Shallow Draft Hunting Kayak: An 18 ft Two-Person Marsh Boat
An 18 ft flat-bottom plywood kayak by William D. Jackson, made for two hunters (three in a pinch) working shallow marshes and creeks.
Long, flat and quiet, this kayak was made for slipping into the reeds where bigger boats run aground. At 18 ft (5.5 m) with a 40 in (1.0 m) beam, it carries two people, three in a pinch, which makes it a handy partner for duck hunters, birdwatchers and anglers who like skinny water. Exterior plywood over a wooden framework keeps the build familiar, and the flat bottom is what gives it that shallow draft.
Shallow Draft Hunting Kayak at a glance
| Detail | Shallow Draft Hunting Kayak |
|---|---|
| Type | Kayak |
| Length | 18 ft (5.49 m) |
| Beam | 40 in (1.02 m) |
| Capacity | 2 persons (3 in a pinch) |
| Construction | Exterior plywood over wooden framework; flat bottom |
| Designer | William D. Jackson |
| First published | Science and Mechanics, p. 150 |
| Craft Print | No. 300 |
| Plan sheets | 7 |
Made for skinny water
A flat bottom spreads the load over a wide area, so the hull floats high and can cross shallows that would stop a round-bilged boat. The 40 in (1.0 m) beam adds a steady platform for two people and their gear, while the 18 ft (5.5 m) length keeps it running straight with each stroke.
Plywood skins over a wooden framework is a method most home builders can manage with ordinary tools, and seven sheets give the frame and panel details needed to get it right. The open, simple layout also leaves space for decoys, a cooler or camera gear between the two seats.
The original plan sheets
These are the 7 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
William D. Jackson drew this hunting kayak for Science and Mechanics, where it ran on page 150 as Craft Print 300. Jackson was among the most prolific designers of the mid-century home boatbuilding magazines, and this plan shows his practical streak.
Before you build
- Plan for two paddlers and their gear when you lay out seats and storage, and keep the weight low on that flat bottom.
- Dull-colored paint on the deck makes sense for hunting, but add a bright patch or flag so other boaters can see you.
- Wear a life jacket even in the marsh, since cold, shallow water and heavy clothing are a poor mix.
Download the plan
William D. Jackson's complete hunting kayak plan, all seven sheets in one file, sized for printing or a workshop tablet.
Download the complete plan (PDF, 7 sheets, 5.4 MB)
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