Best Duck Hunting Boats for 2021

There was a time, not so long ago, when duck boats were simple. That time has passed. Today’s waterfowl vessels are built for specific purposes, and manufacturers offer throngs of add-ons that allow you the ability to trick out your craft and make every hunt a memory that won’t soon be forgotten. After all, what’s better than enjoying feet-down waterfowl action while listening to bacon sputter and sipping a hot cup of Joe waiting on the morning flight? Now all you need is a boat and finding a fall 2021 companion that will make every duck quest a little more special.

SeaArk Boats Mud Runner 180

Measuring 18 feet and branded with a weight capacity of 1,100 pounds, SeaArk’s Mud Runner 180 will take you where you long to go. The boat is built from durable .125-gauge marine-grade aluminum, and it features Traverse and Longitudinal Ribs that up strength when navigating stump-infested waters. A 3/16-inch center keel gives additional support to the boat’s bottom without affecting performance, and EXT (Extreme Turn Technology) only sweetens the pot. A Timber Runner Package is available for those looking to create the ultimate mud runner. Starting at $23,377 | seaarkboats.com

Excel Boats Viper F4

Made to go where humans don’t belong, Excel’s Viper F4 is fitted with heavy-duty gunwales that can take a serious backwoods beating. Designed for use with an outboard motor, the optional KIK-UP transom’s dual gas shocks absorb below-the-water impact to your lower unit and keep you on the go. The brilliantly designed step-deck makes in-and-out easy, and the boat is fitted with several seat bases. The boat’s control panel is located near the driver to allow for easy access to the pair of interior panel lights, bilge, running lights, and bow spotlight option switch. Available in lengths of 16, 17, and 18 feet, the Viper F4 can be customized exactly the way you want it. Starting at $16,500 | excelboats.com

War Eagle Sportsman 2372LDSV

The largest of War Eagle’s Sportsman line, the 2372LDSV is big and bold. Roomy for your duck hunting buddies, decoys, and all the other necessary gear needed for a feet-down beat down, this all-welded aluminum boat is as tough as they come. Popular with guides and those that like extra amenities, the 2372LDSV measures 23.1 feet long and 72-inches across. The boat comes standard with a trio of base plates in the low front deck, one base plate in the high rear deck, floored gas tank tray, a metal gas tank cover, and multiple other features. The boat is available in OD or solid Brown. Price Varies By Model | wareagleboats.com

Gator Tail Predator Series

Designed to be a high-performance all-purpose duck vessel, Gator Tail’s Predator Series is turning heads. Marrying the best parts of the Extreme and Savage Series’, this rig will run rivers, marshes, and open waters with ease. The boat’s bottom has been designed for increased turning and drive options of stick steer, console and tiller are available. The one-piece hull is crafted from .125” 5086 aluminum and the side and transom heights are 24 inches. The four-foot deck is fitted with a pedestal base and under-deck storage is available. The Predator comes in lengths of 17 and 18 feet, and countless customization options are available. Starting at $22,402 | gator-tail.com

Xpress Boats Tactical Series (XTS)

Featuring an all-new build that can’t be ignored, Xpress’ Tactical Series (XTS) was constructed with laser-like precision and was specifically engineered to give the duck go-getter a more open floor plan, narrower beam, and wider bottom. Built to handle less-than-friendly conditions, the deep-v design provides a smooth ride across open water so you can access backwater duck holes. Other improvements include a redesigned transom and center keel, and the Seelite LED lighting system mounted to the boat’s front makes the water and surrounding landscape glow. The Tactical Series (XTS) weighs 551 pounds and has a transom height of 21 inches. Max load is 423 pounds, and the 16-foot boat rides on a BlackTrack Trailer. Custom upgrades are available. XTS16 with Yamaha F25LWHC $11,995 | xpressboats.com

Gator Trax Boats Gator Camp 

A floating duck fortress, the Gator Camp from Gator Trax is the bee’s knees of duck boats. The 10.5-foot by 6-foot cockpit is roomy and is fitted with interior storage shelves, gun holders, and racks for hanging additional gear. Brush rail pipes run the full length of the boat for additional blending and a hog-wire wrap makes boosting concealment a breeze. The hull measures 18’ x 84” and a front deck storage hatch is ideal for toting extra must-haves. Sharkeye navigation lights promise solid illumination and a stabilizer kit has been added to all four corners to boost stability. $14,580 | gatortraxboats.com

Go-Devil 18x38 Duck Hunting Boat 

Go-Devil boats have been getting waterfowl fanatics to and from their favorite duck holes for decades. Those that like to cut down on travel time and skip across the water will look to the 18x38 Duck Hunting Boat. Go Devil’s fastest rig, this 430-pound craft sports all-aluminum construction and a slick bottom design to ensure no hang-ups on mud, stumps, or other in-the-water debris. The grab bar will be appreciated when gliding over rough water and the large storage box will hold a litany of gear. The boat comes with a 10- or 12-foot push pole and top running lights make your surroundings glow. $5,495 | godevil.com

Pro-Drive Boats Timber Deck 

Made for those who fill limits in the flooded timber, Pro-Drive’s Timber Deck comes with a non-skid fully flush floor design and a build that utilizes 5086 marine-grade aluminum sheets. Adding to the tank-like construction are 1” x 1” extrusion welded ribs that run the full length of the craft and then blend with 2” x 2” square tubing and 1” x 2” rectangular tubing every 10 inches to provide added strength to the bottom ribs, floor, and sidewalls. Pro-Drive’s heavy-duty gunnel with T-Rail System is included, as is a rear driver’s seat, six-way lighted switch panel, and six-way multi-positional storage seat. Numerous TD models are available in 18- and 20-foot options. Starting at $26,000 | prodriveoutboards.com

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G3 Boats 16 DK

Designed to make your duck dreams reality, the 16 DK from G3 Boats features an all-aluminum, all-welded .100-gauge hull. Measuring 16.5-feet long, this craft will tote up to three duck killers, and color choices of Desert Brown, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, and Mossy Oak Break-Up are available. The interior is Dyna-Grip and several Yamaha portable and mid-range engines can be attached. The 16DK is long on storage — a front deck compartment and a large, lockable box store plenty of gear and double as a seat along the port sidewall. The rig rides on a Bear galvanized tubular steel Trail Guard trailer with a locking detachable tongue. Starting at $14,900 | g3boats.com

Havoc Boats DB 

A rig that can’t be ignored, Havoc’s DB is available in 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-foot models. The aluminum diamond-plate floor reduces slippage, and the eight-degree hull, I-Beam Ribs, and T-Lock Gunnel Rail make each model worth its salt on the duck water. Standard options include a Mercury 40HP four-stroke motor, EZ Trac steel trailer, and factory install. Of course, Havoc knows most duck nuts don’t settle for standard, and throngs of custom options like a recessed switch panel, green lighting package, removable gun box, and bow rails, to name a few, are yours for the choosing. $13,627 Standard Package | havocboats.com

Beavertail Stealth 2000 Sneak Boat 

Complete with a foam-padded dog platform, this craft features a wide, catamaran-style bottom that makes sitting or standing extremely safe and easy. Capable of floating in just four inches of water, the 460-pound capacity boat can be propelled with a push pole, paddles, or an electric trolling motor. Tie-down slots are found front and rear, and the interior is fitted with double interior gun racks and shell holders. Blind options are available. $999 | explorebeavertail.com

Carstens Puddler

A single-person craft you can trick out with some optional accessories, Carstens Puddler is lightweight and shallow running. The cockpit measures 24” x 64” and the total boat length is 10 feet. At a mere 80 pounds, this boat can be launched anywhere, and once on the water, you’ll be able to glide into duck holes with ease. $970 | carstensindustries.com

Mallard Marine Marsh Rat

Perfect for low-cover areas, the original Marsh Rat from Mallard Marine sports an open-floor design, making it easier for you to disappear when the cover is at a premium. Roto-molded from high-density polyethylene, you’ll wear out before this boat does, and the wide, stable base makes toting decoys and shooting all the easier. $689 | mallardmarine.com