New Duck Boat

[Baydog]

In the fall of '09, a week before opening day I met up with a couple of my duck-hunting buddies to scout out the marsh around Slim's. They came roaring up in their Gator Trax boats with souped up motors. These guys, Carlos and his pal Pastore, are both diesel techs with Florida Detroit Diesel. Needless to say, their engines are the best of the best - headwork, racing pistons, cams, Mikuni carbs, etc., hang on!

The motors didn't get to me as much as the boats. I build big sportfish boats for a living and most of the duck boats I see hurt my eyes. The Gator Trax boats are actually kind of pretty, so I am retiring my old 14' Lowe and have spent two weekends now bulding my own version of their boats. I loved the hunt deck on Pastore's boat, so I'm doing one on mine. Of course, aluminum is out of the question, so foam and glasss are the materials of choice.

This thing is 17' long and 4' wide on the bottom, with most of the glass on the outside and half on the inside. It weighs about 150 lbs.

My only question is, should I stick with my trusty 16 mph 24hp Long tail, or should I put a 300hp Merc on it and blast by a bunch of those rude, inconsiderate blankity-blank bass fishermen at 70 mph like they do to me??

[D Duck]

My only question is, should I stick with my trusty 16 mph 24hp Long tail, or should I put a 300hp Merc on it and blast by a bunch of those rude, inconsiderate blankity-blank bass fishermen at 70 mph like they do to me??
I would go with the 300hp - someone needs to **** off a few of the bassers - give 'em a taste of their own medicine! :occasion14

Really - do you think that glass over wood construction will be durable enough for a duck boat?

[DUCKWHACKER]

Looks like an interesting build, keep us updated. :occasion14

[Hootie]

I can't believe it's not painted yet. I'll be by this week, been in GA for 5 days..Hootie

[TikiTiki]

That is only 450 lbs lighter than my gatortrax.
Can't wait to see it running.:occasion14

[Baydog]

Glass is finished on the inside. Bow deck and hunt deck are both glassed on the underside. Still a lot of small stuff to do. Gunwhales and hatch cover, gun box/seat next big job. This boat is all 3/4" Corecell. One 17 oz Kevlar on bottom covered by 24 oz E-glass. Two 24's on inside bottom. This is not a skinny race boat layup. This boat is solid as a rock and my son & I can still handle it at this stage. Probably will when finished.

Next question: should we try Tikitiki's pro-stock Mud Buddy on it and go for the Mud Buddy world speed record?

BTW, for you do it yourselfers this construction is really pretty easy. You bondo & drywall screw the foam together in a shape and size you like. (This is easy if you park the boat you like next to it!) Then, if you can handle big wet rags (fiberglass) you have a boat. The best part is grinding (itchy!). It's a good idea to get a friend to help you and lots of talcum powder or beer!

It doesn't have to be yacht quality. Remember you're going to camo it anyway. Anybody wants to try it I will coach you thru it.

Photo 2 is my open water boat. Shot a lot of Bluebills out of it. Same construction - absolutely bullet-proof!

[hunt-chessies]

Nice!! Your gonna have to givye me a ride in it come duck season

[Hootie]

Stopped by an checked Baydog's boat out, looks great. I've also hunted out of the other boat, great ride and comfortable. We'll have to bring the eggs and bacon this year..hehehe..Hootie

[rmenasco]

baydog,

Where did you get this corecell from. Does it come in different thicknesses because I am kind of interested in it.

[Baydog]

Merritt Marine Supply sells Core Cell foam. Yes, it does come in different thicknesses. Divinycell structural foam is another brand that will work just as well. These foams come in different densities too! R-60 in Divinycell is about right for one of these boats, or the equivilant in Core Cell.

The transom is a high-density fiberglass impregnated foam for places like this or where you 're through-bolting cleats or bow eyes, etc. They used to call it "Mantex". It has a new name that escapes my mind now. If you asked Merrit's they will know what you need. Don't use too much. This stuff feels like lead and will defeat your lightweight construction.

[Raul G]

Great work, Baydog. That light hull should fly with a 23,27 or 35 shortail- longtail will work but be slow, that is what I run. For most of Florida, you don't need .125 hulls in excess of 500#, we have few if any beaver dams and not bayou mud but mostly clear water and hard bottom, that is why I still use a longtail. I'd certainly add a winch to one of those to get it off the shallows. Give us the "road" test when you finally launch her.

[backcast]

Really - do you think that glass over wood construction will be durable enough for a duck boat?

I grew up hunting a wooden Stauter Built boat. Mine was over 40 years old when I stopped using it. My cousin still runs one in the family.
And these had no glass.

I like the build.

[over/under]

Rich,
Thanks for the call today. Nice little project you banged out. I cant wait to go for a ride. Looks great, but I really dont expect much less from you, Ultimate quality, and super strong/light wieght. I will stop by next week at the shop.
My project boat has come to a stop because of NO TIME.
I say get a suped-up Hyper and run it like you stole it.
Ben

[over/under]

Really - do you think that glass over wood construction will be durable enough for a duck boat?

This guy has been building 70 plusft glass over wood sportboats that demolish 8ft waves I dont think a duck boat "durability" is a problem.
Kevlar/ hi-density foam= bullett proof

[duckbone]

Looks like it would make a really great fish box. I love it but I would tear it up on the levees.

[D Duck]

Looks like it would make a really great fish box. I love it but I would tear it up on the levees.
That was my thinking.

[Baydog]

Fishbox?? Great idea - even better than using my old aluminum boat to can a bunch of sardines!

[FastDuck]

Nice looking rig very nice.

[TikiTiki]

Nice looking rig very nice.

Sid,
I'm trying to convince Baydog to go with a hopped up 23 mini.
That should run great.

If not, we can always try my HD5500 on it, If it can push my 18X44 Gatortrax 32-33mph, I can only imagine what it would do on this thing.

[Capt HiC]

Nice rig.. Tank's looking for a new ride.

You could test it with my35hp Hyper

Capt HiC

[Raul G]

Leave it to tinkerers to expand the mud hull horizon. I've always argued for a light "speed" hull for here in Florida- my old alumaweld 1544 in .090 gauge was stout enough to survive a direct hit from a speeding bassboat (and I was just lucky) and light enough to move off the shallows without a winch or hernia in the process. After Baydog does 35 mph with the modded 23 it will finally roust the unbelievers from their .125 lethargy and winches. I bet that Kevlar can take on a levee or two (can't shoot ducks from there though) and won't be dimpled by a gator's back. After the maiden voyage with the shortail, it's time go to semi-public and manufacture a few for the cognoscenti. Yeah, look that one up, Fred.:occasion14 My hat's off to all who build their own boats, blinds, and burgers.:coffee2: Happy Fourth to all!!

[FastDuck]

You would be right I think it would do great with the little banchi motor of course with some of your expertees added to it :occasion14 That is pretty neat though the way he built it. Very clean.



Sid,
I'm trying to convince Baydog to go with a hopped up 23 mini.
That should run great.

If not, we can always try my HD5500 on it, If it can push my 18X44 Gatortrax 32-33mph, I can only imagine what it would do on this thing.

[Chuck S]

Nice job on the build. You're gonna have a awesome rig there.i have not built any boats but I've owned a couple custom built boats and seen quite a few others.

[Public Hunter]

Awesome looking boat. If I ever get around to building something similar, I'd appreciate the help...I've been wanting too, just havn't taken the time.

How much is the foam per sheet?

[Baydog]

Latest on Duck Boat: Rubrails/gunwhales on, hunt deck glassed down, bow deck and hatch glassed down. We peel-plied and vacuum-bagged the rails when we glassed them since we used two layers of 45-45 24 oz. Biax at once. I would have been bubble-rolling this all night long without the vacuum bag. Gun box/seat are almost done since pictures. Scuff it up-smooth it out some, paint next. Diesel says, when do we go for a ride Dad??

[Chuck S]

Looks great, what are the dimensions and weight.

[over/under]

Looks SWEEEEEET,
:occasion14

[ChiefBubba]

Baydog I know Carlos from Florida Detroit Diesel. Good man I've had him on the Tug doing some work. Didn't know he was a hunter. Chief.

[Captmako]

That is a awesome job! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product and the performance review.

Also, I need a shop like that.

[over/under]

Also, I need a shop like that.

Here is a better shop pic:occasion14

[Captmako]

Here is a better shop pic:occasion14

That's a SHOP! :occasion14

I figured something similar. I can see the quality in the workmanship usually found in a pros work. I kept comparing it to Merritts'. My dad worked there for 20 yrs after he quit fishing.:occasion14

I wonder how Duckbones motor would perform on it.

[Raul G]

Baydog: Tremendous work. Would that hull be configurable without that middle bench seat? I mean would it still be rigid enough without it? I suspect it would be just fine as an open hull edition. We, of course, expect some numbers after its maiden voyage. Craftsmanship like this shines!:thumbsup:

[Baydog]

Raul G: If I didn't go with the seat I would probably go with 1" foam in the bottom instead of 3/4 ". The false transom, gun box/seat and forward bulkhead are the building jig. Without the seat you just make up a frame out of scrap 1x4's to hold the sides apart till you glue and glass the bottom on. Pull it out when the boat is further along.

[FLA.MUDMAN]

hay baydog...when you get er done...you can bring her to my shop and try out different mudmotors....i have a dozen plus in stock...you might even find one you like......YOU BUILD ONE SWEET LOOKING BOAT...NICE JOB !!!
WWW.FLORIDAMUDMOTORS.COM

HERE FOR 24YEARS

:kermit:

[Randy Clark]

damm sweet looking boat there . that big white one looks like it would be hard to blind up though:smileinbo

[Hootie]

Stopped by Baydogs shop today, the boat is sweet. He picked up the back end with out a problem. Figures the weight at 250 lbs. The boat is tight and strong. I hope I thee on the maiden voyage...Hootie

[FastDuck]

very nice need some more pics!!!!

[duckbone]

Not much different Gene as my gatortrax is only about 100lbs more. A hull will only go so fast without big gains in horsepower then you gain alot more weight and lose flotation and gain drag of more boat in the water. I'll tell you one thing that boat won't do and that is sink.

[hitch]

Very cool project! I like your other boat as well! Thanks for posting this...btw it's on duckboats.net already. Your famous :)

Hitch

[Baydog]

This for you guys on "Duckboat.net" and anyone else who was wondering about the drywall screws: Come on, guys! The drywall screws come out after the glue sets up. We've been using the same buckets of these screws for this purpose for years.

BTW, this foam is made in Canada by an English company - need I say more? I was lucky I was given 6 pallets of this foam by a boat builder switching back to cold-molded wood epoxy. Personally I like either one, just think the foam is over-priced. Then, on the otber hand, has anyone priced some BS-1088 Ocume plywood lately?

I build wood epoxy or foam & glass boats for a living. If I didn't have the foam for free I would have no problem building this boat out of A-C exterior fir plywood. Properly coated out with epoxy resin and glassed on the outside, most plywood boats will outlast their builders. A little trick: put the nice side inside. Since you're going to glass the outside you might as well look at the pretty side of the plywood. Check out the Pole boat construction pics on Duckboats.net.

This type of epoxy coating, if done in all the nooks and crannies will virtually last forever. The nice thing about plywood is structurally it can stand alone. The foam I use is nothing by itself - you can poke a pencil through, but once it is glassed on both sides it's incredibly light and strong.

Incidentally, even if I left the big old dywall screws in, they would probably never rust since epoxy doesn't suffer from osmotic water absorption like polyester. I would just cuss myself every time I hit one with a hole saw or drill when I rig this boat!

[Baydog]

I wasn't going to do this this time, but I couldn't resist wiping a coat of microballoons and epoxy on after smoothing out the glass. Then came a lot of sanding. At least this stuff doesn't itch. A little touch-up and it's primer time. Bear says "I want a ride, too!"

[Hootie]

Stopped by and saw the "Boat" looks great, Baydog's getting ready to put the paint to it. I think we should have a gumbo cook off or barbecue at the launch site.
Just so everyone can get to know each other. What the ****'s a couple of hours.

[David B]

My Dad built all of his duck boats. All plywood and epoxy. The last one was built in the late 70's. My older brother still hunts out of it. The same brother builds cedar strip kayaks and canoes for a hobby. Man I love this thread. Boat building is such an art and science brought together by skilled craftsman.

Hi-Jack.
Ben I was glassing a cap on a tractor today and was thinking it would have been nice to have your help. I forgot the darn talc powder again.

[palmbayjay]

when's the madien voyage/cook off ???

[FastDuck]

The boat looks phenominal!! Very nice job on it. I like the layout too. I would love to see it when its done. Are you going to paint and then glass or just color the resin.

[Baydog]

Sid,

From the very first pictures I posted, the pieces of the boat, hull sides, bulkheads, transom, etc. are all pre-glassed (first layer). This gives the foam parts a little substance. The bottom pieces are edge glued-together and after they dry, are bent over the sides and traced out and cut to size - plus a little extra.

I pre-glass the inside of the bottom. When dry, I glue the half pre-glassed bottom to the sides. With glass only on the inside the bottom bends like rubber. If you glassed both sides it would be as stiff as a weddin' d##k and never bend around the bow. Then I put the 1708 Kevlar on the bottom and one more 24 oz. Biax on the entire hull. Outside glass work done!

This is where the boat is in my post dated 6/17/10. So in the picture of my son and myself holding the boat up, most of the glass work inside and out is done, except for the hunt deck, bow deck, and rub rail. This is post dated 6/25/10. On the 7/11 post, the glass work is done. On the 7/19 post the boat is in fairing compound, (homemade epoxy bondo.) I have since epoxy paint-primed the outside and rolled it over to detail the topside and inside. Should have it painted this weekend. Will post more pics Sat. p.m.

I hope my procedure explanation answers your question. As to the design and layout, not too far from Carlos' and Pastor's Gator Trax boats - just slightly altered to fit my needs.

The hunt deck, in my opinion, is the biggest asset of this boat! When you do hunt a dog, you don't have to raise and lower your blind everytime you send him or her out for a bird. Sometimes a dog in the water is an attractant to ducks! Nothing worse than having a bunch come in on your spread and flaring because your blind is folded down! Like gettin caught with your pants down! :icon_redf

[FastDuck]

Very COOL!! I was wondering if you used a kevlar or something a little stronger on the bottom for protection. it looks phenominal. I was amazed at how well the rub rails came out, honestly I did not know it could be done. Very cool though and the fact you did it so lite is amazing too. I am anxious to know how it handles when you get it on the water too. I imagine pretty dang nice. The rounded chine I am a fan of just for steering and sharp turns. I imagine it will draft very little water too. Very nice work. It is cool to see that the art of boat making is still alive. I loved that big boat and the teke detail too. I have always wanted to learn just never had the time to do it. There is a definite way to do it so that it is strong and will last and you look like you have matered it. The most work I have ever done was repairing some stringers in the bottom of a boat and I did not have to make it look good it was covered by the floor :toothy10:

[Baydog]

"New duck boat" is finally in paint. Spent more time smoothing the bottom than th top (don't look too close). Didn't want to leave any performance in the shop with a lumpy bottom. I want to try my 24hp longtail just the way it was on my Lowe - see if this boat runs any better. Later I will do a few things to the longtail to "pep it up". I have fantasized about building my own surface drive using an old outboard leg, gearbox/clamp, etc. Just extend the shaft out. Brace it to the housing. Maybe use a standard cutlass bearing in the strut. Of course, it would have to be mounted higher on the transom to keep the foot out of the water. Wouldn't forward-neutral-reverse by nice! Power trim & tilt. There must be thousands of old outboards with blown powerheads just waiting to be converted.

Engine? A vertical shaft vanguard would work. Drive it with a cog belt. Mount it on an aluminum bracket just a little bit forward of the old powerhead for balance. A snowmobile motor or one of the Rotax aircraft engines might be more exciting.

Sorry mud motor dealers! I am just an incurable do it yourselfer/hotrodder. When the boat is done maybe I will finish my diesel Harley.

[FastDuck]

Baydog that is ABSOLUTELY phenominal!! I would like to place my order now for one :booty: I am telling you, you are truly an artist, and I don't blame you a bit for doing it yourself. Very Nice job, if I can give you some help with any questions you might have, I would be glad to help. Very cool though. Good looking boat.

[Hootie]

Beautiful!!!!! Just in time for teal season. Let me know when your going to try it out. We'll have a get together. Sorry Sid I have the first order..hehehe.

[FastDuck]

LMAO!!!! :booty::booty::occasion14

[hitch]

Absolutely sweet!! Thanks for posting this build Rich. I hope you post more photos as you rig it out.

Hitch

[over/under]

Looks awesome!!! hey Im up in the old bayman stomping grounds. I want a ride when I get back.

[Hootie]

over/under, bring back some little necks or a couple of smoked eels. You know Baydog can't get away from them garvey's!!! Hootie

[Chuck S]

Littlenecks, smoked eels, garvey's.........I sense some jersey boys here.

[David B]

Who said smoked eels? Ben, Ben, BEN, WHERE ARE YOU??

[Swampyankee]

New Jersey! How dare you!! LOL!

We are a bunch of displaced South Shore Long Island bay rats. We span a few generations though.

[over/under]

who said smoked eels? Ben, ben, ben, where are you??

montauk

[Swampyankee]

Ben - Been out yet?

I got a second opinion on the Merc. Sounds like it will be much less to fix.

Have fun up there. I might be there in a few weeks. I went over to Rich's shop and picked up the new rig. That thing is awesome!

Catch em up.

[Baydog]

"Garveys, clams, smoked eels" - this is why these words are so familiar to a bunch of us: we all did this for a living at one time or at least grew up around it. I made a living both working out of Garveys and building them for other baymen. That's why the shape of my "new duck boat" is so familiar to so many of the old crowd.

This is my friend Greg King. This was two weeks ago out in front of Highlands, NJ. I will be his cullboy/deckhand next week, then on to Montauk for a reunion of sorts with a few old high school buddies. I can't believe it's been 46 years since we got out of school! Still a few good hunts left in us!

[Swampyankee]

I haven't been a cull boy since i was 12 years old!!

Growing up on the bay was very special. From the clams to the flounders and crabs, WBAB and so on.

Lots of very fond memories. Thanks for stirring it all up!

[Baydog]

Switched the motor from my old Lowe to my new boat Wednesday. Took the new rig for a ride Friday after work. I copied the 45 degrees bevel on the bottom of the transom like TikiTiki's Gator Trax. Figured it was a good idea for backing out of a tight spot. Had about a 1/2" radius on the bottom - just enough to get the glass around. Well, it sucked the back down at speed to where the water was trying to slide over the top of the hunt deck. Half (forward) the hull was up out of the water!

Saturday morning I added a little 1/4 x 1/4 wedge to the transom bottom. Eureka! She leveled out and ran beautiful! I got 15 mph at 3,000 rpms and 19.3 mph at full boogie with my stock 24 hp long tail. I am going to reduce my lift wedge a little so she doesn't ride bow down with another hunter and gear up front. The dialing in is fun when you see progress.

Next I want to do a little to my motor - nothing radical (they don't make much for Hondas). I would be very happy at 20 mph with two guys and gear! I have trouble running a gallon of gas a day through this motor hunting the usual spots down near Slim's. My friend's old OMC outboard leaks more than that on a good day!

Gonna miss that old boat! :crybaby2:

[Randy Clark]

looking good

[Capt HiC]

Nice Rig!:occasion14

Capt HiC

[BuckHunter83]

It's beautiful, nice work!

[swilli1054]

A work of art!! :occasion14

[Swampyankee]

Baydog:

OMC? Old friend? You aren't referring to our skinny friend are you?

He whose name shall not be spoken! Too funny. I was told to lose weight this season or face the consequences (no sausage biscuits at 8:30)!

The rig looks awesome.

I went scouting in STA 1 for my gator permit Saturday evening. In addition to hundreds of gators, we saw about 100 black bellies scattered out here and there. Most were flying west out of the northern unit at dusk.

[Baydog]

Hey Swampyankee! i hope those blackbellies weren't heading for the rice silos.

P.S. Tell that skinny guy you're just storin' up for the winter. That's why we build our boats light!

[Hootie]

It's a good thing that ducks head blocks the tag...hehhe

[Swampyankee]

Hootie -

There were a pile of guns shooting. Baydog is not a poacher.

I admit though, the picture looks incriminating!!

[Hootie]

Yeak I know, he told me the story. But your right it does look suspicious..hehe

[Reddfin]

Awesome looking boat. Almost makes me think to go back to something like that instead of an airboat. Wish I could just own four or five boats at one time for any place any time any restrictions or situation.:)

Thats one heck of a Blackbelly smackdown.:occasion14

Tony

[Baydog]

First marsh test. Two skinny old guys and one 90 lb. dog (me,Hootie & Bear) - 18.3 mph at 3730 rpms. Planes off effortlessly at 2500 rpms. I think a third guy wouldn't hurt the planing ability of this new boat that much. My old Lowe would do 16-17 mph with me alone, but only 12 or so with another person and gear. The long narrow bottom did the trick! Wire up my lights, hang my blind material and we are ready for early teal season! :toothy10:

[TikiTiki]

Looking good Baydog.

I know where you're running.......:wave:

[Captmako]

I know where you're running.......:wave:

Me too!:occasion14

Awesome job on the boat Baydog.

[EazyGauge]

wow..thats a bad *** boat....Can you build me one?

[SSPhone]

Looks great.
I wonder what that thing would do if we put my ProDrive on it?

[D Duck]

Looks great.
I wonder what that thing would do if we put my ProDrive on it?
Fly.... :smileinbo

[Randy Clark]

Fly.... :smileinbo

or sink:occasion14:occasion14

[Kevin Hall]

If I had something like that .... I would just get stuck worse. :occasion14