Best set up for Big River Hunting?

J

jdenny21

New member
I'm in the market for a duck boat, I primarily will hunt big water on the Mississippi river, just north of St. Louis, MO (and north of where the Missouri river intersects the Mississippi). I am leaning towards an aluminum hulled boat because I would think they can take more abuse. I have looked into fiberglass (ie: TDB and Bankes) and love what both of them have to offer, but am not sure how fiberglass would hold up, mostly because I haven't seen many in this area. I would like all of your opinions on aluminum vs. fiberglass in the big river hunting environment.

Thanks,
John
 
Most of the guys I know that hunt THE river use aluminum 18 ft river jons that are built like tanks. They have lots of freeboard and plenty of power to get them out of trouble. You hit a snag or an underwater wing dam in a boat that's not up to it you're in big trouble, fast. I'd hate to be in a swamped boat with a river barge bearing down on me...
 
i can't see you have any problems with fiberglass, The Windy is 20 years old this year and has seen more abuse fishing then I could ever give a boat gunning. I Charter over 300 trips a year out of Montauk NY and her hull is just as sound and shines up just like it was new. The only reason I bought an 18' Sea Ark alun\minum Jon was price. A Carolina Skiff would probably be much better suited for Sea Ducking, but I would have had to go with a bigger outboard because of the weight. Weather you go aluminum or glass your not going to have any problems with the boat as long as you get one from a reliable Manufacturer
 
John,
I think you will get some different answers depending on the persons experience.
I think wood, glass or Alu. would work if the operator understands the materials working character and handles the boat accordingly.
I like alu a lot. But the fabrication welding requires a high degree of skill and understanding. It can be cut with a skill saw and welded with a spool gun, BUT that alone does not make a good boat. Many other factors go into it and the good builders have the experience to make a great hull.
Glass is well tested and again the good builders have the experience to make a hull that will give very good service.
Wood will work and if encased in epoxy and reinforced fiber it is an easy way to get a boats shape and have the strength a home builder wants.
I would find a guide or hunting partner who works the area, and see what works for them. You can save a lot of time by learning from their experience.
 
John, I had a TDB 14' a few years ago, great boat but, got into layout hunting and needed more room. I've been running a 22' Sea Ark 5 years now and haven't looked back. Aluminum is maintence free and very tough. The boat carries a big load...2 layouts, 120 dekes, a lot weights for our main lines ,4-5 guys with gear. We have been on the Miss up around Keokuk,IA and some other big water around the country.The area you are describing would be well suited with aluminum, I think you would be happy with that choice . Good hunting ,Joe ...Carlyeboy.
 
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