Nisqually with a layout/sneak boat?

[fethrduster]

I've never hunted Nisqually before, and I live in Tacoma proper.   I have a 10' fiberglass layout boat.  It's a converted sail boat with a wide beam and a removable skeg that goes through the bottom, so it should be pretty stable.  I cut the cockpit area out so I can lay down in it (with the skeg between my legs.  Go ahead, insert joke here. ), and it's quite comfortable.  Is Nisqually safe to hunt in such a boat on a decent day?  Would an electric motor be mandatory?  I just have a paddle now.   Would a freshwater electric last more than a season in saltwater?  I wouldn't be going out if it was really windy, or if it started to kick up, I would just head in.  Even so, I don't want to take unnecessary chances.  I've hunted ducks since I was 7, and came close to capsizing once on a nasty day on the Columbia, so let's just say I'm more "aware" than I used to be.

[SnowDog]

I've hunted the Nisqually out of my Marsh Rat several times. Watch the weather and pick your days. I was a bit freaked out last trip when a HUGE sealion surfaced about 10 yards from my boat on the way back to the launch and it was following me.

Cheers!
SD

[ICEMAN]

I've hunted the Nisqually out of my Marsh Rat several times. Watch the weather and pick your days. I was a bit freaked out last trip when a HUGE sealion surfaced about 10 yards from my boat on the way back to the launch and it was following me.

Cheers!

SD

Dirty underpant event...

[nchaput]

Nisqually is not that bad regardless of the weather. I have done it in my 12 ft boat in 20-30 mph winds. Hunting wasn't bad and it was doable. Nisqually has changed this year since they changed the dams and there are now more acres for people to hunt. I am going to see how much it has been changed soon. That being said an electric motor will get you to half of the area if you plan properly. As far as sea lions go last year we found a dead one and ended up setting up next to it as a natural blind and we got some good shooting in using it as an improptu blind. Later in the year the birds end up following the signs and don't provide many shots. Still get a ton of shots there and if you dont' you see a ton of ducks.
 

[adam.WI]

My buddies and I hunt it with kayaks, an aquapod and a marsh rat. Weather has never been that bad for us, it is pretty well hidden and in small boats you stay next to the shore so you don't have to paddle as much any ways. Hunting can be pretty hit or miss because those birds wise up quick.

[dadada]

i hunt nisqally alot you can go out in any boat as long ast there is no north wind when the north wind comes i recomend getting out it gets rough