duck boat...which one?

I'm thinking about getting a duck boat. I have a bass boat so I'm not looking for a combo bass/hunt. This will be a hunting boat. I need something that can run in shallow water 2-3 feet deep. I'm not running a race so I don't need a lot of hp, but it will need to be able to handle some open water travel. My question is what is a good boat/motor combo? What has worked for you and what hasn't? The gator trax and pro-drive are nice and can get through shallow water with no problem, but $16K just for hunting?! Looking for something about half that.

Well if you're willing to spend half that you can get one helluva rig. You left your question pretty broad, but if you're willing to spend that money I'm assuming you're looking for something roomy that will last you a long time.

You should be able to easily find something just a few years old in a 17-20 foot range with a really good motor that will last you years of use. IMO find something with a mud motor. You may think you don't need one as an outboard can easily get through 2-3 feet of water. But I always seem to find places that if I had a MM I'd be in heaven.

BTW I have a 1999 17' Xpress w/60 Merc that I got for less than $6K a few years ago. Great boat for my needs. Just wish I had a mud motor sometimes. My brother just picked up a 16' flatbottom w/25 Nissan before duck season for $1000. So you have a ton of options depending on your needs.

Over the years I've learned that the most important thing on a boat is the motor. Make sure you get something with a good running motor. There's nothing worse than getting to the ramp at 3 a.m. and having motor problems only to get beat to your spot.

My personal favorite rig for running water no less than 2 ft. is a 15' 42" War Eagle with a 25HP tiller outboard. I love War Eagle for ducks boats, as I think they make the best boat for the duck hunter...but that's my opinion. You can get one brand new for about $7K or a good used one of $4-5K.

I have the same rig as you sounds like except a 2000 model and it works pretty good but I most of the time I find myself wishing I had a mud rig

Duckboats

With your budget, I'd say find a used rig and then buy a new out board. 20Hp Merc at Academy is 2800.00

I have a 2002 xpress with a 90 merc on it and love it. Like Fowl said, you can get a sweet rig with that budget and well below.

IMO since you have a bass boat, consider a mud motor, you can get just about anywhere.

Here is one on another forum i saw for sale http://www.txwaterfowler.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17549

Good Luck!

It depends on the place you hunt a 4 Rivers duck boat may suit your needs

Based on your budget, I would definitely look for something with a surface drive motor... I run a 15' aluminum stick steer rig with a 25 merc that will run in 12" of water, but many times that is not good enough to get where I need to go. My next one will be a surface drive.

Buy a used boat, because if you're patient you can find a good deal. I searched local dealers, forums, craigs list, and found a boat last year. It probably took me about 3 months of looking weekly.
I run a 2000 War Eagle 17x54 with a 50hp Merc and it came set up with everything I needed.
You need to make sure you get a boat big enough for your needs.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll look into the mud motors. The pirogue just didn't cut it this morning on the ice.

Are there any draw backs using a surface driven motor versus a regular outboard?

You went out in a Pirogue!!!!

Normally not as much speed, unless you really spend some big money, but I could get by with a little less speed with the ability to get further back in the water.

Didn't make it very far. Lake was just about iced over. Found a small patch with no ice and managed one gadwall drake. Everything was iced as far as I could see. Love my pirogue, but I can't travel in open water with much wind blowing. I have a trolling motor I rigged up on it. It is quick, small, and light weight. Perfect for backwater and large creeks. Looking for something bigger to get to more spots.

Look at a Tracker. Affordable even brand new. I've got a 17x54 Tracker with a 50hp Merc tiller. The boat will run fairly shallow with the flotation.

yamaha g3

The best advice I can give you is be patient. Don't spend the major bucks on a new boat. Have a buddy that owned a marina for a few years and he even told me "never buy a new boat".
You can and will find a good used boat. You just have to be patient and put the time in. Kind of like scouting for a good spot to hunt.

Trackermarine

Grizzly 16' - $2399
Trailer - $965

Academy

Merc 20 Hp - $2800

Total - $6164

I haven't heard too many good things about Tracker boats as far as for duck hunting goes. I've heard of a lot of folks having problems with the welds.

I'd give them a try if I had 6K laying around.

but you own a fish and ski????????

There is a 14 allweld with a 23 hp surface drive for sale on Texas Waterfowl Forums for $4500.

That rig would get you anywhere you wanted to duck hunt.

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And you got a boat like my Grandpa, a pontoon.

My vote goes to the GatorTrax look around and you can find one used. They are tough as they come and will take anything you can throw at them and ask for more. I have had other boats and they dont hold a candle, also check out the Excel's.

Cool Video !

you can call Warren Coco at GoDevil... Tell him the Craig with the Band Brothers told you to call. He will answer all your questions. He is the owner of the company and the other guy on the first duck commander dvd.. Super cool man, and has been in the business for years... He is the one who invented to mud motor in the US...

what did that feel like in the dark cold morning???

There have been a few problems with the welds on the floor. I had mine welded back up, but since then there hasn't been any problems.

I have a lowes 2007 18' bass boat that I have remodeld into a duck boat for sale. It has a 2007 mercury 75hp optimax and runs in shallow water well. I am wanting to get an airboat instead. It has lots of room and hides well. I am asking $7500.00 OBO.

http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab61/cncoutdoors/duckboat4.jpg?t=1263146881

http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab61/cncoutdoors/duckboat3.jpg?t=1263147099

http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab61/cncoutdoors/duckboat2.jpg?t=1263147134

Craig
www.cncoutdooradventures.com

As a pure hunting rig a mud boat cannot be beat. No comparison other than they are a little slower.

Ah just found that after hunting one morning and decided to see what was on the other side. It was not bad at all that rig will take a lot more, but it just kind of puts a mud rig into perspective for ya.