Will this boat work

[DrakeDropper05]

For x-mas my gf got me a 14ft flat bottom with a 10hp motor with a trolling motor. Would this boat be ok for a couple buddies me and a dog and is it powerful enough for us to run up and down the river and across a lake? And should i build it into a blind? Thanks

[nyduckhunter]

if it was up to me i would go bigger but if u are hunting small lakes and rivers it would be a good boat..but up here we have alot of bigwater were we have to have big boats

[Adjhunt]

Yes it will work great!
We run a 14 ft with a 6hp which does great when your hunting solo, but when you have 3 guys in the boat, a dog, and everyone's gear, it is a slow ride:D

If your planning on hunting out of the boat I wouldn't do more then 2 guys and a dog. And if you are able to make a blind, that will really increase your odds!

[duckin82]

it'll work gettin ya too and from with ur gear, 3 buddies, and a dog, gonna be a lil tight but it'll work. but dont make it a blind unless you wanna be shoulder to shoulder

[waterfowladdict1]

3 guys, a dog, and all your gear... that would be a pretty slow ride. Depending on where your headed I would check the weather forcast for the wind the night before.

[calling4life]

14 ft. Riveted??? I wouldn't recommend it, 3 guys a dog, motor(s), gas can, decoys and other odds and ends. I know the best max weight limit I've seen on a 14 foot flat bottom is 820 lbs, with most being around 600. 3 guys, dog, gear and you are hitting if not passing those.

Not something I'd recommend at all, but you make do with what ya got. Really wouldn't recommend putting a blind on it. You could have pontoons welded on the back to keep her afloat a bit better, wouldn't be a bad idea.

If this is what you will run, I would recommend a used 10 footer as well, tow it behind and throw your gear and dog in it, keeping the 3 guys up in the 14. That would be a great way to make it quite a bit safer/comfortable.

We got our 10 foot jon used for $50, not something that needs to be pretty, it just needs to float, it's a tow boat. We've also used otter sleds for towing.

[jamesmc]

Here is your answer. I don't want to have to read about the same thing again. They had 4 guys in a 16 footer in conditions the boat was not designed for.

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/story/Body-Of-Missing-Boater-Found-Search-Continues-For/H7dLGIINKEmAtusny93qXA.cspx

They still haven't found the other 2 boys.

[Double B]

I have learned the hard way in a 14 foot flatbottom w/ three guys and a dog. Not a good idea if you ask me, but for two guys it would work great.

[B4BAMA]

I had a 1444 with a 15 on it and I have had it loaded down. If you are in a lot of current, I would lighten the load. Two guys, dog, and gear would be about right.

[take'em94]

We have a 14 foot lowes flat bottom and me (6 foot 1 190 pounds) my dad(6 foot 2 210 pounds) and my cousin(6 foot 4 300 pounds) its a lttle tight with deeks and gear, no dog, but we have a 12 hp on it. its slow but it works

[DrakeDropper05]

Guys thanks for all the input. Thats awful to hear about those guys boat sank thats always my biggest fear being out there at 4:30 in freezing ice cold in a boat. I prolly wont but a blind on it i was just thinkin bout it but the 10ft boat is a pretty good idea. i will prolly just make my buddies flip a coin for who gets to go i guess...lol and just go with it and try it out. thanks guys anyone else input would be great too

[tdh17]

Other experiences will not tell you whether or not you will be able to use your setup for what you are thinking. As with most things you are going to have to use some common sense. Some days it may be safe and others it may not depending on the weather and bodies of water.

On the other hand I dont know many boats with a 10hp that will push 3 people and a dog without getting frustrated. But maybe if you arent going far. And I am sure everyone will agree SOME boat is better than NO boat!

Use your brain and be safe.