Boat withstanding cypress stumps.

S

Sam Smith

New member
I plan to purchase a boat in early 2012 and could use any suggestions. I use an aluminum 17' canoe at this time for duck hunting creeks and the Cash River in Arkansas. The canoe is on its last leg, heavy and noisy. I deal with a lot of beaver dams, leaves and worst of all cypress stumps. Threw my searches Kevlar is the way to go for strength and weight but not on $$$. The layout type boats seem to be very wide. It normally me decoys and occasion dog. Any suggestions for a boat in these conditions would be appreciated.
 
What type of boat are you looking for.... canoe, marsh boat, jon, etc.??? With or without motor?

For several years we used boats like this back in the swamps along Cache River: http://duckboats.net/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=168132;#168132

We have also used other marsh boats and canoes back in the swamps. Now we run mostly jon boats and motors. Getting older makes you want to paddle less.
If I was used to a canoe I would find a good used one. You will be able to get your money's worth out of it and you already know how to get around in it.
 
I have hunted the Cache River before. In fact, I have hunted there alot. I can not imagine being on that river in a canoe...period. I remember one day, a sunny day, calm, just beautiful, We took the flat bottom up the channel to put decoys out. Opening morning was the next morning. Then it started to rain. We had only gone upstream about a half mile, but before we could get back to the launch spot the water was a raging torrent coming down that channelized demon. We lashed the boat to a tree and had to wade back to my Land Rover ('72 Series III, 88"). The Cache was out of her banks and the Rover was in 18"s of water. All of this in two hours time. We drove the Rover across the bean field road referencing landmarks for navigation, as the road was completely obscured. Seven inches of rain later, the Cache was a diaster waiting to happen to anyone venturing out on her.....particularly in a canoe. Get a stable flatbottom and a good, dependable motor. Your grandchildren will thank you.
Eddy
 
I hunt several locations along the river. I have seen the same conditions South of Hwy 14. A flat bottom is first choice for that area. My conditions are the smaller streams and slews off the river with cypress knobs . I have considered a Poke boat because of light weight but afraid of punchers from knobs. The Swamp Ghost is an option but the weight is at the top of my desired range. I have been researching but hopeing for information for a boat that I may have not seen or from some ones personal experience. Thanks for replying.
 
I would consider a Grumman Sport Boat if I were you. It is built like a tank....they know a thing or two about aluminum. Pointer bow and very stable. 5hp mptor moves it great. I have had one since 1973 without a leak, and it has seen everything nature can throw at it.
 
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