Need input on new boat

Ted Lloyd

New member
Ok guys, I have been looking for a small marsh/layout boat for a while to hunt a few backwater sloughs in my area. I need one that is low profile, light, has transom, and has enough room for a dog and myself. I have narrowed it down to 3 different brands and models. If anyone has used one of these boats, list some pros and cons please. My budget is $1,000 or less with accessories(still in college).

1. Momarsh Fatboy= $899.00
2. Four Rivers 11'= $944.44
3. Carstens Pintail= $781.00


Thanks guys, Ted
 
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I don't have any of the boats you listed since I am still in multipurpose mode and use a kayak for my small boat (I need a small light boat both to paddle with the family AND use for duck hunting).

If I could have a dedicated small duck boat, based on what I know today, my choice would be the momarsh fatboy.
 
Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I have a pintail, they are pretty easy to find around here since they're made in MN. I think I got it for $400 or something. It's been good although I haven't used it a whole lot ( I usually hunt out of a bigger boat with 2+ guys). It's manageable for me to get it on top of my suv alone, is very shallow drafting. I've hunted 2 guys and a dog out of it, but my dog is less than 50lb and neither of us is over 200. I don't have the motor mount for it, but have thought about putting one on. If you made one yourself your overall cost would be less than the other boats listed. But you can really only put an electric trolling motor on it. It has a nice open cockpit, lots of room for dog, decoys, or just if you are a bigger guy. It also has the highest advertised weight capacity (500lb). The Four Rivers cockpit is pretty small I think and lowest weight cap (350). I like the FatBoy too, it has a larger cockpit for you and dog/gear and a true transom. I would like to have a small boat like that with a gas outboard sometimes. The 12' jon with 5hp has met that need till now though.

So depending on your situation I can see reasons that would lead me to get any of the 3. Room, HP, and cost being the main ones I think, maybe availability depending on your location. Probably first choice given your criteria would be the FatBoy, then Pintail if you are getting a new one.
 
I have two pintails, and I don't use a transom or motor. I have never had any experience with the other, but can vouch for the Carsten's being easy to handle, paddle, and conceal. I have paddled more than 2 miles one way with it and would say that it was "enjoyable" and "good exercise". I am 250 and the dog is 90, so I have never had two guys in them, hence I have two boats.
 
Don't forget about the Aquapod bt Attbar. I think they are coming out with a more resonably priced line. I have not seen them yet, but I own the 12' model myself. Just bought it and have not even had it in the water yet.

David
 
I have a fiberglass Marsh Rat that I put a motor mount on. I made it for less that $5. In a nut shell: it hides well, motors well enough, doesn't paddle as well as a longer narrower boat, is a bit heavy at 95#, and is very stable.
 
Well it looks like I have narrowed it down to the FB and the Carstens Pintail. Hmmm anybody have any pictures of their rigs in action?
 
I own a Carsten's Pintail. I like it for the general marsh, fairly calm lakes and rivers. I don't like it on larger lakes when the waves kick up. Being able to pin the boat into the muck with poles greatly adds to its utility and shootablility. Unfortunately glass is heavy. Hopefully this year I will be able to replace mine with a much lighter "antique" Alumacraft Ducker, with much the same features without the extra weight. By the way I have the trolling motor bar for my Pintail and a cut down trolling motor will convey the Pintail along at a nice clip. As a matter of fact, I own all the accessories made for the Pintail. Some of them are a waste of money and some of them are very worth while. If you have any specific questions about Pintails, please feel free to contact me. And if you want a used one, make an offer I can't refuse.
 
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