Since we rolled out the one man Mighty Layout Boat in August of 2000, we have received many inquiries as to when we would be building a two man layout boat. Now, the Mighty Layout Boys are proud to say that we have listened, and taken action.
We are proud to announce that the MLB II is now available. The MLB II is a true 2 man Lake Erie Style layout boat, with USCG certification, and enough room for two very large hunters, a man or woman and a dog, or a man or woman, and their son or daughter. Specifications are listed farther below.
Safety and Design Considerations
We looked at what makes the one man MLBoat so highly successful, and incorporated the same safety and design features into the MLB II. Safety is number one with the Mighty Layout Boys. Effectiveness is a close second. Our boats are sent to the testing facility for the United States Coast Guard to garner certification, or to be rejected. As the USCG's primary interest with regard to new boat designs is geared towards the consumer's safety, a series of tests are performed. The boat in question must pass all tests to be certified. Both the MLB II and the Mighty Layout Boat have been certified by the testing facility, as opposed to self certification, which is also an allowed method of qualifying. The Mighty Layout Boys want to leave no doubt in the hunter's mind that our boats have been tested and certified by our country's United States Coast Guard. We value your safety as we do our own.
Stealth
The fact is, a layout boat must not emit a shadow. Shadows spell trouble. Shadow is very unnatural in open water environments. Glare on sunny days is natural. Shadow is not. Therefore, we built a large two man layout boat that casts very little shadow, if any at all. We even offer the spray shield in 20 mil. clear vinyl to deplete the shadow effect, as well as 1,000 denier Cordura. Either shield can be selected, at no additional charge.
Specifications
Materials
- Boat Hull: All Fiberglass Construction, no wood.
- Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Nylon deck cleats
Dimensions
- Overall length: 13 feet, 3 inches
- Width at its widest; 7 feet 1 inch.
- Emergence above the waterline when occupied; 9 3/4 inches.
Cockpit dimensions
- Overall length of usable space: 7 feet 1 inch.
- Width at its widest: 5 feet.
- Depth of cockpit: 4 inches.
Boat weight and capacity ratings
- Weight: 210 lbs.
- Capacity rating: 2 people at 784 lbs.
- 871 lbs. Persons/Gear
- This Boat is Not rated for propulsion by motor.
Regarding the strength of the boat, and to achieve this capacity rating, 2,971 lbs. of certified weight steel were set in the cockpit of the boat while at float, before water entered the cockpit. All this weight had no effect on the floor of the cockpit, due to high tech strengthening/sound deadening materials.
Transporting the boat to and from the hunting site may require the use of a motor powered boat. Oftentimes referred to as a tender boat, this boat can either tow the MLB II into position, or if substantial enough, the MLB II could be set on the gunwales of the tender boat, and tied off for travel. It should be noted that with an overall weight of 210 lbs, only tender boats of substantial freeboard, length, capacity rating, and power must be used. Towing is aided by a unique cockpit slope or angle piece that acts to raise the boat's bow from the water, as opposed to allowing it to spear the waves, which is very unsafe. As with towing any vessel, constant care and vigilance must be practiced.
Colors will be our standard Granite Gray, and a dull dead grass, which is the color of choice from our Lake Erie customers. Colors are molded into the boat, as opposed to painted on.
Availability
In stock, or worst case: 7 to 10 days.
Price and Shipping Costs
Through 01 October 2004, we are offering the MLB II at a special price: $2000. Shipping costs excluded. How is the Mighty Layout Boat prepared for shipping?
Our customers can pick up our boats at locations in Northwest or Northcentral Indiana, in Northwest Ohio, or at times, in the Virginia/Maryland area. When it is practical, the Mighty Layout Boys can arrange to meet a customer when within a reasonable driving distance, for a nominal fee.
Over the road commercial truck shipping is available. Please inquire by phone, email, or fax. We will gladly research competitive shipping rates. There is also a crating charge, as we build a formidable wooden crate to protect your investment.
As camaraderie is as much a part of duck hunting is the hunting itself, we have offered what we believe to be the best two man boat on the market. Purchasing a layout boat is like buying a permanent lease that is mobile and can travel with you.
Discover the fine art of layout hunting, or if a layout hunter already, re visit the fun and effectiveness of layout boat hunting with your hunting buddy right next to you in the MLB II.