"increased mobility"

Jim Boyer

Active member
The last couple of years I added a marsh boat to hunt out of. Hunting in the backwaters of the Mississippi River requires having a larger boat for "big water".
The problem is "big" is more difficult to hide. As the season progresses, ducks learn to "see" a big blind covered boat. Therefore, many successful hunts involve
going small (instead of hunting out of the big boat"). Taking a blind "with you" along with gear can be difficult....especially when older.

This year my "small boat" will be even better at getting to the "X". Paddling any distance was not working last season. Therefore, a few modifications were
added - oar extensions and a trolling motor. The flip doors fit down inside the oar locks when open.

The "little boat" can be either "tendered or towed".

note: flip doors, more "camo stuff" and a dog hide on the back complete the rig.

0e9e3838aa09614fa8b1be1ad97de3f5
405296647b4ed4e7c443f1f5ecb7afd6


3c5c3581b5bdbad2b25195a444b2a323
f092b1d3aca08dd0cf2f13ccaf8ce31b


7e144f4d4288808fa64bc3d082881a89
1d6c179ff8eef27871de1f0c3d8f359d


e16d600d5164ff5b7256508fcc1d05ae
ea5322a27cdc1797cbdc3697c19ab791

---------
 
Last edited:
Man, that is a NICE RIG!

Looks like you'll have the potential for some enjoyable hunts with your set-up.

Thanks for taking the time to share and post photos.

Jon
 
Nice work!! I think duck hunters as a rule are the most inventive bunch anywhere. And it sure is fun to make something that works better and better.
 
Jim - Is the "little boat" a custom job? If not, what's the make and model? (nice setup, I'm envious, ha)
 
Kyle,
Jim's little boat looks a lot like a Four Rivers Layout boat. I have one I haven't used in years.
Tom
 
Does anyone have any advice on transporting a small boat on a big boat?

Assume a guy needs to build a cradle. Padded bunks? I would be concerned about damaging the little boat when the big boat slams down on some choppy waves.

Thinking about rigging up a similar concept.

Thanks!
 
Tom is correct. It is a Four Rivers "Migrator".

This is a photo of how it is "tendered" to and from duck camp. The Phowler tender boat has an extended front deck with split bench seats in the aft. Using folded U-Haul quilted shipping blankets it rests back, lower on the deck and two seats. This position is very aerodynamic going down the road.

Tendering on the water requires more room in the boat. Therefore, it is moved forward on the extended deck and supported by three quilts. It is strapped down "significantly" and fits the shape of the boat so well that there is very little chance for any wind to "get a grip" on it. Towing is physically much simpler, but I have a pulley/wheel setup that allows me to get it up there alone. I am 75 years old and still can get it up......the boat that is. Ha!.

TwBBoatsWEB464.jpg


Here are a few steps in putting it up on the deck after a hunt. The board on the deck has a keel roller on one end.

B7TotalBowPlant.jpg


B11BowView.jpg


The folded "padded bunks" work well because there is nothing to hinder getting the small boat in the correct position first.

The ducks just don't see it very well.

10FourTealnMalllardDrakeWEB.jpg


8MigratorintheWoodWEB.jpg


---------
 
Last edited:
Back
Top