by Larry Rahn

Created on: January 15, 2010

When getting ready to purchase a duck hunting boat a few important issues need to be thought about. How many hunters do you hunt with consistently ? What type water will you be traveling ? Taking a dog ? Are you going to actually hunt from the boat or just use to go to a built blind or camp ?

Usually a good number to hunt out of a boat or just use for transport is 3, plus your gear and trusty hunting dog. This can be accomplished with probably a 16 to 17 foot boat, with 18 inch sides, high transom, 60 inches wide for good stability,  and just two seats. Power this boat accordingly to the waterways you will travel. You won't need a big over powering motor and lots of speed. Some guys hunt very shallow water and then you would need a Go-Devil or Mud Buddy  motor for the shallow water. Usually anywhere from a 25 horse to 40 horse outboard is big enough. If you will be hunting from the boat all the time you would probably want a 18 foot boat, 24 inch sides, high transom with 3 seats or 1 seat across back and 2 side seats. Several companies make boat blinds that fit right on your boat. Avery is probably the best and most popular and fairly non-expensive. If hunting from boat and you you use the trusty dog, don't forget to have a drop over the side ramp or ladder for him to get back in boat.

Several very reputable companies will make boats according to your specific specifications, seating, gun box, dog ramp and etc. Some of the best on the market are War Eagle, Xpress, SeaArk, Weldbilt and Go-Devil. These companies will customize a boat to your plans down to the last detail. Remember always keep safety first in mind. Duck hunting is usually done in very cold weather and should your boat capsize, the water is awfully cold. Keep in mind the gear you will be needing per person  and also a place for the dog to be comfortable when riding. As with everything else in our world the price of a boat continues to go up  every year. If you take care of your boat and other equipment properly, it will last for years to come and afford you and friends many memorable experiences. Be safe, comfortable, and spend wisely.

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