Duck boats

[334OKH]

I have had several boats and I'm confident in operating all types. But one thing I can't do for long periods of time is to run a tiller. I have had many neck surgeries and it's painful after a while. Thought I'd throw that in. It'd be terrible to run a tiller for a 15 minute test run, buy the yacht and then find out later that it's uncomfortable. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Commando]

Any one ever seen or have any experience with sea ark boats?

[h2ofowlr]

Any one ever seen or have any experience with sea ark boats?

Yes, I own one.  1860 Sea Ark.  I have a 40hp on it.  It's been a good boat.

[lokidog]

I have been looking at war eagle and excel boats and drooling over them all morning. But with all the different designs with steering I got to thinking. What's the benefit of having a steering wheel for steering vs using the throttle directly to the motor? I really like the steering wheel vs the other one but have noticed the throttle on the motor is more popular. Why is this or is it pretty much personal preference? If you guys where going to get one which way would you go?

Tiller models are substantially cheaper than remote models, less things to go wrong and the boat is usually cheaper as well.  Weight distribution can be sucky sitting in the back, but a boat load of decoys will even out the weight.  14' or smaller, I would probably go with the tiller model, larger a side steering wheel.  A center console would not even be on my consideration list unless I was moving to FL. I'm not sure I would want to have a 40 hp motor in my hand, but then I haven't tried them.   

[Badhabit]

This is a true "flat bottom" boat with a 35hp Mud Buddy. It'll get you into some areas at the Potholes that only the airboat can go. It is not a rough water boat, it can handle 2'ers but anyone in the front with loose their fillings.

[Commando]

h20 I saw you posted about the 1860 earlier, for some reason I thought it was a war eagle. I just came across sea ark, never heard of them they are nice boats from what I saw on the web page. I think I am pretty much sold on the tiller after thinking it over it makes the most sense. size of the motor is still out there maybe a 50 I don't know.

[metlhead]

One will find that a tillered motor is much more responsive in tight spots. Remote steering is more comfortable for long runs.

[The Weazle]

What size outboard would y'all recommend?

What is the max HP rated for the boat your going to get? Get that or one bigger haha. You will never hear a guy who owns a boat say man this boat just has way too much HP.

I have owned several boats and I can't agree more with this statement!  I will never, EVER, buy another boat with a motor with less HP than the max recommended by the CG. 

Also, an open boat with a tiller handle is hard to beat.  Unlimited seating configurations, space for crab pots, stand up for shooting without tripping, etc...

[addicted2hunting]

those mud motors are pretty cool. does any one here use them?

I run one on my 1448 mv alumacraft and love it I finally broke down put a beavertail flip over boat blind on it, it does great skinny water or out In the sound and rivers only regret is I need a more power but who doesn't


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how quick does it get up on step? I am very interested in the surface drives and am looking at as much info as I can about them.

[saltwaterhillbilly]

those mud motors are pretty cool. does any one here use them?

I run one on my 1448 mv alumacraft and love it I finally broke down put a beavertail flip over boat blind on it, it does great skinny water or out In the sound and rivers only regret is I need a more power but who doesn't


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how quick does it get up on step? I am very interested in the surface drives and am looking at as much info as I can about them.

Depends on how big your boat/ motor is and load displacement In the boat but it doesn't take too long with myself and 6 dozen decoys


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[addicted2hunting]

those mud motors are pretty cool. does any one here use them?

I run one on my 1448 mv alumacraft and love it I finally broke down put a beavertail flip over boat blind on it, it does great skinny water or out In the sound and rivers only regret is I need a more power but who doesn't


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how quick does it get up on step? I am very interested in the surface drives and am looking at as much info as I can about them.

Depends on how big your boat/ motor is and load displacement In the boat but it doesn't take too long with myself and 6 dozen decoys


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wow ok... I am eyeballing the gatortail 17 with the 37 hp...

[saltwaterhillbilly]

Buy that sob


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[constructeur]

Buy that sob


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Yeah, what he said 

[Commando]

would a willie sled be to much for the pothole or would it work to get around in there?

[JJD]

Demo'd a Beavertail motor once, all we did was chew up the SS prop.  Most of the water I hunt is rocky rather than mud and weeds.  I went with a regular outboard and a bow mt trolling motor.  Travel near to where I want on outboard motor, then pull into the weeds with the elect.  The Elect chews through the weeds a lot better than I expected, you are not going to plow through long distances of soup with it, but just to pull into shore where you can get covered up, it works fine.
Thought about a jet pump too, they have their place for sure, but are the least fuel efficient propulsion system on the water and they don't like heavy weed cover.