[hntndux]

Ok, If you were going to order a new boat for river/lake hunting what would you get 16-18'? bottom width? tiller/side consol? jet? hp? brand? feed back please. And no Im not moving to MT and I dont want to know your honey holes, I just know you guys use boats there and I am thinking of getting one for down here. Thanks

 

[phutch30]

Depends on the river. Deep or weedy rivers-outboard or mud motor, Shallow fast rocky rivers go with a jet. Size of the boat and hp going to depend on the river and how many guys, dogs and gear you have.

 

[TopWop]

Yeah, a lot of variables in that equation. I do suggest that you get something with some type of enclosed storage.
Waterfowling as you know is a wet, muddy, bulky endeavor, and stowing some gear helps out a ton.

You have to decide weather you want to hunt out of the boat as well. You don't want to limit yourself to a rig that can't be modified as your needs change.

 

[phutch30]

Also the more lake time you spend the less you want a jet. You will be cleaning crap out of the intake all the time. I am always having to lift the motor and clean the jet grates cause it sucked up a clump of weeds, moss etc. If most of the time is on shallow rivers then a jet is better cause youll be eating props otherwise.

 

[forrestfromarkansas]

before i got my "duck sled" with the mud buddy. i used to use my fiberglass trout skiff in the timber. it sucked when you got into pinoak flats or mud. i would atleast go through one water pump a year. but with that four stroke.....i could turn it on when ducks were working and the and make those birds wiggle pretty good and the ducks would never hear it. the mud buddy isn't so good for that application.