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

Brian F.

Brian F.

Well-known member
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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
 

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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?
 
@RM Anderson what the heck? You casually slip in you're almost done building a Poleboat, and the picture you post shows it is gorgeous. You've been holding out on us. We want details!
 
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
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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.

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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
 
Hey Brian

Good to see you on here...I pop in every once in a while to see what is up...now back under my rock
 
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