Alumacraft Waterfowler 15

[TV BOY]

Anyone out there ever hunt or fish out of one of these boats? I am considering buying one of these or similar type mod v jon. Is these such a boat that can be both --- light to drag into the water if needed, and yet be safe to take on a bigger lake late season?

[Gator Slayer]

I have one with a 25hp yamaha 2 stroke. It does scoot along pretty good when I fish alone, not the best on rough water it is still a "flat bottom" It's a nice duck rig for 2 guys w/ dogs, max. It's not light but it does float pretty high when empty so it's fairly easy to drag into the reeds. If I had to do it again I'd go 16ft and 40hp (jet if you can). But still like the boat. I really like the storage for the guns and such, keeps them from under the dogs feet.

[lanyard]

You've got some big ground cover between 'drag-in' and 'big water'....

Each comes at a price. If you're dragging 200 yards across converted pasture to a pothole by yourself... go small man.

If you're talking Winni in November... go big man.

I've got a 14' alumacraft v-hull that weights around 125. Two guys can drag it 100 yards in about 15 minutes with gear. I also had it on LOW last fall in 3-4' waves with a 9hp Merc. It worked like a champ, but we were ready to drink when we finally hit land.

One thing I would reccomend if using a smaller boat on bigger water, get a flat bottom for hauling your gear in. Kind of like the old 'tenders', and tow it behind. This has helped out quite a bit for both big water and when taking a couple three guys out.

[TV BOY]

I currently use my 9.5' fiberglass most of the time, very mobile. I also have a 12' alum rowboat with a old 5.5 that I'm not comfortable going on big water with any wind especially with 2 guys and gear. I know the 15' would be better for the occasional bigger water and some small lake fishing in the summer. I was wondering more on the weight factor if you had to say push/ pull it 25 yards into the water.

Is there shuch a craft that can be both light and safe in open water and fit two hunters? I think I'm looking for something that doesn't exist. I'm leaning to the bigger side to replace the 12 footer. Also I like the gun box, flat floor the waterfowler offers.

[Gator Slayer]

Here's what I'd do in your shoes. Sounds like you've got a couple smaller water drag boats already. Use those when you have to drag in, if you hunt big water go with a bigger boat. The WF 15 weighs 340 or so, add motor, battery, Gas. and your probably at 550-600lbs. That don't sound like dragging weight to me. IF you can afford the 16 that's the way I'd go. OK that'll be $0.02

[TV BOY]

I am reaching that conclusion as I look into motors for the rig. If I stay smaller (lighter) I am thinking I will not be able to plane out. NOw the question is how much hp to get up on plane for the 15'? Max Hp is 25.

The deal I got on the 15 was too sweet to pass on $1,500 less than a 16'. I.O.U .02

[ChuckN]

A friend of mine has the Waterfowler 15. A 15hp is not enough (he tried that). Would hardly plane with 2 guys and gear. Go with the 25 and you will be in good shape. Heck of a nice, roomy, heavy duty boat.

[Gator Slayer]

I agree with Chuck, He made the same recommendation to me last year If you put 2 guys dog(s) a blind a few dozen decoys and all the other stuff you got alot to push even with a 25hp. I bought the yamaha 2 stoke w/ electric start. Works great. This spring with 3 guys and 2 dogs in it it was work getting it on plane. Other than that I love the boat. Just finishing up with my blind, can't wait for 16 more days to go bye.

[lanyard]

Now flip your 9.5 or your 12 upside down and inside the big boat and your ready for whatever the duck gods drive you to do!

[TV BOY]

"My Dog" (as I call my little boat) always travels with When my lab was put to rest I got the little boat and now I fetch the birds.