Yes, I've done the layout thing. Mine was a 14' aluminum Larson with a flat bottom. I got rid of it because I wanted to go outside for sea ducks and needed a larger semi-vee bottom. However, I have heard nothing but good stuff about the new inflatable ones--two of my buddies have 'em (not sure of the brand, but I'll try to remember to find out for ya) and they absolutely swear by them. Old sneakboxes are cool, but, I fear, outmoded. Go inflatable with a recognizable brand name and decent warranty and I am SURE you will like it. I say this because the guys I know who have 'em complain about everything all the time, except their inflatable duck boats. :lol:
If you do want to do the sea duck / fishing thing, consider a 16-18' aluminum semi vee. Mine has a 20-horse Merc on it. I painted it drab and I have a camo net to throw over it when I'm back in the tidal marsh. It's fine, ducks don't notice it and it carries a ton of dekes and stuff. Sometimes I even set it up as a blind!
If you do want to do the sea duck / fishing thing, consider a 16-18' aluminum semi vee. Mine has a 20-horse Merc on it. I painted it drab and I have a camo net to throw over it when I'm back in the tidal marsh. It's fine, ducks don't notice it and it carries a ton of dekes and stuff. Sometimes I even set it up as a blind!
. Spent a total of 200 bucks for all materials ann built it in 2 weekends ( minus church on sunday mornings). Pros are light weight; design it the way you want it; No air chambers to possibly pop or leak; ultra low profile; Easy to paddle with a kayak paddle; and can be easily camo'd out to match you area with a couple cans of spray paint. Con's are not quite as portable as an inflateable; and you have to spend some time to build it. However I'm not all that much of a woodworker or carpenter, but I built it and was able to hunt all season last year out of it with no problems. Will be using it again this season for sure. Good luck either way you go. :wink:
