Wood boat -vs- aluminum

K

Kevin Ferguson

Member
Okay, I love the board and really do enjoy the classic boats posted and discussion. Question: I currently hunt from a 18' Lund Alaskan - great boat - a bit big for a lot of hunting but great for the Ohio river, but, I am really wanting one of the boats I've seen posted - BBIII or the 15' Garvey. That said, what can I expect from a durability, strength and safety standpoint.

Thanks
 
The BBIII is probably "safer" than the Lund in that with its decking it will not take water into it during a choppy ride. I have been really wet in Lunds, but only have to deal with a little wind driven spray while in the BBIII.

Some guys use their aluminium boats as shallow water gravel sleds, this they will do better than a wooden boat, but then why do it with a wooden boat?

If built to plan the glass over plywood will be stronger than the aluminium boat during regular use. If you get stupid and try to jump a beaver damn then what ever happens is your fault and not the woods.

Use quality materials in a wood boat and they will last for years, but you do have to do some maintenance such as touch up painting and such. It is worth it.
 
Thanks - Alaska is pretty much Lund country so you would know. No gravel to speak of hear - I hunt the ohio and wabash river, flood water and some marshes which really keep the Alaskan out do to weight and simply being able to hide it. Stumps are my biggest concern.

So, I guess you have a BBIII - what size motor?
 
Kevin, For sea worthiness there is nothing safer than a sneakbox. If it's glassed or made of cedar than it's durable and low maintenence. Get one, you will love it.
 
Not to mention that wood is quiet(er) and warm(er). Plus, if there are dings from anchors being thrown on decks for example (I did that this season by accident), the boat can be fixed easily.
 
Andrew is right about quieter and warmer. My very first boat was an alluminum v-hull and although it was a suitable boat it was not a "duck boat". The sneak has a low profile and I've never needed a heater even during the late coastal season in New Jersey. I've hit many stumps in the Mullica River in NJ and never suffered any damage to speak of. Ofcourse if you plan on hunting with three or four buddies they will need their own boats.
 
I've whacked many a stump in my BB2..paint it with FME from Lou and you won't even scratch it when beaching on gravel.
 
The only damage I've done to my boat is from a trailer roller. Middle roller is too small and the little metal "hat" that holds the axle in place drove right in to the "keelson". Keelsons are designed to be sacrificial, so I'm not upset.

I hit two stumps this past season and the boat rode right up - thankfully missing the motor. No dents, no scratches. Lou's paint is awesome. And I'm handsome.

Good luck in your search, it's fun researching wooden boats (or any boat for that matter). Research the Mosquito fighter/bomber plane developed by the De Havilland company of Britain. Made out of wood/plywood. Fastest, toughest plane in the war.
 
I have a 25hp nissan 2 stroke. The plans from a few years ago said that the max was a 30hp. It appears that the more recent Devlin plans have reduced the motor size recommendation to a 25hp max due to the weight of the new 4 strokes. My nissan weighs 114 lbs and a new 25hp 4 stroke will weigh a lot more than this.

However, it you run different pitched props you can fine tune the motor.

You can also look for used motors on the various for sale sites like ebay or craigs list.
 
Kevin ,


I built the 14 foot Cackler a few years back and have never once looked back at any aluminums from then . I love my little boat , seaworthy as hell , warm to hunt out on those 1 degree days and pretty much bulletproof. I did find out this year that the boat is not " Carriage bolt proof" however. this year on a outing that Andrew will attest to i ended up with 3 3/8 dia holes right in the deck of the cackler . Nice thing about the wood is that i was fixed and back out hunting the following day , Thank god for System 3's assortment of fast cure epoxies ! The incident was because my hunting partner " Andrew" as usual was more concerned about his own life after stepping off a 6 inch drop off on the edge of the ramp the boat slipped from his hands and a wave pushed it under a cat walk to the dock where the bolts were sticking out from . I was understanding because i have been programed after 4 years hunting with Andrew that the world revolves around Andrew , so i just move on ! I was acctually the one who got the anchor rope rapped under foot and christened his deck of his show room quaility Snow Goose . I hope this helps and Andrew don't worry i really do forgive you . HAHAHAHA


Dave M
 
Kevin,

Morton always forces me to defend myself. It was a 3 foot drop, not 6". And Dave knows that I'd put my own head between his boat and the dock despite 30" waves crashing the boat into the dock... but this time, the only way I could save his stupid boat was to cushion the damage with my crotch and honestly, that's just too much for a hunting partner who always makes me do the hard work.

So, the bow goes under the dock, the waves came in and pushed the boat under these (3) 12" long carriage bolts. They went right into the decking. Neither of us knew it, it happened so fast.

Dave, I thought that I dropped the anchor, I forgot it was you. Now I'm pissed ; )
 
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one to have . . . things happen.

Well, now I need to settle on the design and get started . . thanks for all of the comments and suggestions - and stories.

Kevin
 
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