Texas Hunting Forum

Sneakbox Rehab

Posted By: Misfire

Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 03:38 PM

A few months ago I bought this neglected MLB Chuck Huff. The poor ole’ girl had seen many years of pasture life sitting out in the elements. She was sun bleached and the gel-coat finish layer was deteriorated and soft in a few places, mostly along the coaming. All of the grass rails and wooden transom stiffener was rotten as well as all of the hardware. The trailer and motor were in similar condition.

It took a bit of time, effort and money but I got her whipped into shape and looking/running good. I did some fiberglass/body work, new paint, new wiring, running/interior lights, switch panel, stainless hardware, transom softener, mahogany grass rails/seat/backrest and floor. The trailer got a new axle, hubs, bearings, wheels and tires. I did a full service on the engine with carb rebuild, plugs, lower unit oil, fuel lines, filters, etc.. the motor has given me some fits but “knock on wood” I believe I’ve got it sorted out.

I’ve hunted her twice and couldn’t be happier with the little boat’s performance. She jumps out of the water, up on plane and runs 26mph empty and 20mph loaded. [Linked Image]
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Posted By: TrackQuack

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 03:41 PM

cool looking boat
Posted By: BOBO the Clown

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 03:54 PM

Love it!!! Reminds me of mine. I really need to find an outboard
Posted By: ducknbass

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 04:20 PM

You still using that coffin Bobo?
Posted By: ElkOne

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 05:08 PM

Dang good job, really a nice rig ! up up
Posted By: 2flyfish4

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 05:58 PM

Very cool!
Posted By: Tortoise2187

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 07:39 PM

Nice. I need something like that.
Posted By: BOBO the Clown

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by ducknbass
You still using that coffin Bobo?


No I need a motor, and registration roflmao
Posted By: ducknbass

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 11:08 PM



Put that on your iPad mix for heading out hunting.
Posted By: BOBO the Clown

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 11:20 PM

Funny guy^^
Posted By: Creekrunner

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/14/21 11:35 PM

Very cool boat, and I am neither a duck hunter or boat owner. up
Posted By: Guy

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 12:29 AM

Nice work! up
Posted By: Misfire

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 01:42 AM

Thanks all! I’ve wanted one of these for a while and was excited to find this one. The idea is to run it up into some cover, toss a few decoys out and be instantly hunting.. it works well.

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Posted By: jnd59

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 06:10 AM

Good job. I get a lot of enjoyment out of building or rehabbing stuff for hunting.
Posted By: Coastalquacker

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 01:31 PM

that looks great
Posted By: ndhunter

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 03:38 PM

Nice boat
Posted By: spacejunkie

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 04:53 PM

Bet you can get in places others can’t which is a plus. The natural covering should work well and you should have some good times working them in. Good luck and keep the pictures coming in.
Posted By: Misfire

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/15/21 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by jnd59
Good job. I get a lot of enjoyment out of building or rehabbing stuff for hunting.


Me too! I’ve already got next years project sneakbox lined out. The next rehab will be this cool glass over plywood constructed boat. This one sat in the pasture next to the Chuck Huff but didn’t fare as well due to being wooden construction. I bought the second boat for the motor and trailer with the intention of trashing the hull.

It is in poor shape and needs A LOT. The top decks, transom, splash well, coamings, sponsons, upper bulkheads and bow plate are all rotten. All of that will have to be cut out and replaced. Once I get the top decks and floatation foam out, I’ll be able to properly evaluate the bottom and sides. If the bottom and sides are as solid as I think they are, I’ll probably salvage the boat. I believe the original builder used polyester resin because most of the fiberglass is delaminating. All of it will have to be stripped off and replaced too.

It will cost more in time, plywood, epoxy and fiberglass than the boat is worth, but for now, it’s too cool of a design to trash.

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Posted By: BOBO the Clown

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/16/21 03:59 AM

It’s bad but not terrible.


Fun rebuild, awesome find
Posted By: goosebuster

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/16/21 01:53 PM

jealous of that ride...oh the possibilities.
Posted By: wal1809

Re: Sneakbox Rehab - 12/16/21 03:21 PM

Bad arse ride. Good job on the redo!
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