Unconventional Duck Boat

Rigid-hull layout boats such as the Aquapod and the Marshrat have established loyal followings for providing access to skinny-water habitat where the ducks want to be (and rightfully so). Another great option—and the boat I’m currently using—is the SeaEagle Razorlite.

The Razorlite is a gear-hauling beast. The 15-ft-long hull is comprised of three inflatable panels that form one big, open cockpit. There is generous room for me + bags of decoys + blind. The panels are made from a heavy PVC fabric that stands strong against the rocks and logs common where I hunt along the Columbia River. 

As an inflatable, it’s light—only 45 pounds. The combination of lightweight and long waterline lend the boat a notable quickness on the water, even when loaded down with gear. The rigid bow and stern caps cut the water and keep it tracking straight.

I don’t have a dog that hunts, so the boat lets me self-retrieve in anything exceeding wader depth. Collecting downed birds and mopping up cripples is a speedy routine. And if you’ve ever had a mallard pull that deep-dive, hold-their-breath-for-5-minutes trick, the SeaEagle provides a stable platform for waiting them out on the surface.

On mornings when I hunt before heading into the office, I’ll deflate the boat, roll it up, and store it inside my car for the day. It takes me about 10 minutes to pump it back up and get ready to roll.

While rigid-hull boats like Aquapods and Marshrats will always have a place in the waterfowling navy, the flexibility of an inflatable makes the Razorlite a remarkable option. Check it out online at the SeaEagle website.

Enjoy,

Jordan