Registered: Oct 2014
Location: NC
Posts: 143

Guys I'm looking for the best option to cross a river with my dog. We've got a public fishing pier and canoe ramp i can launch and be right across the river from a pretty block of woods I have been wanting to hunt. If i can cross the river I can cut off 45 min travel time by not having to drive all the way around by land. I've considered some of the small creek boats that duck hunters often use. I am worried it will not be very stable with me and a dog. I'm not going far but 50' is enough to get soaked and ruin a night of hunting coming or going. The creek boats were appealing due to their size and weight but after talking to some folks and questioning how stable they would be I am now thinking about a small jon boat. nothing big at all just something that could float me and a dog or two men and two dogs across a river. Just curious if anyone on the boards has a similar situation and how you tackle or what kind of small boat you use to cross rivers either to hunt or get to dogs. thanks in advance for you response

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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Chattanooga, Tn
Posts: 22462

Believe me, a canoe is not the answer. That water is awfully cold in the winter.

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Registered: Mar 2008
Location: cary,mississippi
Posts: 621

A 12 to 14 foot John boat should do it

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Registered: Jan 2010
Location: mid MI
Posts: 66

X2 on the Jon boat. Flat bottom is stable. Wider is better and most are light enough to handle. And enough room for a pile of coons...

The Gheenoe canoe is probably the most stable canoe. And some kayaks would work great for just you and 1 dog. I have a 10' kayak my 5yr old rides in the storage compartment and jumps right of the side of it and it never tips.

The dog is what needs to be stable too. Can't have 1 running around jumping from side to side.

If there's enough hunting land along the river the dog might rig from the boat and that's a good time also. Best of luck to ya!

Last edited by dirtdodge on 06-13-2018 at 01:46 AM

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Registered: Dec 2008
Location:
Posts: 261

14 Or 16 foot Double Wide semi V flat Bottom works Great.

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Registered: Mar 2017
Location:
Posts: 117

I’m in NC and I’ve got a nice 14ft with trailer I’ll let go cheap. Call or text 612-791-7146

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Registered: Aug 2011
Location: Perrinton, Michigan
Posts: 632

quote:

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Originally posted by delta nightlife
A 12 to 14 foot John boat should do it

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: New Paris, Indiana
Posts: 7076

Pontoon.

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Registered: Mar 2008
Location: cary,mississippi
Posts: 621

Just don’t put your dog in a box or leash it to the boat just in case something does happen just sayin

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: New Paris, Indiana
Posts: 7076

Ever hear of anyone flipping, tipping or sinking a pontoon?

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PKC CH/UKC GrNtCh Stylish Kate - 9/12/08 to 9/23/2016 R.I.P - Owners Sizemore/Martin
AKC/UKC NtCh Sizemore's Timber Jam Jeff 5/2/2000 to 1/22/2012 R.I.P.
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Registered: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 1312

Don’t give much advice on here but believe me when I tell you bigger is better!!!!!

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Registered: Sep 2007
Location: Glenmont,Ohio
Posts: 1162

4 rivers makes a boat that would be awesome

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Registered: Aug 2013
Location: Seneca, Mo
Posts: 5823

The guys use a 14ft John boat and a paddle (or they did till flood washed it away when they forgot to go get it) There is a spot that our dogs always want to cross the river and they just kept it pulled up on land in the brush and left it, saved alot of walking or driving around.

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Registered: Apr 2017
Location: Olney
Posts: 425

How much current does this river have?
Do barges run up n down this river?
Those 2 questions play a huge part as to what size boat to use.

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