Rethinking our boat strategy

[coloradowalt]

We have a 14 ft jon boat (with trailer) with a Mud Skipper SD. Only used in in local WMA (think short runs). WMA is lottery. Hunting in ICW requires longer runs which we would be better in a larger boat. We have an 1860 with 60 hp tiller that would be perfect for big water, longer runs. Storing all of these boats are a pain.

So my idea. Pick up a cheap 12 ft jon with a long tail for use in the WMA. This would slide into the back of the truck alleviating the need for a trailer. Storage would be upside down on the 1860 (minus the long tail). There is one on market place with a 6.5hp long tail. Anyone have experience with this combination?

 

[Iammichael6499]

It’s a pain if you are hunting alone to lift/slide the 12’ out of the 18’, put it in the truck, throw all the decoys/gear back in, pull it out, reattach the motor, etc. Why can’t you use the 18’ in the WMA?

 

[Tuleman]

You say "we". More than one adult in a 12 foot jon equals "overload".
Been there.

 

[coloradowalt]

It’s a pain if you are hunting alone to lift/slide the 12’ out of the 18’, put it in the truck, throw all the decoys/gear back in, pull it out, reattach the motor, etc. Why can’t you use the 18’ in the WMA?

There is a 10 HP limit in the WMA

 

[Tailfeathers]

12’ boat with 2 guys and gear? Small pond only.

 

[WidgeonmanGH]

Do you have a wood rack on your truck?
I am going to be doing this with a 15 foot smokercraft onto my suburban so that I can pull my cargo conversion overland trailer.

 

[Small Bore Hunter]

My 12' slough boat has carried 4 on many occasions, but we were in shallow protected waters. My favorite boat.

 

[longshot]

At reelfoot the guide we go with has a 225 outboard(I think or a 250) and beside it is a longtail. He runs big motor as far as he can then uses the long tail the last part of the run. Is that a possibility on your 1860?

 

[WidgeonmanGH]

225 outboard(I think or a 250) and beside it is a longtail

Just curious as to why? Top speed in the dark in the winter with unsecured passengers going 70mph. What could go wrong?

Never quite got the need for speed and the size of some of these motors. I get it if you are out in the ocean and going 100miles out to get tuna or something but on a duck boat? Yeee haaa. How many g forces does he pull at lift off. lol. Funny how people enjoy the great outdoors in such different ways.

 

[Small Bore Hunter]

You have got to know the guide. The boat has about 18" sidewalls on it also. He carries a crew. I don't think he has a helicopter pad yet.