Sure going to try!
Duck boat upgrades
- Thread starter wncdeerhunter
- Start date
I have done so many boats like that I have lost count. Started from bare bones and rigged to my liking or torn to bare bones and rigged out. You have to enjoy it or there is no way to do it because it adds up to an absolute crap ton of work.
Nice job, hope you and the dog get years of enjoyment out of it.
Nice job, hope you and the dog get years of enjoyment out of it.
Thanks! We will do our best. Planning to repower it next year. But Katy already approves of boat rides.
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Boats mostly are a loosing financial proposition, but when you use one fairly regularly they can repay for the blood, sweat, tears and $ in some awfully fun times for you and in this case your hairy companion. I had many years enjoyment with several, but they never set for longer than 4-5 days at a time. And those times when used like that they were almost trouble free.
Finally unboxed the Beavertail 1600 and assembled it. Need some slight adjustments and get it brushed in, but this should be a good blind for this little boat. Feeling the pressure of the season looming and had to ramp up the work to get it ready - we close now!!
Went out yesterday and hit a few different places we’ve been meaning to scout. First time out with the blind attached and it trailered and ran surprisingly well with then blind on it and stowed. The old ‘89 motor ran like a champ too. Katy is all about the boat rides these days!
TH80
Ten Pointer
You put a lot of work in that boat and it turned out good. Katy looks ready to go. Hope you found some birds on the scouting trip
kilacam
Eight Pointer
Pretty work!
Thanks! I just realized I haven't posted a picture since I got the blind brushed in. I did some more after this one was taken, but ya get the idea. Gaps are filled in now and it's covered across the top to hide the openings. Ended up using Raffia from a craft store and a few rattle cans - along with some other "branded" stuff to finish it off.
We did see a few and found evidence that birds were in the area - we also picked up what others left behind as per usual
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TH80
Ten Pointer
At least you found some. I hope this is a good year. Last year was my worst season but yesterday and what I was seeing the last few times I fished gives me hope for this year
Finally got the boat out for the first hunt. Delayed this year due to a variety of reasons, but here it is. Have one more hunt Wednesday morning we will use it for. Was pretty comfortable hunting out of it and it performed well. I’m happy with the way it turned out after all the work put into it. Still have a few things to do, but that’s for warmer weather.
As long as you are using it there will always be a 'few things to do' to it. Never figured out if that was good or bad, but it sure made off season go by faster. Again, nice rig.
My goal this year was to hit two new spots using my duck boat (which I did, just not as much as I’d like to) and to use that boat to kill ducks. Mission accomplished on the latter on the last day of the season today. We knocked a few down, had more that we should’ve shot (had we not been taking a coffee break) and finally had a proper duck hunt with decent numbers of birds. Mallards, woodies, and Canadas. A great morning on the water and a great way to close out the season!
Already looking forward to October…
Already looking forward to October…
In all my years of duck hunting, and there were a bunch of them, usually floating but at times I would be in a boat setup. I don't care how good or bad the day was going I could usually count on a passerby or a jump by breaking out something to eat or at that time I was a coffee drinker, pouring a cup. And of course that entailed spilling it. 
Glad you and your hairy friend got to enjoy the boat, hope both bring you many more years of happiness.
Glad you and your hairy friend got to enjoy the boat, hope both bring you many more years of happiness.
GREAT THREAD!
I finally bit the bullet. Just left the Marine shop where I ordered a new Honda 25 hp with electric start and electric tilt/trim. Should be here next week or the week after. I have some scouting to do this summer 
On a side note, I have an older 25 hp tiller steer for sale in the classifieds. Make me an offer.
On a side note, I have an older 25 hp tiller steer for sale in the classifieds. Make me an offer.TH80
Ten Pointer
I thought Katy deserved a Yamaha
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
I know she’s a very accomplished retriever, but dragging a boat for miles due to engine issues is just asking too much.I thought Katy deserved a Yamaha
I like her better than thatI thought Katy deserved a Yamaha
TH80
Ten Pointer
My parents got a motor like you just got a couple years ago for their 14’ fiberglass boat. Seems to be good and pushes their boat good.
Out with the old, in with the new. Just picked up the boat from the shop with the new motor. 4 stroke Honda 25hp power start/tilt/trim. Stopped by a boat ramp on the way home to hear it run - starts right up and it’s soooo quiet. Probably gonna to head to a lake this Saturday to start the break in and of course do some scouting. Look forward to getting this thing on the water this season.
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
You’ll be able to sneak up on all the ducks. There won’t be a bird left west of 77.
They’re much easier to slip up on this time of year
Yeah but they fly faster, they aren't weighted down with all that corn.
Soggy bread ain’t lightYeah but they fly faster, they aren't weighted down with all that corn.
Time to camo up that Honda. That's like a beacon!
I resisted the 4-strokes for a long time but they won me over (like I had a choice, but still a good thing).
I resisted the 4-strokes for a long time but they won me over (like I had a choice, but still a good thing).
I’ll do a lot of things - but taking a rattle can to a brand new motor isn’t likely one of them. My blind covers the motor when on, but I have considered other options.
TH80
Ten Pointer
I wouldn’t spray paint a brand new motor either. They do make a motor cover that would cover it. Is your blind homemade or did you buy one?
I’ve got a Beavertail blind