what is the ideal boat for the Marshes

[Kudu]

I'm thinking of getting a boat for both Pit and Ladner marshes - what is the recommendation from the guys that have been out there for years. There will normally be two hunters plus deeks an the rest of the paraphernalia.

I have an almost new 18 foot bay-liner in the garage which we use in both salt and fresh water - Not the right boat for the marshes I know. However I have been around smaller boats for a long time


Will a Inflatable Zodiac type craft work for example?

[Ruger4]

had a 14 ft aluminum with a 20hp merc , 2 dogs , 2 hunters , lotsa decoys , had the room and the 20 hp was nice to get in and out quick should the water or weather get nasty.

Thats the only thing I miss about the coast was huntin birds out in the marsh :icon_frow

[421fighter]

For any duck hunters or others, my Titan 9 person inflatable is for sale. It will hold to 1650 pounds or 9 people. 12 feet long, aluminum sectional floor. It's too heavy for me, at 77 years. I'm looking for 2,500$ at Hope Dave

[NitwiT]

total ninja! go put that in the buysell!

Jon boats seem to be the way to go, 12-14' flat bottomed boats with lots of room to carry dead ducks. Noticed adds for them, seem to typically run around 700-1400 for a plain boat.

Mark

[Farmer John]

had a 14 ft aluminum with a 20hp merc , 2 dogs , 2 hunters , lotsa decoys , had the room and the 20 hp was nice to get in and out quick should the water or weather get nasty.

That gets my vote.

[crazy ducker]

I've got a GIII its good any aluminum boat will do. go 14 feet as 12 is a little small. for all that stuff when the water get choppy

[Angus]

Yeah, a 12 to 14 foot aluminum is ideal for the marsh. A 14 gets my vote for 2 guys, a dog, decoys and gear. Thats what we use. Either V hull or Jon boat with a 9.9 to 20 hp is tons of boat.

If you're considering an inflatable (Zodiac), with a comparable 12 to 14 foot size, check the beam, as it may be too broad to go through some of the smaller channels.

[Ian F.]

this is such a personal thing...

Will you be hunting out of the boat?

Will it just be transport?

Do you want to use the boat for fishing?

You need to think about how YOU WILL hunt, and not about HOW YOU DO hunt right now...

I've had of had a sneak, a scull, a canoe, an aquapod, a 12 foot aluminum, a 14 foot aluminum, a layout and a kayak...all have their place, sometimes on the water, sometimes on shore!

[Kudu]

Thanks to all who have answered and Pm'd me.

The flat bottomed, john boat - seems to be the way to go looking at the the general consensus.

Thinking of the launch down at the pit marsh - I'm not sure anything bigger than fourteen foot would fit - having said that, I have never been into the marsh so I have no idea about depth of the channels or width.

The Ladner situation is completely different, from what I can see many worry about the big Westerlies blowing in, and water conditions becoming difficult.

A "Deep V", fast running boat would take care of that - however deep V's are not great in shallow marsh channels. So it is a compromise.

My favorite boat for fishing and fowling was this one - 14ft 6" foot long and capable of handling big Indian Ocean rollers, not to mention the surf launches.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/Gogga2/raider-pic-03.jpg

MY shotgunning was in a marsh, the channels were 20 - 25 feet wide and about 15 foot deep. This little boat, with a cammo net over the top did the job real well.

Later we sold it, and went for a fourteen six cat - far more stable for fishing and diving, but a pain in the butt on the beach.

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/101217/001r9/64046dl_19.jpeg



Both served well as fishing boats and marsh shotgunning - over here though, I 'm not sure this would be the solution - certainly not in the pit marsh.

I had something like this in mind. I have always fancied a flats boat since I fly fished for reds down in Florida a few years ago - would it work as a dual boat in the swamps - fly fishing for bass is bloody brilliant and I hear there are some bass in Pit marsh.

http://images.traderonline.com//img/6/dealer/4724210/97671233_1thumb_550x410.jpg

[Frank]

I haven't been down to the Pitt Marsh in a few years,but last time I was, me and the dog had to get out of my 12 foot aluminum and push it over a beaver dam.Hope this helps.

[zaconb]

My girl:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/zaconb/IMGP0490.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/zaconb/P9300049.jpg

[Crazy_Farmer]

Very nice, in about a week my mud motor frame should be here. Push my little momarsh where ever I want to go.

[zaconb]

CF, you will love it...it's hard to believe what mud motors will go through!

[Crazy_Farmer]

Yeah I'm surpised more guys dont run them up here in the marshes, some spots on low tide it would be perfect for getting in there and not constantly worrying about decoys going dry or getting the outboard in deeper water. Owell, loss for them :wink:

[BuckEye]

Zaconb;
please, no more pics..I can't afford to get sidelined into another aspect of hunting or fishing...I love your setup and dog.
That would be my vote for a great marsh setup.