Its a duckboat forum so.....

Gary F

Gary F

Member
For Tods viewing pleasure as well as mine. I am in the market for a duck boat for hunting the coast and some fresh water. But mostly the coast. Close to shore stuff not far out sea duck hunting. I like the Huff boats but why don't you show me what you have and what you like about it. I have only hunted from a 14ft TDB Classic so that is all i have to go by. So lets see them guys.... By the way please do not make it a pissing contest that your boat is better than there boat. Its all in what "YOU" like not anyone else.
 
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Here's what I use on Mobile Bay and MS Sound. Mostly open water, sometimes on MS Sound we get right up against the bank.
14' Smokercraft Semi-V. Deep & wide, rated for a 30, I run a 25 2 stroke.
I like it, relatively shallow draft (6-7" full loaded, just floating, not running), relatively light, handles a chop pretty good (much better than my old mv jon boat).
Hunts 2 guys and a dog easily. Three guys and its pretty crowded.

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If I had the $$$, I would get a "TBD or something like a TDB" about the same size and a sneakbox for when I hunt alone.

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I'm not a commercial duckboat guy, since I'd built my own in 2002-3, but... The other week I went to look at a boat and was very impressed. Boat was a Duck Boss 15 and a 2006, the boat looked great. Well taken care of, but the boat was obviously built very well to look practically factory new at 10 years old. Deserves a look.

My Snowgoose back when my tiller would stay up!

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My Snowgoose back when my tiller would stay up! (Old age gets the best of all of us, Tod)

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Sure does, the damn thing just flops down every time I let go of it. Some problem in there- it isn't in my head. I've tried beating on it but that does no good. Tried heat - nope. Oil - nope.
 
Hi Gary,
This is my 18' Bailey Bridge Boat. It's been a great boat and most likely will be up for sale in a couple weeks. I am currently negotiating on a larger boat, once that deal is solidified, this boat will be for sale. if It is more of a sea duck boat, but will hide on fresh water too. Good luck with your search.







 
Troy! Your tempting me with that boat. Love the size and it was very comfortable. Good luck on the new boat.

Seems I've gone the Sneakbox route. I have a jon we use from time to time but it's been my sneak the last few years. And hopefully this season I'll have my estuary going.

Registered as a 1946 built by Gus Heinrichs of West Creek, NJ


 
There's no perfect boat as everyone's needs are different depending on their hunting style and location.

NJ is sneakbox country and my rigs are in a constant state of refinement.

12ft Roy High boat for when I'm gunning two guys

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12ft Bob Fricke glass over cedar sneakbox

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Featured in Ducks Unlimited magazine! :)

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Very nice boats gents... I am torn on what to get. That is why i would like to know what you like about your boats. The way it hides, shallow draft, How it handle in the conditions you hunt. I want something that tucks up against the shore. The only open water i did with the TDB was hunting sea ducks and divers in the bays. Nothing far out.
 
I like the fact that is mine will carry plenty of decoys, me, my Chessie and someone else, if Kodi approves of them. It hides well... and it is quite seaworthy.





 
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here' my 13 duck boss. Comfortably hunts 2 and has plenty of storage for a boat this size. Takes chop beautifully and is a great hide. Love this thing!
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Colin that is a really nice boat. I like the looks of the Duck Boss boats. I get drawn to the boats like Craig F and Tom have for the same reason i like old side x sides for upland game. There is history in those boats. If the boat could only speak and tell the stories. But all fiberglass boats are very nice looking. I really like the lines of the Huff boat for some reason. Keep the boats coming guys. I am sure i am not the only one on here who loves seeing these boats.
 
Gary, I think you've seen these, a combination of purchased hull and lots of customization:

Underway on your home waters:

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Driveway shot to show deck and cargo capacity:

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Deck can be wood or aluminum. This one is aluminum with ply flip boards for the warmth and dog comfort. Sitting on aluminum did keep them from drying so after a half doz years the rotted and have been upgraded to doubled sheet FRB and piano hinges. My fist decked hull was done in all marine ply and it held up very well.

And there is always Dave Morton's Cackler:

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Scott
 
Scott, i work in a metal fabrication shop progamming the laser cutting machine as well as the waterjet cutter and cnc punch. So aluminum is right up my alley... lol Not sure how shallow that boat drafts though. Low tide can get pretty shallow in some of my spots. We could push pole the TDB though so not to get stuck.
 
Ok, I'll bite.


Here's a few pics of mine-


Basic 17' Tracker welded Jon. I built this removable deck/blind set-up for it in my shop. Very light weight. The roll-up blind very adjustable and versatile. We often hunt three and at least one dog. Plenty of room for everyone and everything. The entire rig is quite lightweight. I can roll her into some pretty skinny water.


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Here's my recently refurbished Zack Taylor Widgeon Sneak Box. I originally built her back in the early eighties, but I haven't used her lately and had her up on a shelf for many years. I pulled her out last year for the good going over and update. I have big plans for her this upcoming season!


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Jon
 
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