Choosing the Right Duck Boat
When you head out for duck hunting season, you want your hunting trip to go off without a hitch. Making sure that you're using the right boat is a big part of that. If you're not using the right kind of duck hunting boat you're more likely to get stuck in the shallows, or swamped in big water. Use this quick guide to figure out what kind of boat setup will be best for you, based on your favorite hunting spot. Remember if you have any questions or want to see these different boats up close you can come in and see us at L & M Marine in Stapleton and Theodore, Alabama, near Mobile Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; and Biloxi, Mississippi.
Picking your Hull
There are three different Hull types you might consider for your duck hunting expedition, each with their own pros and cons. The materials and construction may vary from brand to brand, but these are the three broad categories of boat you'll be looking at.
Flat Bottom Boats
Flat Bottom Boats (Jonboats) are ideal for shallow water, especially when you equip one of these boats with a mud motor that won't foul on the bottom of the river or lake. The biggest drawback to flat bottom boats is that they cannot handle the requirements of big water, as the low sides will have your boat full of water in no time, and the bow of the boat will do almost nothing to split waves.
Semi-V Boats
Semi-V hull boats are a combination between the shallow water flexibility of a flat bottom boat with the big water resistance of the a V-bottom boat. The pointed bow will cut through waves, while the flat bottom lets you fly through the shallows. Many Semi-V boats are built expressly for waterfowl hunters, and have available boat blinds that will let you get to hunting right away.
V-Bottom Boats
A V-bottom boat is best suited for big water applications. These aluminum or fiberglass boats are useful as a tender, and are often used by diving duck gunners. These boats are known for their stability and weight, but will often sit too low in the water to make them useful in a marshy area.
Picking a Motor
Your choice of motor is just as important as the choice of hull. Your choice of motor will determine whether or not your boat is able to operate in shallow water, or get you up to plane easily if you're dealing with waves. Noise, weight, and versatility are all factors to keep in mind when you're picking the right motor for your duck hunting boat setup.
Mud Motors
Mud motors are available in two configurations: Long tail, and surface drive. Long tail mud motors are best in obstruction filled bodies, while surface drive mud motors are great for open shallows where you can get up to plane. Either way, these are likely your best bet when you're getting out to the duck blind.
2-Stroke Motors
If you're looking for an affordable, simple motor for your duck hunting excursion, 2-stroke motors have long been a standard. These motors are very portable, and more responsive than four stroke outboards, but require an oil/gas mix, and are typically louder than a four stroke.
4-Stroke Motors
4 stroke motors are more efficient than two strokes, as well as quieter in most cases. The largest downside to these engines is that they require more regular maintenance (periodic oil changes) they weight more than 2 strokes, and they're typically more expensive.
Duck Hunting Boats for sale in Stapleton and Theodore, Alabama
Finding the right combination of motor and hull for your duck hunting boat is a critical part of planning out your hunting season. Come in and talk to the experts here at L & M Marine and we'll be happy to help you identify the boat/motor combination that will fit your needs. Located in Theodore and Stapleton, Alabama, L & M Marine proudly offers our services to the areas of Mobile, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; and Biloxi, Mississippi.