TDB 14 classic

mike braden

mike braden

Well-known member
I see quite a few of these for sale. I don't know much at all about them. Good boats? Stable? How much HP do you usually run with them. How much do they draft with a full load?

Cheers,
Mike
 

I had one and moved up to a bigger one,very stable hunted 2 guys and a dog out of it,rated for a 15 hp,i ran a 18 hp 2 stroke tohatsu on mine went about 26 mph loaded,drafts about 4 inches,not the most hideable craft but grassed up it blends in well and ive shot alot of birds out of mine before i sold it,Im sure most guys will agree
 
I just got mine last year from Jim Donofrio and we love it. We have used it successfully on marsh, lake and river for geese, puddlers & divers. I have a 9.9 and she won't break any speed records with it. I want an 18HP or so. The boat is the definition of stable. Two guys and a dog no problem. 3 guys is crowded but it works. As a bonus, with the curtains up, it is a "no gloves needed" environment even with temps in the high teens and the wind blowing. I have had many boats and I wouldn't choose another. (not yet anyway) Hope this helps, Jim
 
Mike,

I like mine and agree with everything stated so far. For the size I think they are a little tight inside with the blind up. I'm about #240 and it's a snug fit with another guy my size, not cramped just snug. I've hunted three guys but we always took turns with only two shooting at a time. I've never used a dog in mine. Keep in mind they were designed as a mobile blind, not a boat first. For your area a sea class might be a better fit. The flat bottom on a classic gets a little rough when dealing with a wind driven chop on the bay. High frequency wind driven whitecaps are probably the most uncomfortable (read wet!) condition I've had my TDB in. There is no flare to the hull to knock the waves/spray down away from the boat, they roll right up the deck. If you have the blind up that help a lot. As someone else said, they are very warm inside.

I hunt out of the Manahawkin area on a regular basis and would be happy to take you out and see what she's like. One note, I've moved the controls to the front of my boat so it is no longer a tiller. In the original tiller configuration, I DO NOT like it as a big water boat. The boat is fine in big water but you have to reach WAY out of the cockpit to run the tiller. IMHO it is NOT SAFE is any kind of heavy seas.

Drop me a PM if you want to get together or if your going to Tuckerton catch up with me at the noon get together on saturday (see other post).

Best wishes,
Gene
 
Mike,

I've really enjoined my TDB classic the past couple of years. I got rid of my canoe for a modified-V jon boat, and after a season or two with it, traded it in for the TDB. I finally found a keeper. It's rated for a 9.9hp, but I run a 20hp. It's not officially a planing hull, but mine will skim across the water (I call that planing) very easily with me, dog and gear ,and will only take a few minutes to get up with a buddy on board. I'm about 180lbs. If you get one, I strongly recommend a power tilt motor. Reaching out to tilt the motor in the shallows or to remove grass is a royal pain if you have to do it often. I started with a tiller handle, but upgrade to remote steer with power tilt.

It drafts only a few inches and it's very easy to pole. I find it easier to pole from the bow. Picking up dekes is easier from the bow as well.

I've also modified the blind slightly so i can sit upright against the side. it only took some longer poles to do it.
It's a very stable boat to shoot from. I generally hunt puddle ducks, but sometimes i'm in deeper water.
My dog can jump on the bow from land, but needs help getting on board if in swimmable water. sometimes he sits on the bow, sometimes inside the boat (as in my avitar).

I carry 1 doz goose floaters in gunnel bags on outside of boat, and another dozen inside (six stowed on each side) and can walk down center of boat unobstructed. there's shelves for guns and other items, plus storage under bow.

I'll plan on keeping mine for some time.
 
Thanks for all the input guys. In a year or so, I may be upgrading to a bigger boat. I would like to do my homework now and save on having to sell I boat that I don't like for another. I know that there is not one "best boat" for a duck hunter. Just trying to find the best for my purpose.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Mike,

What type of waters do you hunt and what type do you have to venture into to get there?

Larry
 
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