Cheap Goose/Duck Boat

[JNB]

So it looks like foot access in the Skagit area may be going the way of the buffalo  ...Does anyone have any ideas on what the cheapest boat may be?  Working with a student budget, so really the only priority is that I don't drown.

[snagglepants]

Check craigslist...last year I bought a john-boat for duck hunting that I found on CL for $100...and it hasn't sunk yet

[JNB]

yeah, i'm kinda between a craigslist boat or one of those really cheap inflatable boats--although they seem like they might be death traps.  also, does anyone know if it is possible to make due without a motor up there or would a trolling type motor be necessary?

[road.kill]

im not too familiar with the exact area you are going into, but some places are float tube accessible (spelling?) if there isnt any current or anything. You just have to be careful because you are in waders in water over your head. it also depends on how far you have to go to the spot.

Cabelas has a camo one for i think 90 bucks on their website.

Before i went too far i would make sure and practice my mobility in it, safety first. Ive also heard of people shooting from them, but again i would practice that somewhere safe the recoil could knock your tube off balance (never used one to tell first hand.) It also could make for a good seat/backrest if you then wanted to hunt from land.

Craiglists would be a good option too. Im not sure if you have a truck to tow one or not, so that is another thing to take into consideration

Good luck in your search   

[powslash]

Build your own. The boat I'm using currently was a quick and dirty build that cost me $50. Going strong into it's second season. This route isn't for everybody but it's very satisfying. Boat building can get addicting. I can steer you in the right direction if you're interested in a DIY. Otherwise craigslist is your friend. I would stay far away from float tubes and inflatables though...
As far as a motor, you can get by without one, just pay attention to the tides, old school.

[Bscman]

I may still have a line on a 10ft gamefisher flatbottom jon-boat if you're interested. It's in silver lake. Needs paint, but doesn't leak. Comes with oars, net, anchor, rodholders, and maybe some more odds and ends for ~$200.

[JNB]

Thanks for all the input, I am definitely going to keep an eye on craigs list.  My bro, who I will be hunting with most of the time, has a truck, but I do not, so I am kind of leaning towards one of the cheap sevylor inflatables that you can get camo-ed out.  Looks like less than $200 and quite a bit of flexibility in terms of transport/storage.  Next post will hopefully have pictures of dead birds in it.

[JNB]

however, i can already feel the idea of building my own boat calling my name.  i am anticipating a future addiction.  do you have any pics of it?

[M_59]

12ft camo jon boat was listed on Craigslist seattle at 3:49pm today. $150 obo. It doesn't get much better than that!

[New England Native]

12ft camo jon boat was listed on Craigslist seattle at 3:49pm today. $150 obo. It doesn't get much better than that!

Looks like it's gone 

[coyotemadness]

I've been searching craigslist for a decent outboard for a long time now. If its worth the asking price things go quick.