Duck Boats

[A Johnson]

I'm thinking pretty serious about getting a new boat. I need an all around duck hunting / fishing outfit.

The current setup I am thinking about is a G3 1756 with 40hp Yamaha 4 stroke prop, and a good electric kicker. This will be used for shallow water duck hunting and spring/ fall salmon on the Columbia river below I-5.



Main questions I have are should I go with a prop or a jet drive?

I realize shallow water can be easier with a jet but either way you can't suck up mud in the jet or it will ruin it correct?

Do the 4 stroke jets perform well?

Will a 40 hp power head with a jet have power to put 1000 pounds of persons and gear up on a plane with a 17 foot boat?

Any suggestions on other boat/motor setups? Looking at hauling 3 persons 2 dogs and decoys guns, lunch box (big)



A Johnson

 

[Champane Flight]

Talk

Talk to some of the people fishing in the area and ask them what they would recomend. I would go higher in horsepower and lengthwith that much gear and people.

 

[LSMITH]

I run a 16'x72" modV John with a 25hp 2 stroke. It will come on plane easily in 3 boat lenghts or less with 1000 pounds in it.



Jets take the power realized for propulsion down by one third or a little more. That 40HP with a jet head on it will only push like a 25HP. A tunnel hull is the way to go for shallow water and an outboard motor. A mud motor is the ultimate shallow water rig though, if you can afford both motors that is the way to go.



I think your boat is too narrow, go with at least a 65" IMO. Mine is a 1672 and the only thing wrong with it is that it is 2 feet too short and a foot too narrow. I hunt with 2-4 buys, one dog, 200 dekes, no lunchbox just gear for a morning out.



The 4 strokes do run nice. Quiet and fuel efficient. Weight is even coming down a little. I like the simplicity and reliability of a 2 stroke for some of the places I end up in my boat... ...