Boating enthusiasts have a knack for seeking boat-related stuff. If you are one such individual, you must be familiar with Jon boats or Pontoon boats. However, something relatively uncommon but handy is now getting much-needed recognition. It’s the sneak boat.
So, what is a sneak boat? What does it look like, and is it any good? In this post, I will try and answer all these questions. Moreover, I will share some tips to help you make your sneak boat.
We will also see why and where sneak boats should replace some of the bigger boats, so it could very well be the next boat that you buy.
Sneak Boats
Sneak boats are ideal for duck hunting. These are small boats designed for hunting waterfowl. They are also known as layout boats, and they are meant for shallow waters. In many cases, they can replace small Jon boats because of their lightweight and compact size.
You will also find sneak boats in marshes for goose and puddle duck hunting other than shallow waters. Moreover, you can also catch diver ducks such as the Goldeneye, Canvasback, Bluebills, Eider, etc.
So, if you’re into waterfowl hunting and related stuff, a sneak boat may be the type of boat you need. Sneak boats have a low-profile design that doesn’t attract attention.
Therefore, it allows you to set your position in the water. It’s essential while catching something as agile as the ducks.
How Sneak Boats Run
Like most boats, Sneak boats can run with or without an engine. Motorized sneak ships are more suitable for commercial work because they can do things much faster. Also, because they are so light, they can drift using the wind.
However, in my opinion, sneak boats are best suited for paddled operations because of their weight. Usually, it’s a one-person boat, so it doesn’t need much power to run.
Key Features of a Sneak Boat
If you’re looking for a boat, here are some key features of a sneak boat that you should know. It will help you to identify whether it’s just the boat you want to buy next.
Designed for Shallow Waters
Sneak boats are shallow water boats. So, you can drag them to the right position on foot. It’s easy to push or pull your boat in case you get stranded in the middle of the water.
In a way, it serves as a water barrow as you can load it up with fishing and hunting gear and carry your stuff without breaking a sweat.
Easy to Manage
Sneak boats are perhaps the most convenient of ships when it comes to storing, hauling, and transporting. Smaller sneak ships don’t even need a trailer.
They are incredibly lightweight. It’s because they consist of fiber or plastic. Moreover, most of them come from molded designs, so; there won’t be any broken seals.
Ultimately, it prolongs their lifecycle and reduces repair and maintenance costs as compared to a regular boat. So, if you’re starting on a low budget, this is just what you need.
Low-Profile Design
The low-profile design of these boats gives them the name ‘sneak’ boat. It allows you to sneak through into the raft of ducks and other waterfowl. It’s remarkable how you can hunt from inside the boat as the low-profile keeps it well concealed from the prey.
It also gets you up close with the birds, so it is more convenient to catch them. It also allows the hunter to lay down flat and move the boat with a paddle that protrudes from its transom.
So, if you’re out in large and open waters with no cover on the banks, a sneak boat can be a big help for you.
Quiet and Sneaky
If you love the serenity of open waters and like to keep things quiet, the Sneak boat can be your best friend. It moves silently through the water so that you can enjoy a smooth ride. Although you can motorize many of these models, it’s not a necessity.
Besides hunting, sneak boats are great for early morning strolls in lakes where you can admire the wonders of nature without causing any disturbance.
Also, because they are small, you can ‘sneak’ into many places where conventional Jon boats can’t. So, sneak boats can catch some shallow water fish and water treats that often roam freely because deep water fishing boats can’t see them.
Easy to Set Up
Sneak boats are easy to maneuver inside water. Therefore, you can quickly change places and set up a new bird trap if they flee away during the first attempt. You can’t possibly change spots that quickly with larger boats.
Open Water Sneak Boats
Sneak boats can come in many shapes. One of the shapes is particularly suitable for open waters. These boats are long and sleek. These are useful for speedy operations as they cut through the water.
Typically, such boats are handy in rivers and lakes. They range from 10 to 21 feet. Open water sneaks have a place for two hunters. It’s because they use blinds along with sculling to acquire more speed.
Sculling Boats
Sculling boats are another variation of Sneak boats. These boats specialize in quiet and low-profile operations allowing the hunters to easily hide inside the ship as they silently sneak closer to their targets.
It creates a bit of a dramatic scene as the hunters get close to the prey. Especially with Go-Pro cameras, it’s also possible to capture the hunting day’s activities on these boats.
Conclusion
Although sneak boats are small and quiet, they are excellent for quick movement in shallow waters. These boats have several advantages over other ships in cost, size, shape, usability, durability, and maintenance.
If you’re into duck hunting, you must seriously think about purchasing a sneak boat because it can be an economical option in the longer run.
Also, there is a lot of variety in size, so depending on your targeted water regions, you can choose a suitable size and material for your next open water duck hunting adventure.
