Good to be back - The Broadbill's 22nd season

Brian F.

Brian F.

Well-known member
IMG_5657.jpegIMG_5658.jpeg

Devlin's Broadbill plan, modified slightly with courage obtained from following Eric's original posts of his Scaup 16, some years ago. (dare I say many?)
She was built/launched in 2002/2003.
Her 22nd season... always kept covered, has had a couple of minor tweaks and cosmetic repairs the past few years. She still turns heads at the boat launch. ;^)
She didn't get used much while my kids were in school. This being a one hunter boat, my son and I switched to kayaks for a number of seasons while he was hunting with me. He's grown and out of the house now so I've been enjoying this little boat for myself again the past couple years.
I'm gathering my supplies, soon ready for brushing!!
 
Very nice to see you post again!
And nice to see a broadbill almost as old as this site still in action.
 
Brian, Do you find the grass rails useful? I am almost finished with Devlin's Poleboat and have grass rails made, but a considering just using bungee cord around the perimeter of the cockpit instead. Richard
 

Attachments

  • 20241022_102517.jpg
    20241022_102517.jpg
    3.5 MB · Views: 22
Good to see your still around Brian. Cool that the boat is still going. I like the net/plastic fencing. Where did you find it in tan?
 
Not too many details to share. I made a couple of alterations to Devlin's plans based on several reports by members that it paddled better stern first so a keel/skeg was added. Secondly I disagreed with Devlins notion that pool noodles would provide adequate flotation so I choose sealed compartments with screw out hatch covers. A sealed floor was added to provide a level surface and to stiffen the hull to eliminate the commonly reported problem of the knees tearing loose from hull flex. Finally, I didn't post earlier until I was quite sure it would turn out. Steam bending white oak for the coaming was quite challenging but was successful on my second try. Honestly, you all probably would have fell asleep at my slow progress. RM
 
D. Hinton said:
Cool little boat. How many decoys do you carry with you in that boat
Click to expand...
Stashing in every available corner, at one time she'll carry 18 teal, 18 mallards (standard size) and 6 goose floaters. Used as a layout, (no blind) I use 3 collapsable leaf bags to hold a total of 45 foam block divers on 3 long lines, the bags tethered on the foredeck while underway, with a dozen+ single drops stashed below deck. My ONLY complaint is having to look/shoot past the motor.

IMG_0899.jpg
 
RM Anderson said:
Brian, Do you find the grass rails useful? I am almost finished with Devlin's Poleboat and have grass rails made, but a considering just using bungee cord around the perimeter of the cockpit instead. Richard
Click to expand...
Hi Richard, I added bungee cord to my Kayak. Not a fan, after I've struggled with it for a number of seasons. It (mine) rots eventially and cannot provide enough tension for my liking. Yes, I do use the rails on my broadbill. It holds my netting, as well as my homegrown oramental grass.IMG_5671.jpgIMG_5672.jpg
 
Carl said:
Very nice to see you post again!
And nice to see a broadbill almost as old as this site still in action.
Click to expand...
Thanks Carl! My son is in school at USF in STP. He's always sending me pictures of ducks but he's not found anyone who hunts down there.
 
Brian F. said:
Thanks Carl! My son is in school at USF in STP. He's always sending me pictures of ducks but he's not found anyone who hunts down there.
Click to expand...
Cool!
Same experience as your son: I see tons of bluebills on the bay but thats it. I've never seen a buffie or redhead.
All the other ducks I see (mottled ducks and blackbellies) are in places that are not huntable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top