Layout boats.

J

John Van Houten

Active member
Well I decided to expand my hunting opportunities. I'm starting to research layout boats. Has anyone one used the Banks pumpkinseed? I've been researching layout boats and I'm concerned with weight and stability. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I had two single man Busick layout boats back when I was younger. After getting access to marsh hunting I got rid of them. But I thought they were great. I had a two man layout from Maine 30+ years ago but never had the proper tender rig to handle it. Two heavy and towing took forever. If I ever went back to layout hunting, I would look for a single Busick.
 
I have hunted the Pumpkinseed a few times. Also their Revolution. The Pumpkinseed is small which suits a smaller person like myself but is very tight for a bigger person. It is stable enough, low profile and works as intended. While I'm not sure I ever got comfortable with getting in and out, I took comfort in knowing the water wasn't more than 4' deep.
 
I recall hearing stories of a pumpkin seed that barrel rolled several times about 15 years ago. I don't know if it was design, operator error, or a myth to begin with. Generally Bankes make very good product! I had an MLB classic for many years. This year I bought a new layout boat, a Layout Addictions. The owner is great to work with, and will make custom modifications. It is aluminum and weighs less than my MLB did with much more room and even room in the important spot like toe room.
 
The generation I Bankes pumpkinseed had the ability to roll-over, particularly when the hunter tried to take steep angle shots in the arc behind the cockpit that required the them to turn and rise to prop their upper torso angainst the cockpit coaming when there was a steep chop running. Bankes redesigned the boat to lower the center of gravity. I have read no more reports of issues. Layout Addictions and UFO both build quality layout boats as well. I think Tony Homer gobbled-up the Busick and MLB badges, so you can conclude quite accurately that the designs now suffer. I had a Bankes one-man Hercules that I just sold to two younger waterfowlers-very hard to part with it. These are towable in all but the worst conditions, stable and very roomy and highly comfortable if you are over 6 foot and wear an XL coat. I wear a size 11 shoe and am just under 6"-4" at 234lbsTy. They float a little high, so they are a bit noisy as the surface chop slurps against the chine. Typical Bankes build quality standards and service.
 
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I hunt with MLB Super Mag. Excellent boat. I am 6'3" and am comfortable. They aren't in business any longer, but if you search around, you should be able to find a used one.

Best,
Steve
 
Hi John, I only have experience with my 2 man (X2) from Core sound. But all who have hunted it loved it for the space and stability. As for what a single style (X1) weighs, I know Terry has the weight listed on his specs. I can load and unload my X2 alone from the boat. Not the desired approach, but doable if I need too. Best of luck in your quest.

p.s. Terry Rose from Core Sound is great to deal with.
 
John,
I don't know where you are located but I know of a Busick layout in northern Michigan that is for sale. The Busick is a great layout boat.

Contact me if that's in driving distance to you.

Larry Eckart
 
Thanks Larry, just a little to soon, I'll be using it in Florida next season. Kinda leaning towards a ufo. But still alot of research to do. Thanks
 
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