One of the best ways to improve your duck hunting opportunities is by choosing the right hunting boats. Buying a fully equipped boat can be expensive but in the long term, it can be quite a good investment. However, before deciding which one to buy, you must make a good evaluation on every aspect of the duck hunting boat.
Here are the tips to help you find the right duck hunting boats.
Contents
The Configuration of the Hull
1. Flat Bottom
If you hunt in shallow water, flat bottom johnboats will be the best choice, especially those paired with a mud motor. This is also a good choice for boat blind as it is wide and stable. However, this kind of boat has square bow which slaps of waves, which makes the ride a bit rough, especially on choppy water.
2. V-Bottom
If you love hunting in big water, such as Great Lakes and other huge estuaries, V-bottom is highly recommended for you. The boat are sturdy as it is made from fiberglass or aluminum, very suitable for diving duck gunners, especially those using tender boats in layout hunting. Not only stable and heavy, v-bottom has sharp keels that are able to part the waves. To keep the water from filling over the sides of the boats, it is also equipped with high gunwales and transoms.
3. Semi-V
Semi-V is very multi-function, which makes many waterfowl hunters in love with this type of duck hunting boat. The waves will be parted with its mild keel and pointed bow. However, the flat bottom of its boat gives it ability in shallow water. Highly recommended for waterfowl hunting, this boat is easily suited with a boat blind.
Outboard and Mud Motors
1. Mud Motors
Compared to traditional outboard, this mud motor has greater shallow-water capability. Available in two configurations, long-tail and surface-drive, mud motors can be operated in juts inches of water. If you hunt in soft-bottom, wide-open areas, surface-drive will be the best, while those love hunting in stump-ridden areas must choose long-tail mud motors.
2. 2-Stroke
Outboards with 2 strokes can be used in various conditions. The good side compared to 4-stroke is that it is less expensive, while at the same time it is lighter and more portable. Its responsiveness and acceleration are great, which are useful for impending wave in a rig which is loaded with gear and hunter. However, it is louder and consumes more fuel than 4-stroke, and thus producing more emissions.
3. 4-stroke
Like mentioned above, 4-stroke is great for its fuel efficiency and less emissions. It is also cleaner and quieter compared to 2-stroke. It can also more top-end speed of the same HP than 2-stroke. However, not only heavier and bulkier, 4-stroke is also more expensive and requires periodic oil change.
Source: www.ducks.org
