| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
jd_odell
Starting Member
USA
17 Posts |
 Posted - 02/08/2008 : 18:34:32
|
Hello Fellow Quackheads!
I’m an old Quackhead (30 years of waterfowl hunting experience), but I’m new to the “modern” layout boat hunting. I say “modern”, because the boats I’ve built in the past are what I’d describe as more of coffin shaped than the shape of the “Erie” layout boat. I’ve built several of the boats in the book “Misty Mornings, Moonless Nights”, an old but good read if anyone is interested.
I will be building the double-seater version of the “Erie” in April (hopefully, I will win the plans from here ~ Hint! Hint! lol), if not, I will purchase them. That being said, here are my questions…..
- How do you anchor the boat to where the bow/stern doesn’t get pulled under the waves if the water gets kinda rough?
- Is it possible to use a double-bladed kayak paddle or two single paddles to paddle this boat for a short distance (if a tender boat isn’t used)?
- I have the PERFECT place to swat at puddle ducks with this type of rig. I’d like to put some “doors” over the cockpit area, similar to the flap doors on a ground layout blind, so I can be concealed from above when working puddlers. I plan on tig welding some aluminum stock for the door frames (which will match the curvature/shape of the boat deck), and then putting some heavy canvas type duck-cloth covering spray painted to match the boat (flat grayish in color). The “doors” will have hinges mounted to the boat, and the “doors” will be spring activated (with bungee cords). I will use quick release pins in the “door” hinges for transport/paddling, so the doors can be put in place once I’m ready. Anyone see any problems with this concept?
- I also am strongly considering purchasing some flotation foam mixture for the bow and stern “compartment” areas of the boat. I figured on drilling two 1.5 inch holes in the upper decking centered on these “compartments”, one hole towards the cockpit, and one hole towards where the top and bottom of the boat meet. I’d pour the expanding foam mix into these “compartments” until it started to expand through the holes I drilled, and then cut it off flush once it fully cured. After I glassed over the areas, it would be good as new. Do you think this would add an extra flotation value to the boat in case it became swamped??
- Can you hunt with a waterdog out of these things??
Just thinking out loud on some ideas……
Cheers!!
jd_odell
"Nothing Smells Better Than a Wet Waterdog and Burnt Gunpowder"
|
|
|
jd_odell
Starting Member
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2008 : 15:35:17
|
Anybody got any answers/input to my questions?? lol
Cheers!
jd_odell
"Nothing Smells Better Than a Wet Waterdog and Burnt Gunpowder" |
 |
|
|
ODHA II
Starting Member
USA
38 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2008 : 17:35:03
|
When it comes to anchoring the boat, you want some wave action to roll up the sides. You would have to be in a current for it to really pull the boat under. If the waves get to be too much then it is time to pull the rig and head home. Normally there is a spray shield attached to the back of the cockpit to block bigger waves.
The door idea will work fine. I have seen it on several boats.
The foam is a bit tricky. It will add weight to the boat so it will sit lower in the water. However, it will add floatation if swamped. The trick is placing the foam so the boat still floats level when it is full of water. You do not want it to flip because of the foam placement. Tony can talk you through this better than I can.
These boats are not really made to be paddled around but anything can be done for a short distance. The challenge would be chasing a wounded bird if you can’t get out of the boat.
|
|
|
|
Tony
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2008 : 18:21:18
|
JD, Looks like you got some pretty good answers already, I will touch on the foam. Floatation foam is just that. Its purpose is to safely float the craft if its swamped. It needs to be placed so that it floats level when completely submersed. it does as alittle extra weight but not to much. Yes is the answer add some foam in the bow and stern and youg good to go especially with a wooden boat as its already got a great floating factor due to the wood construction,
As for the dog, yes alot of guys do that but make sure your decoys are on single drops or if longlines are used they need to have 36" droppers to keep the dog from becoming intangled in the lines.
Sorry guys havent had a chance to stop by today.
Hold the fort up for me. LOL |
|
|
|
jd_odell
Starting Member
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2008 : 12:34:09
|
Excellent input...thanks Guys!
Cheers!
jd_odell
"Nothing Smells Better Than a Wet Waterdog and Burnt Gunpowder" |
|
|
|
MichiganMarv
Starting Member
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2008 : 10:24:15
|
I had the same idea about the foam. Voids filled with foam won't fill with water. I used "Great Stuff" foam on my other layout boat, but that gets pricey quick. Thanks for the link to "http://www.uscomposites.com/" My old source for fiberglass and epoxy was very expensive.
I can't wait for warmer weather.
Locked wings make me smile |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Some Ideas on the Erie Double Seater......
