How to choose the right boat for hunting and fishing

Why do you need a boat when hunting?

Duck hunting is usually organized near a reservoir, as a result of which the shot game can fall not only on the shore, but also on the water. If there is a dog nearby, it can catch the bird from the pond, but one should not lose sight of the fact that in most cases during the season the water is cold, and not everyone will decide to expose the animal to the risk of getting sick. Therefore, a single-seater boat for duck hunting and fishing, quite light and practical, becomes the most successful assistant in collecting trophies.

Placing decoy geese and ducks (both artificial and live) is much more effective on a pond than on the shore, since waders do not always help cope with the difficult bottom topography. If the choice fell on a boat, but you want to take your dog with you on a hunt, you can equip the equipment with a convenient accessory - a folding ladder that fits the animal’s landing.

A boat is also necessary for delivering equipment to the hunting site if it is difficult to find a comfortable route overland.

Choosing and improving an inflatable boat for hunting

A high-quality hunting boat is the main type of equipment for hunting waterfowl; in particular, it is most actively used for hunting ducks and geese. To ensure that active outdoor recreation is comfortable and that the catch is plentiful, it is important not only to choose the right boat, but also to take care of its careful camouflage.

How to choose a boat for hunting?

First, you should determine for yourself how you plan to use it; to do this, answer the following questions for yourself:

Will you hunt alone or with friends, how many will there be?
Do you have a dog and how many stuffed animals and equipment do you plan to take with you?
In what places are you planning to hunt? Is it possible to sail there on an inflatable boat without the risk of puncture, or is it full of snags and you need a plastic or aluminum boat?
What distances do you plan to walk - do you need a gasoline engine or an electric one, or will you row on oars, since the hunting areas are not deep, there is a lot of vegetation and snags, because the duck, a pest, loves stronger places and rarely sits on clean ones...

You need to know the answers to these questions from the very beginning, and the choice of the boat itself depends on this. Of course, the simplest option is a small single-seater boat that can easily fit in a car, plus you can carry it in a backpack to the right place where you can’t get to it by car. Such a boat will help you place stuffed animals on the water, and in case of a successful hunt, collect dead game, because in waders and waders you can’t walk in depth everywhere, but a small boat will pass without any problems. But there are also disadvantages to such little ones - they are good for hunting from the shore; you can hunt in them from the water, but it is extremely inconvenient, especially if the hunt takes place in the fall and the water is cold. These babies have a soft bottom, you have to shoot while sitting from a not very comfortable position, and if you don’t properly insulate the seat when sitting in a boat, you can easily get serious health problems, so this boat is mainly used when hunting from the shore or from a solid island, to arrange and collect stuffed animals and dead game. Neither an electric motor nor a gasoline motor can be attached to it, so only the strength of the hunter’s hands is used as an engine, and you won’t get far with it.

If you plan to go hunting with a partner, then in this case it is better to take two, or better yet, a three-seater inflatable PVC boat (third place for equipment) with a hard floor (usually a plywood sling) so that the two of you can sit comfortably in the boat, quietly without danger of falling into the water. It is also advisable to immediately choose a boat with a transom so that you can attach an electric motor or a gasoline version, even if you do not initially plan to install them, believe me, the time will come and you will want to do this, but alas, it will be difficult... A boat with a transom has another important advantage , and which few people realize - if it suddenly happens that you fall into the water, climbing back into the round inflated balloon of the boat in clothes is an almost impossible task even in warm water, in cold water it’s even worse, but climbing from the side of the transom is very realistic and convenient ...

Hunting tuning of an inflatable boat

Once you have made your choice and bought the boat of your dreams, you are almost ready to hunt... Why almost, why not right away? Yes, because hunting is not fishing and it is very advisable to “tune” the boat for hunting a little for your convenience and safety. You can find out how we did this by watching this video:

And one more very important point...MASKING

At the hunting site, an inflatable boat with hunters sitting in it looks very “pale” and the bird prefers to fly further away from things that are unusual for it, which clearly stand out from the surrounding landscape, so it is necessary to camouflage the boat and the hunters. This can be done with the help of special camouflage nets for hunting from the Duck Expert company of the GEO series, very light and compact, which were developed specifically for hunting waterfowl.

Camouflage nets in this series are made of modern synthetic non-woven geotextile material, which is firmly sewn to the net base (without glue or plastic clamps), which ensures strength and durability.

Geotextiles have clear and undeniable advantages as a means of camouflage during hunting:

doesn't rot
resistant to moisture, when it rains, water simply rolls off the fabric in drops
dries quickly
does not give glare due to the fleecy structure
doesn't make noise in the wind
without smell
UV resistant
very light material
ideal for camouflaging a boat, creating a concealment and for hunting in the autumn or spring forest, in dry reeds, in dry grass, in corn fields, in cereal fields

You can learn more about all the advantages of these camouflage networks from another of our videos:

Types of hunting boats

The best boats for hunting fully meet rather specific requirements: the products must be suitable for passing through densely overgrown areas and shallow waters. It is important that the watercraft be strong, not afraid of contact with prickly vegetation, and show good maneuverability.

Hunting boats must be suitable for passage through densely overgrown areas and shallow waters

Inflatable boats for hunting

Rubber inflatable models, common a couple of decades ago, were too unreliable, exhibited a high risk of puncture due to hitting a stone or twig, and were difficult to control due to their low weight.

Modern variations are based on PVC fabric - this is a dense reinforced material with performance properties characteristic of plastic. The key advantages of such products are ease of storage and ease of transportation. On motor-rowing plastic boats for hunting, you can install an outboard engine, which provides high speed of movement and has a long service life. Thanks to the shallow draft, shallow water areas do not become a problem, and the cylinders are not afraid of contact with reeds.

Inflatable boat made of durable PVC

Flat-bottomed boats

A striking representative of this segment is kulas - a product with low sides, moving with the help of oars or poles. Transom stern models can accommodate a compact outboard motor. The flat-bottomed hull provides optimal stability; this boat can be used for shooting while standing. Modern industrial variations of kulas are made of fiberglass, while artisanal ones are based on boards and plywood.

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Popular cartops fit easily into the top trunk of a passenger car, their length does not exceed 3.5 m, and their weight is kept within 60 kg. The key advantages of the model are mobility, sufficient stability and the ability to upgrade using an outboard motor (3.5 hp is enough). The cartop's body has blunt contours, as a result of which it cannot swim deep into the reeds. Compact dimensions do not allow you to pack a large amount of equipment and supplies.

Typically, cartops are used close to the camp or base, since they are limited in independent swimming. Such punts are made of fiberglass.

Motor boats

A product equipped with an outboard motor allows you to reach remote hunting grounds, but a screw engine will be useless in water bodies with abundant vegetation and shallow water, where the risk of unit breakdown and damage to the cooling system increases. The optimal solution is to use an outboard jet engine, which significantly expands the access area of an aluminum boat.

As practice shows, two hunters can move on a boat of this type with a closed bow; on a 5-meter boat with an open bow, 3 hunters-shooters and a huntsman can easily accommodate.

Hunting motor boat

Tuning inflatable boats for fishing

A purchased PVC inflatable boat is essentially a semi-finished product. In order to make this vessel a real fishing that meets all the requirements and expectations of the owner, and also to prepare it for the type of fishing that will be given the greatest preference, the inflatable boat must be subjected to thorough tuning. Modern possibilities for additional equipment of inflatable boats with special accessories designed for fishing are almost unlimited. The most popular and proven by many users option for preparing an inflatable PVC motor boat for fishing be considered to be equipped with a targa - an arc for trolling. It makes it possible to install several fishing rods, and can also serve to carry signal lights and even a searchlight. It would not be superfluous to install for spinning rods and mounting blocks for the display of a fishfinder echo sounder and a GPS navigator inside the cockpit on the sides of the fishing boat in such a way that it is convenient for the driver to read data from them. In addition to tuning the upper part of an inflatable fishing , it would not hurt to have additional reinforcement on the bottom, which will protect it from punctures when going ashore or overcoming shallow rocky areas.

Criteria for choosing a watercraft

The key factors influencing the ease of use of the boat are the parameters of weight and carrying capacity, and the design features of the product.

Load capacity

Here you need to take into account the weight of the shooter and the potential presence of a partner, a huntsman. The maximum carrying capacity should include the weight of prey, equipment and supplies, and a dog.

Dimensions and weight

When choosing a watercraft, you need to keep in mind that it must be stored somewhere during periods of inactivity and independently transported to the reservoir. In this aspect, inflatable variations, unlike solid-body ones, are more rational - they have less weight and are affordable, soft and quite compact. The disadvantages of this solution are limited maneuverability and the need for preliminary preparation (pumping).

Modern models with a rigid body can be lightweight; the cartopes can be conveniently transported on the top trunk of a car. For large, heavy series, boat trailers have been developed that cling to the tow bar of the tractor. Such products can be launched only with a certain coastal topography.

Aluminum and plastic boats prove to be reliable watercraft with high seaworthiness and sufficient stability. You can shoot from them while standing.

Aluminum boat - light and reliable

Lines and shape

Narrow boats easily overcome dense reed thickets, which guarantees complete camouflage. But the internal volume of such specimens is quite small, which causes restrictions regarding lateral swing and load distribution.

The design of the contours is chosen in accordance with current tasks. Punts easily explore shallow depths, as they have a shallow draft; they can be used in conjunction with a motor or oars, but not in conditions of high waves. Light models move back a little when firing - this is how recoil manifests itself; the presence of a flat stern can significantly reduce this effect.

Rating of quality fishing boats for 2020

The site's editors offer an overview of the most popular and high-quality models with comprehensive descriptions, which will help you make the right choice. The list is divided into groups by type of product and includes options in different price categories: from budget to expensive.

Rowing

Pilot C-260

A domestically produced two-seater boat, made of durable reinforced green PVC. Resistant to the effects of fuels and lubricants, does not fade in the sun.

It is possible to purchase modifications with a collapsible floor or transom.

Average price: 9100 rub.

Pilot C-260

Advantages:

inexpensive;
manufacturer's warranty - 2 years;
quality materials;
high, wide sides, closed in shape;
upturned nose;
with repair kit;
with a guard rope;
with eye ring.

Flaws:

soft bottom, on which it is difficult to maintain balance;
no fishing rod holder;
comfortable for one, but two people of average build can hardly fit.

Teal 200

A single khaki boat made of polyvinyl chloride is designed for one person (load capacity up to 150 kg). Small, maneuverable, safe. Suitable for winter fishing, a good option for hunters.

Average price: 5400 rub.

Teal 200

Advantages:

price;
light;
convenient hermetic bag;
wide sides of a closed shape;
repair kit;
pump pump;
two cylinders;
guard rope;
first aid kit;
detachable aluminum oars, oarlocks.

Flaws:

soft, non-inflatable bottom;
uncomfortable hard seat;
no fishing rod holder.

Intex Seahawk-200

The small two-seater green model can carry up to 200 kg. Taking care of the safety of users, the manufacturer divided the design of the watercraft into three independent air chambers, and also equipped it with a guard rope. The boat is also equipped with a comfortable inflatable bottom.

Sold in two versions: basic and extended - with plastic oars and pump.

Average price: 3014 rub.

Intex Seahawk-200

Advantages:

budget;
light;
high sides of a closed shape;
stylish appearance;
with fishing rod holder;
with a guard rope;
with repair kit;
inflatable bottom;
three cylinders.

Flaws:

thin PVC;
absolutely not suitable for autumn-winter or winter-spring fishing (water temperature less than 10º C) - the material hardens in cold water and breaks;
keeps weight less than declared;
narrow, roomy;
no seating;
flimsy oars;
you cannot deflate the boat with a pump;
You can’t leave it in the sun - it swells and bursts.

Motor rowing

Aqua 260

A good option for small and calm water is a model from the Russian manufacturer Aqua. The compact, green model is made of reinforced PVC. Maximum load capacity - 220 kg. Maximum motor power is 2.5 hp.

Sold in two versions: with and without transom.

Average price: 9100 rub.

Aqua 260

Advantages:

price;
light;
maneuverable;
quality materials;
high-quality taped seams;
complete with pump and repair tools;
conveniently located oarlocks and oars;
anchor eye;
two air compartments, a guardrail along the sides;
high sides of a closed shape.

Flaws:

unstable, tension bottom;
powerful pump;
not enough space for two people;
inconvenient bag for carrying and storage;
hard, slippery seats;
inconvenient to carry - there are no handles on the bow and stern.

Intex Challenger-3

The bright model made of unreinforced PVC consists of two cylinders: an internal, smaller one, and an external, larger one. Separately, you can fill the inflatable floor with air. The product is designed for three people and can withstand a maximum of 300 kg. Maximum motor power is 1.5 hp. Sold in two colors - yellow and blue. Since the low density of PVC makes the product unsuitable for traveling in deep water, and the bright colors will scare off all living creatures, the best options for use remain coastal fishing and short-distance rafting along a calm river.

Average price: 4249 rub.

Intex Challenger-3

Advantages:

budget;
roomy;
comfortable inflatable seats;
guardrail along the sides;
wide sides of a closed shape;
carrying handles;
inflatable floor;
equipment - oars, pump, repair tools.

Flaws:

color not suitable for hunting;
inconvenient pump to use - non-standard adapter;
hard oarlocks.

Phoenix 280T

The compact two-seater model is well suited for fishing or walking on a small, quiet body of water. It is possible to install a motor up to 3.5 hp. and weighing no more than 17 kg.

Sold in two versions - with transom (luxury) and without.

Average price: 13960 rub.

Phoenix 280T

Advantages:

light;
maneuverable;
available in two colors - gray, green;
quality materials;
comfortable, roomy bag;
high sides of a closed shape;
upturned nose;
hard book bottom;
strong oars.

Flaws:

slippery banks.

Motor

HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320

A three-seater watercraft made of durable reinforced PVC with an independent inflatable bottom, which can be used as a mattress on a hike. Maximum motor power - 8 hp.

Average price: 22990 rub.

HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320

Advantages:

price;
accommodating;
the bottom is easy to assemble;
strong material;
high U-shaped sides;
repair kit;
aluminum oars, oarlocks;
frog pump.

Flaws:

unstable;
hard, slippery cans;
heavy;
no keel;
does not hold air well, deflates quickly;
Poorly processed seams, there are traces of glue.

Flinc 290

The two-seater green model has excellent driving characteristics and is suitable for both hunting and fishing.

Motor power - 5-9.8 hp.

Sold in several versions: with or without an inflatable keel, as well as with an inflatable or tension bottom.

Average price: 17990 rub.

Flinc 290

Advantages:

price;
durable;
convenient folding plywood floor;
three cylinders;
guard rope;
high-quality materials, good assembly;
high U-shaped sides;
keel;
oars, rowlocks;
foot pump;
repair kit

Flaws:

heavy, transom wheels are needed for transportation;
no drain valve;
hard seat;
straight nose;
According to customer reviews, the included Bravo pump often breaks down.

HDX 300

The four-seater model boasts a rigid, stable hull design, as well as durable reinforced PVC. It is an excellent option for fans of sports rafting. Maximum motor power - 10 hp. Available in different modifications: with or without an inflatable keel, as well as with an inflatable or tension bottom and a collapsible floor.

Average price: 41,900 rub.

HDX 300

Advantages:

available in five colors - camouflage, green, blue, red, gray;
high U-shaped sides;
high-quality assembly,
awning;
repair kit;
pump;
guard rope;
oars and rowlocks;
anchor eye

Flaws:

hard stationary seat;
heavy.

Disguise of different types of boats

Inflatable variations have different factory colors; matte green and dark gray lines are optimal for hunting, helping to hide the device in dense thickets. Purchasing a product made from camouflage material will not justify itself: the specific method of applying paint often causes delamination of the seams and their depressurization.

To camouflage an inflatable boat, you can use a running awning made of waterproof fabric with imitation camouflage. This covering will provide hunters with protection from the sun and rain; with it, the boat will be transformed into a tent or hut on the water, where you can comfortably spend the night. The design of modern tents allows you to shoot directly from them, without prior complete disassembly.

It is customary to drive a motor boat into islands of reeds, which are surrounded by scarecrows. The bird reacts sensitively to any shine, and in order to increase hunting efficiency, characteristic spots are painted on the hard body, comparable to the shade of natural vegetation. To ensure that the camouflage coating lasts as long as possible, you can crimp the body with mesh fabric with a ready-made pattern.

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Boat camouflage for duck hunting

Skradok – duck hunting boat

This device is used for tracking and shooting geese and ducks; it looks like an extremely compact craft, completely covered with camouflage materials - fabric, netting, vegetation (grass and branches depending on the characteristics of the reservoir). The hunter is forced to spend a long time in a practically motionless state, since in the conditions of a reservoir he will be in an open place. The structure is surrounded by stuffed birds.

The concealment device is such that the shooter must be reclining in it; it is important to ensure good visibility and the ability to quickly aim the gun. Unlike coastal structures, this design guarantees maneuverability for collecting shot game, distributing decoys and choosing a convenient position.

Skradok boat

Swamp boat: application specifics

The model has a characteristic blunt bow and a flat bottom, its width usually does not exceed 1.5 m, the length varies between 3-4.5 m. Fiberglass is used as the base material, and there is a transom that allows the use of an outboard boat motor.

The flat bottom provides excellent stability, which the V-bottom series cannot boast of. The shallow draft allows the swamp rover to be used on extremely shallow rivers. Variations with a reinforced bottom are indispensable for walking through polluted and overgrown bodies of water. The model does not give a strong swing when shooting while standing.

Swamp boat

Technology for making a homemade boat

To make the simplest punt, use 3.5 m of conveyor belt or tarpaulin with a width of at least 120 cm. You will also need two boards with dimensions of 220x30x3.5 cm, they are rounded on both sides and bars are nailed to them, acting as seats and spacers. The wood is impregnated with drying oil with paraffin or wax, painted and thoroughly dried.

A belt is nailed to the end of the boards in increments of approximately 1.5 cm; moreover, a tarpaulin must first be laid on the boards. It turns out that with the help of tape the tarpaulin is tightly fixed to the wood. Spacers allow you to quickly assemble and disassemble the boat; to make the bottom more stable, you can lay plywood or flat boards in the transverse direction, joining the structure with wedges. In terms of operational characteristics, such a boat is very similar to inflatable models. When disassembled, the product fits into the trunk of a car or motorcycle sidecar.

Craftsmen make their own oared punts equipped with a sail; in this case, they provide a rudder and a lowering keel centerboard. To sew sails, dense fabrics are used - raincoat, calico, teak. The workpiece is laced to a removable mast, and a strong rail is inserted into the structure to stretch the panel.

The best motor rowing boats

Apache 3300 SK

Among the entire range of boats produced by this manufacturer, this design is one of the most compact and affordable in terms of price. During the development process, the wishes of experienced fishermen who like to swim to quite serious depths were taken into account. Largely due to this, the boat turned out to be very comfortable, easy to use and very reliable. The size of the cylinders was intentionally increased, making the boat's stability on the water even better. Its depth is about 40 cm, it can withstand waves up to 65 cm high.

The interior space is spacious - the boat, which is 330 cm long, can easily accommodate three people. The bottom is made of marine plywood 12 mm thick, so the waves are practically not felt. A handrail is stretched along the sides, and along the keel the structure is additionally protected from possible damage by reinforcing reinforced PVC.

Advantages:

It is allowed to install a motor with a power of up to 4 hp;
For such a spacious structure the mass is insignificant;
The seats are fixed to the sides using the “liktros-likpaz” technology, so they can be installed where it is most convenient.

Flaws:

The nose is not raised, it goes against the current rather weakly.

Boat Apache 3300 SK

Cayman N-330

This is one of the most popular boats in its class and is perfect for two fishermen. The contours of the inflatable cylinders have a fairly large diameter, the bottom is stacked, made of several elements fastened to each other, the bottom is not flat, it has a slight keel, which makes it easier to move against the current and makes the boat more stable even in large waves and strong winds. In addition, this design feature improves maneuverability. The model holds its course excellently. When folded, it easily fits into the trunk of a car.

The carrying capacity is significant, especially since the boat is designed for two people - 420 kg with overall dimensions of 330x153 cm, the diameter of the cylinders is 42 cm. It will not be possible to carry such a structure alone, since it weighs 52 kg. The seams of the PVC panels are connected to each other by welding. The set includes a bag for storing the product.

Advantages:

Some of the best driving characteristics in the entire review;
There is a fender along the entire perimeter of the structure;
The seats can be moved along their entire length;
It is allowed to use a motor with a power of up to 5 hp.

Flaws:

Serious mass;
The density of PVC is slightly lower than that of other motor-rowing structures - only 850 g/sq. m.

Boat Cayman N-330

HUNTERBOAT 335

This is one of the most budget-friendly motor-rowing boats, which fully meets all modern safety requirements for such vessels. The design is discreet, so this design is perfect for catching even the most cautious fish. The bottom is keel type, the floor is made of thickened plywood, 12 mm thick. The structure weighs 52 kg, when assembled it takes up a minimum of space - 1.2 x 0.75 x 0.45 m, making it convenient to store and transport to the fishing spot.

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The stability of this boat and slightly raised bow allows the use of a fairly powerful motor - up to 15 hp. In such a design, you can easily accommodate four people at once, especially since its carrying capacity is. The cylinders have a diameter of 46 cm and are made of high-quality PVC with a density of 950 g/sq. m.

Advantages:

Reinforced floor;
The bottom of the cylinders and keel are also reinforced;
High level of load capacity;
If necessary, the seats can be moved;
Long warranty period of 5 years.

Flaws:

It is very difficult and inconvenient for two people to carry such a boat, so it is better if at least three people go fishing.

Boat HUNTERBOAT 335

Aqua 3200 SK

This design rightfully takes second place in the best boats for fishing of the motor-rowing type; it is equipped with a stationary transom and is designed for three people and all the necessary equipment at once. There is a mount for a motor with a maximum power of 15 hp. The cylinders are made on the basis of reinforced five-layer PVC made in Germany and not too high density - this figure is 850 g/sq. m. However, this does not in any way affect the level of strength. The material easily withstands the effects of oil, gasoline and other similar materials, resists physical stress well, and does not deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

The diameter of the cylinders is 40 cm, the bottom is rigid and equipped with a keel. This boat also comes with seats made of moisture-resistant plywood. Their fastening is fixed, equipped with special linings that prevent acceleration of wear processes. The floor is also made from moisture-resistant plywood, which is additionally treated with laminating compounds. The weight of the entire structure is not too large - less than that of other similar models included in our review of the best boats for fishing - 44 kg.

Advantages:

Acceptable weight, can be carried by two people;
Inflatable keel, which is additionally reinforced with polyvinyl chloride timber;
Cylinders made of reinforced fabric.

Flaws:

The load capacity of the structure is lower than stated by the manufacturer, by approximately 30-40 kg.

Motor rowing boat Aqua 3200 SK

M-330 pilot

This design will be best handled by fishermen who have extensive experience in handling both rowing and motor models, but the boat is also perfect for beginners. The connector for installing the motor is universal, so you can first purchase a small power motor and then take a more powerful one, but the power should be no more than 15 hp.

The keel is protected from abrasion by a PVC bar, the width of which is 60 mm. The hull of the boat is flexible and bends slightly during movement, so it will resist waves well without being worn out by water friction. It is this solution that allows for long-term and fairly reliable operation. The lower part of the structure is additionally reinforced with durable PVC tape, which protects the boat from abrasion during use and protects it from damage during sailing or mooring to the shore or pier.

Advantages:

Long warranty;
Low weight for inflatable boats of this type;
Safety loop for installing the motor;
Reinforced cylinders;
The canvases are made of PVC with a density of 900 g/sq.m. m.

Flaws:

Not detected.

PILOT M-330 - video review from FirstBoat motor boat made of PVC fabric and impressions of the model.

Boat Pilot M-330