Well I decided to expand my hunting opportunities. I'm starting to research layout boats. Has anyone one used the Banks pumpkinseed? I've been researching layout boats and I'm concerned with weight and stability. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
"When those birds stool".....takem!

I had two single man Busick layout boats back when I was younger. After getting access to marsh hunting I got rid of them. But I thought they were great. I had a two man layout from Maine 30+ years ago but never had the proper tender rig to handle it. Two heavy and towing took forever. If I ever went back to layout hunting, I would look for a single Busick.

I have hunted the Pumpkinseed a few times. Also their Revolution. The Pumpkinseed is small which suits a smaller person like myself but is very tight for a bigger person. It is stable enough, low profile and works as intended. While I'm not sure I ever got comfortable with getting in and out, I took comfort in knowing the water wasn't more than 4' deep.

I recall hearing stories of a pumpkin seed that barrel rolled several times about 15 years ago. I don't know if it was design, operator error, or a myth to begin with. Generally Bankes make very good product! I had an MLB classic for many years. This year I bought a new layout boat, a Layout Addictions. The owner is great to work with, and will make custom modifications. It is aluminum and weighs less than my MLB did with much more room and even room in the important spot like toe room.

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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

The generation I Bankes pumpkinseed had the ability to roll-over, particularly when the hunter tried to take steep angle shots in the arc behind the cockpit that required the them to turn and rise to prop their upper torso angainst the cockpit coaming when there was a steep chop running. Bankes redesigned the boat to lower the center of gravity. I have read no more reports of issues. Layout Addictions and UFO both build quality layout boats as well. I think Tony Homer gobbled-up the Busick and MLB badges, so you can conclude quite accurately that the designs now suffer. I had a Bankes one-man Hercules that I just sold to two younger waterfowlers-very hard to part with it. These are towable in all but the worst conditions, stable and very roomy and highly comfortable if you are over 6 foot and wear an XL coat. I wear a size 11 shoe and am just under 6"-4" at 234lbsTy. They float a little high, so they are a bit noisy as the surface chop slurps against the chine. Typical Bankes build quality standards and service.

 
This is the Layout Addictions Title II. Quite enjoyable to hunt out of. It is made of Aluminum.. 125# they say... I have seen pictures on the scale without paint and splash guard at 118#. It is lighter than my MLB Classic was.






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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

Phil --- where are going to put the dog?


Joe

I hunt with MLB Super Mag. Excellent boat. I am 6'3" and am comfortable. They aren't in business any longer, but if you search around, you should be able to find a used one.

Best,
Steve

In the tender boat of course!





Or .. break out the two man and a dog layout....





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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

I like the 2 man rig. Who made that one?

Are you looking at single or double person?
"Pass the Tradition Along"

I did .

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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

Great design. If I am not careful that could be my next year's project.

Joe

I used my old MLB for a plug mold, and made the tops with that. 4mm Meranti plywood for the deck and box...

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***Phil (Chesapeake Boy) Nowack***

http://www.mapleridgetaxidermy.com
http://www.philnowackphotography.com

Nothing like the north wind pushing snow at your back, a bird in your hand, and chessie with ice on his coat at your side.

Birds brought to you courtesy of Nikon, Benelli, Kodi, and Otter

The 2 man is as close to a sinkbox as you can get and still be legal. I admire your design

Joe

I'm thinking single Troy. Then go from there.
"When those birds stool".....takem!

Hi John, I only have experience with my 2 man (X2) from Core sound. But all who have hunted it loved it for the space and stability. As for what a single style (X1) weighs, I know Terry has the weight listed on his specs. I can load and unload my X2 alone from the boat. Not the desired approach, but doable if I need too. Best of luck in your quest.

p.s. Terry Rose from Core Sound is great to deal with.
"Pass the Tradition Along"

John,
I don't know where you are located but I know of a Busick layout in northern Michigan that is for sale. The Busick is a great layout boat.

Contact me if that's in driving distance to you.

Larry Eckart

Thanks Larry, just a little to soon, I'll be using it in Florida next season. Kinda leaning towards a ufo. But still alot of research to do. Thanks
"When those birds stool".....takem!

John, I have a 1 man UFO and like it. It is quite stable and has enough room. A couple friends, 6' 3 or 4" that weight 250 + hunted out of it with no complaints. The hunter in the pic is 6"4'. He got his first Can in Lake Seminole out of the UFO. I generally carry it on the bow of my 17' x56" G3. It is a 2 man job to pull it up on the bow and lower it down unless your pretty strong in the back and shoulder. It can be towed but I never have tried it. The hydrilla in the boat helps it to blend in with the grass beds on the lake.

Thanks Dale.
"When those birds stool".....takem!

make sure your feet have plenty of room. Nothing worse then having to laydown with your feet swaded to the side and not perpendicular. It can get uncomfortable fast

Thanks Phil.
"When those birds stool".....takem!

John, I don't know whether FA still sells these or not. They are a heat absorptive bind pad made for layout blinds...padding and heat retention material at the same time

Found them at Roger's;

Final Approach Hot Seat | Rogers Sporting Goods