Progress Reports - A Duck Wrangler and a South Bay

Eric~


Indeed! Thinking through the processes - both design and construction/fabrication - takes the time. (Although waiting for epoxy to cure and paint to dry can turn the calendar pages faster than I might think....) My Dad called the cogitating it "Doping it out" - and felt it was the fun part. When Howard Chapelle described the ideal shop in his classic BOAT-BUILDING - he explained the need for a "worrying chair" in every shop.



I was surprised how often I would go to bed with an unsolved challenge - then wake up in the wee hours with a good solution.


One thing is certain - there's no end of these challenges down the road.


All the best,


SJS
 
I am using a South Bay and considering a DW14. I see some trade offs but I think the DW is the safer boat. Any advice? I hunt off Amityville where it can get rough in places on the trip out and back. I think the SB hides better. but want a little more boat under me. I have a 20hp long shaft Merc. Thanks, Nick
 
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NickSBDB14 said:
I am using a South Bay and considering a DW14. I see some trade offs but I think the DW is the safer boat. Any advice? I hunt off Amityville where it can get rough in places on the trip out and back. I think the SB hides better. but want a little more boat under me. I have a 20hp long shaft Merc. Thanks, Nick
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Good morning, Nick~

No question the Wrangler is a safer vessel when crossing big water in a blow. Taller vessels are harder to hide. Some days it makes a difference, some days it doesn't. Another big difference is the greater comfort and easier shooting from a boat where one sits on a seat (spackle bucket) compared with lying on one's back or even sitting on the bottom of the boat.

One other benefit of the "taller" boats is the use they provide year-round. Many owners use them for fishing et cetera in the warmer months.

One final consideration: I believe the Wrangler is designed for a short shaft (15-inch) engine. So, a different engine or taller mount would be needed.

Hope this helps!

SJS
 
Totally agree on the wooden grassing rails. I actually use decoy cord held on with pad eyes. You can criss cross on the front and create a web. Four of my duckboats are done this way and after 35 years I've found it the fastest and most cost effective. I can grass a boat in under and hour except the Ron Bankes Chesapeake which has alot more pad eyes. The spacing is key. About 6 inches between pad eyes.
Jon
 
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