"increased mobility"

[Jim Boyer]

The last couple of years I added a marsh boat to hunt out of. Hunting in the backwaters of the Mississippi River requires having a larger boat for "big water".
The problem is "big" is more difficult to hide. As the season progresses, ducks learn to "see" a big blind covered boat. Therefore, many successful hunts involve
going small (instead of hunting out of the big boat"). Taking a blind "with you" along with gear can be difficult....especially when older.

This year my "small boat" will be even better at getting to the "X". Paddling any distance was not working last season. Therefore, a few modifications were
added - oar extensions and a trolling motor. The flip doors fit down inside the oar locks when open.

The "little boat" can be either "tendered or towed".

note: flip doors, more "camo stuff" and a dog hide on the back complete the rig.

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[Jon Yenulonis]

Man, that is a NICE RIG!

Looks like you'll have the potential for some enjoyable hunts with your set-up.

Thanks for taking the time to share and post photos.

Jon

 

[Tom Scholberg]

Nice work!! I think duck hunters as a rule are the most inventive bunch anywhere. And it sure is fun to make something that works better and better.

 

[RLLigman]

Very well thought out and designed rig! Hope it works out well for you this season!

 

[KThompson]

Jim - Is the "little boat" a custom job? If not, what's the make and model? (nice setup, I'm envious, ha)

 

[Tom Wall]

Kyle,
Jim's little boat looks a lot like a Four Rivers Layout boat. I have one I haven't used in years.
Tom

 

[NickR]

Does anyone have any advice on transporting a small boat on a big boat?

Assume a guy needs to build a cradle. Padded bunks? I would be concerned about damaging the little boat when the big boat slams down on some choppy waves.

Thinking about rigging up a similar concept.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Boyer]

Tom is correct. It is a Four Rivers "Migrator".

This is a photo of how it is "tendered" to and from duck camp. The Phowler tender boat has an extended front deck with split bench seats in the aft. Using folded U-Haul quilted shipping blankets it rests back, lower on the deck and two seats. This position is very aerodynamic going down the road.

Tendering on the water requires more room in the boat. Therefore, it is moved forward on the extended deck and supported by three quilts. It is strapped down "significantly" and fits the shape of the boat so well that there is very little chance for any wind to "get a grip" on it. Towing is physically much simpler, but I have a pulley/wheel setup that allows me to get it up there alone. I am 75 years old and still can get it up......the boat that is. Ha!.

Here are a few steps in putting it up on the deck after a hunt. The board on the deck has a keel roller on one end.

The folded "padded bunks" work well because there is nothing to hinder getting the small boat in the correct position first.

The ducks just don't see it very well.

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