Layout/Paddle Opinions

Jorge Perdomo

Jorge Perdomo

New member
Hello all,

I am looking for Pirogue or paddle friendly layout style boat and would like to get some opinions as to what my best options would be.

Here in South Florida it is difficult to find and test various boats as they are difficult to come by. Being 6'3 and 220, I have to be a bit picky towards my options with a load being added on my weight. I am planning on using it for some closed reservoir layout style hunts, transported in the mudboat to areas with low hide that the mudboat cant hide in and for some paddle only areas down here.

I currently have a Carstens Puddler, which works well for what I do but lacks some storage space with me in it and doesn't paddle all too great IMO. I am narrowing my options to: Ron Chapman Cottonmouth and Hellbender 10 or 12 (I have used a 10' before and enjoyed it)

Looking forward to some opinions. Thanks
 
The Cottonmouth is narrower than your Carstens Puddler and the Hellbender 10 is close to the same size. I think they only way you pick up storage is to go with the Hellbender 12.
 
Eric Patterson said:
The Cottonmouth is narrower than your Carstens Puddler and the Hellbender 10 is close to the same size. I think they only way you pick up storage is to go with the Hellbender 12.
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Thank you Eric. Im liking the cottonmouth due to the fact that loading in the boat alone would be easiest and the width of it dosen't worry me too much. I tend to paddle through Kissimmee grass and topped off SAV and i think the pirouge would suit me a bit better if i stand corrected. As far as the Hellbender 12, i think that the extra storage space will definitely be appreciated. Im usually not loading down too heavy unless i do the walk in hunts as i find myself hunting out of the boat more these days.
 
Too bad you can't trial run each. For me the greater stability of a Hellbender over a Cottonmouth would be the deciding factor. I think it looks better too and could be camo'd to hide like a coffin blind.
 
I haven't gotten to try the Cottonmouth but I hunted out of the Hellbender 10 and 12 A LOT many years ago. I liked the 12 the best (both had spud holes so we were able to stake the boats in place) but with the dog, decoys, gun and gear and the hunter, the 12 was much much better. I wouldn't hesitate to own a Hellbender 12.

I have hunted out of pirogues before and for stability, especially with a dog, I'd choose the Hellbender over a pirogue
 
i use a kayak with spud poles.... Light enough to toe in my big boat and then pull or paddle where I need to go. Most times I just drag as it’s effortless in even 6" of water. I just put the pooch on her ruff stand and her blind on top. I pull everything around just like this and it’s effortless
 

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Something made by fourrivers like the sobads or possibly the ebads or the carstens canvasback is what I would be looking at.

I have done more then my fair share of paddle in hunting from kayaks and canoes and prioges (as we call them in Louisiana) and a more wider boat will always beat the skinny tippy style boats.

Good two peice 10 foot push pole and a 6 or 8 foot double bladed kayak paddle and your in business.

Can even mount a small trolling motor for quickly covering deeper water with less physical effort.
 
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