Need thoughts 4 Sneakbox/duck boat design

K

Ken Shindledecker

Member
Hello All,

I've been "processing" much about boat designs and have some ideas I'd like to run passed you and get your input.

Looking to build a row, or trolling motor boat for ~ 375# max., but let's call it 450#. I'm not putting a gas motor on this.
It would be for me ~215#; dog~95#; waders/dozen dekes/gun, etc.
I want a light weight boat to slip through the flooded fields, or lake margins, 'round the bulrushes.

I'd like to be able to pull it up on shore as in the pic below.

I've been looking at and gleaning much info from the Kara, Devlin's Broadbill, Ed Askew's Peregrine, and Cody Williams' shallow water boat. So, I'm interested in a flat bottom boat. And no, I don't want a straight-sided jon boat.

I was thinking of taking a canoe design and lopping off the back end; then bring the bow up, with a flattened nose. I won't be in much chop.
Could I essentially modify the Kara, making a punt out of it?

I'm thinking of an 11'er, with a 42" bottom? and flared sides???

Here's a pic of: 1. the kind of situation I'd hunt; 2. pic of possible transom; 3. possibly take this boat and stretch it out:

View attachment Boat blind II.jpg
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Do a Search on this site for (sunfish). There are a lot posts about a sunfish sail boat hull conversion. It could be something useful.

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Around here--big time lake/summer people zone--hulls from Sunfish and similar boats can be had pretty cheap. If they have the mast, sail, daggerboard and tiller, they sell for decent money. Without that stuff they can be had cheap or even free, especially if the hull needs a little glass work.
 
This IS what I was thinking 'bout! I would need to extend the cockpit to accommodate my big dog; plus, I may need to widen it a bit.

When I see specs say, as in this boat, load 350#, and then, there's a pic of a big motor hanging off the back, does it mean 350# plus the wt. of the motor, or 350# minus motor weight?

Thanks!
 
Ken~

If you go the Sunfish hull route, here is one I did as a layout for a friend.

McDuffieGunboat2_zps288141fb.jpg


There are lots more details of the conversion on my website at: http://stevenjaysanford.com/gilgo-gunboat-sunfish-conversion-to-layout-boat/

If I were building one for OB power, I would either shorten or notch the stern. Sunfish hulls have lots of rocker so they will not plane well if the outboard is mounted all the way aft. Also, for use as you describe, I would make a larger spray dodger (shown is more of a cowling) and add thatch rails.

Many of the early Sunfish hulls used Styrofoam for floatation. Because it is an open-cell foam they got water-logged - and VERY HEAVY - from condensation. Such hulls should sell for close to $0 - and you would be removing all of the floatation anyway as part of your conversion. You can replace with air chambers or poured-in-place 2-part closed cell.

All the best,

SJS
 
That's a nice looking boat!

I also found this "Old Dude" boat:
olddude.jpg


I also like the Kara Hummer and Robber. I would think possibly of something in between the Kara/Robber.... But I think maybe moving the cockpit of the Robber fore a bit and lengthening the hull. But it's looking like this Old Dude boat is what I'm looking for. Have any of you build one?

Next,, is there a link to show me how to make and attach the grass rails on a S&G boat?
Thank you all! Below is the Kara Hummer/Robber pic. http://duckboats.net.nmsrv.com/specs/images/kararobber.jpg
 
I've seen a few nice sneak boats in Great South Bay called pow pows. They are V hulls cut down from a larger boat. The top deck is removed and a new top deck is installed to resemble a sneak boat. You will loose about 2 feet of hull length.
Probably find a hull real cheap at a marina or back yard or FREE. They look really good. Steve might have seen a few...
 
Here are some photos of my sneak/marsh boat. Some ideas which would be useful are 1) the raised transom for a trolling motor, 2) the flat deck in back which will support a dog hide, 3) a folding seat to fit the cockpit, 4) a bow deck which can be rigged to haul decoys, 5) a structure to support towing and 60 folding doors.

This rig is 11 ft long, 50 inches wide and very stable and it hides easily (not entended for hunting big water).

summer time HyfroTurf
A4xHydroTurfWEB81113.jpg


camo cover, folding doors and seat
C2amoBoatWEB.jpg



stripped down new in tender position
TenderPositionBWEB.jpg


almost ready for for duck season
s3MigCamoWEB.jpg

2013 Iowa Opener
2BlendingInnWEB.jpg

9DaisysHideWEB.jpg

2nd day after pickup
15PickUpBoatWEB.jpg

first day - tender towing practice
TowingWEB.jpg

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I really like your setup Jim. I'm planning to build a pair of Devlin Poleboats this spring to use in a very similar manner to how you're using your sneakboat.
 
Nice boat, Jim! What is it? Is the bottom flat, or rounded?

Yes, I'm looking for just such a setup. This won't be for big water; just to be able to get to places, one can't go with waders.

Thanks!
 
It is a Four Rivers Migrator. These photos may give you a general idea of the hull's shape (not exactly flat except in the cockpit section) with two molded longitudal ribs.

B11BowView.jpg


TenderPositionAWEB.jpg


A4xHydroTurfFloorWEB81113.jpg

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How much of an issue would the V-bottom of Devlin's Broadbill 11' be, if I were resting ashore and using it as a blind? Would I really need a flat-bottom boat, as I am thinking? Is the V great enough to tip the boat from side to side?
 
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