You don't need a boat if you're hunting in wadable water but if it's any deeper that your waders yes you do. I have never but would like to get a hunting dog. But I've hunted my whole life without one. It's not a must but it's very very nice you don't have to account for field loses near as much with a dog and they are a great hnting companion and friend, I would love to get one but the wife had other plans. She's coming around though. No, you don't need expensive blinds and top of the line equipment to start out, bulrushes, treebranchs, and other grasses work just fine to concel yourself. Once you get the fever trust me you'll eventually have all the top of the line stuff you can afford.

To start out you need a pair of waders, waterproof decoy gloves, insulated gloves, hat/warm weather and cold weather, facemask, good reliable shotgun, steel, tungstun, or bismuth shot shells, 1-2 dozen decoys w/weights, decoy bag, gun case, snake light/headlight/hands free flashlight of some kind, a call you like, sounds good, is affordable and you will practice with everyday caue that's what it takes to get good at calling, weather proof jacket (4 season parka or wader jacket), wool socks, good durable coffee thermos, somthing to carry shells, ducks, thermos and other things in (a 5 gallon bucket painted camo is a sure bet) and if possible find a huntin buddy to share the fun with. OH!! Don't forget your licenses.

I think that's about it but I may have missed somthings that some of the others may think of. Anyway good luck on starting out and have a blast.