than expected.
- The packaging is not sufficient, which leads to potential damage during shipping.
- Seller responsiveness to issues is poor, causing delays or hassles if you need support.
- Acquiring the boat’s title can be cumbersome due to receipt requirements and paperwork.
- May not confidently support multiple adult riders if that’s your plan.
- Repairing damage from shipping can be time-consuming if it occurs.

## Bottom Line

The Pelican Boat Intruder 12 is a lightweight, portable jon boat that excels in versatility for fishing, hunting, and exploring shallow waters where bigger boats can’t follow. It offers good value and solid performance for solo outings or small groups, especially with a small motor. However, if you’re looking for firmer support underfoot or a more robust build to carry multiple adults comfortably, you might find this boat a bit lacking. Given the concerns about packaging and seller support, make sure to inspect carefully on arrival. Overall, it’s a practical choice for shallow-water enthusiasts wanting portability and ease of use.

If you want a comparable boat with similar advantages but potentially sturdier construction, feel free to ask for other options!

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| The Pelican Boat Intruder 12 performs solidly and meets or even exceeds expectations for its intended use. | Some users feel the boat feels weak and unstable under body weight, particularly due to a soft bottom that lacks firm support. |
| Assembly and setup are straightforward, making it user-friendly right out of the box. | The overall construction can feel flimsy or less durable than expected. |
| It’s very sturdy yet lightweight, allowing two people to carry it without a struggle. | The packaging is not sufficient, which leads to potential damage during shipping. |
| Perfectly suited for shallow canals, flats, and waters where bigger boats can’t go. | Seller responsiveness to issues is poor, causing delays or hassles if you need support. |
| Comfortably fits two smaller teens and two adults, with enough stability to stand while casting. | Acquiring the boat’s title can be cumbersome due to receipt requirements and paperwork. |
| Compatible with small engines up to 40 hp and works well for paddling. | May not confidently support multiple adult riders if that’s your plan. |
| Portable size fits easily in the back of a pickup truck, great for on-the-go fishing or hunting trips. | Repairing damage from shipping can be time-consuming if it occurs. |
| Motor reinforcement is solid, showing reliability for adding a small outboard. |  |
| Offers good value for the price with decent quality aligned with its purpose. |  |
| Users highly recommend it for its versatility and practicality. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Walmart | $1160.43  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*