I just did look at your duck boat. I do like it, but I think I'll build your other one first. And follow all your instructions, seeing as how this will be a first time for me.

And since we've just had the threads about rights and honesty and such, I'll ask you publicly and clearly if I do have permission to build from your web pages. For while you do take a person through all the steps, I didn't see where you specifically said go for it building your own without worry of lawsuits and such.

About duck boating. I built my Millcreek for that reason. It is virtually identical to your boats. Like you've I've gotten similar performance results. And mines very overweight. I can't believe everybodies scales go on the fritze when I weigh it, so it really must weigh in a porky 70 lbs. With me at 170, it's quite a load. Yet it still paddles very nicely and quickly if I ask it to. It does tend to turn wide though. A rudder would be a big help in the marshes.

I can come drifting right up onto ducks and deer and turtles and such. Mine is flat green painted hull, with a varnished plank deck. As long as I am moving very little, nothing seems too disturbed by me. The big thing that does send things flying diving and running is when I bang the hull with my paddle. It really booms and critters skedaddle. It also makes a fair bit of noise sliding through the grasses, which also sends critters skedaddling. A skinned boat should be much quieter of course.

Camo wise, from bow hunting I've learned that hiding my face in a camo net just about allows me to go dancing in the woods in a day glo orange body suit. An exaguration of course. But a whole lot more critters spook off my face, and secondarily my hands, then the rest of my body it seems. I expect kayaking is the same. The noise of my boat, combined with seeing my face.