Duck Machine sneakbox

I?m wondering if the brain trust on the forum can help me. I have the opportunity to pick up an old duck machine feather edge sneakbox. I don?t know anything about them though. I have a duck boss 15 which I really like, but often I hunt alone and would like a lower profile easy to hide rig. My challenge is what is a reasonable price? I know the owner well. He is too old to hunt out of it and it has been garage kept and well maintained. If anyone has any experience and has a ball park idea of a fair value they can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Good morning, Dave~


I'm no expert - but I've gotten some sense of the market. I am not familiar with Duck Machine boats. You've already covered the most important aspect: condition. Sounds like it's ready-to-hunt?


All 'glass or 'glass over wood?



LOA?


Displacement or planing?


All the best,


SJS

 
Jay K said:
So if I'm not mistaken, it's a 2 part transom Higbee. I had one. If you can confirm we are speaking about the same thing, I will give you a full and honest review.

Edit: Provided a pic for reference.

It does look the same to me.
 
It is possible it is one of the original Higbee molds made by Duck Machine but that to me looks like just an earlier generation Higbee. I was clued in on my boat by a veteran of the sport who knew most of the makes of all-glass boxes produced out of NJ. That's a single piece transom. The 2-piece, like the Duck Machine I had, were known to leak in the back and be very brittle in general. Boat was very light, but had a lot of floor flex. The older Higbees were a little more robust. You are correct. That boat should be all glass with the exception of the transom which likely is cored with wood. Be sure to check the transom in the corners and along the seams for cracking, which a lot did. The 2-piece Duck Machines were known for it even more so and you can see where I had to brace mine in the back with a custom bent aluminum bracket.

I sold mine with a 3 year old Load Rite trailer, no motor, for $1800. I felt that was a bit a of a deal. The boat was absolutely mint and the trailer being new, $2000-$2100 probably would have been fair. I would value that rig, with the motor and trailer. Somewhere around $2500-$3000. The trailer looks like it needs a little TLC. Boat looks modified with what seems to be a hard dodger.

I've seen a few nicely kept sneakboxes with motor/trailer go for around the $3000 mark.

I have the same motor, but bought it absolutely mint for $1300. Depending on the condition, the motor itself could be valued anywhere from $800-$1300.
 
Thanks Jay. Appreciate the information. I was going to build a devlin boat this summer, but buying a rig would give me time for other projects.
 
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