1966 Crestliner North Star project

I decided I couldn't wait for this intense heat to subside so I started working on my "blind panels". The idea is to have three panels (one for each side and one across the front of the splash well) to block wind and provide some concealment. They will be light and easily removed to stow inside the boat when underway or when putting decoys out, bringing dog in, etc.
The mounting feet will be pipe floor flanges with a PVC screw-in adapter.

The frame is put together, cemented, exterior primed and then painted in flat dark earth brown.


There will be three extensions (not shown in these pics) mounted to the bottom of the frame which will slide into the mounting feet adapters.
I'm not worried too much about the camo paint since the 600 Cordura Denier fabric should cover all of it. I had thought about making a "panel" of material inside of the PVC frame and then punching numerous grommets around the edge of it and finally lacing it to the PVC with parachute shock cord. Instead, my neighbor is folding the fabric over the frame and stitching each end so that it slides over the top like a seat cover. He is also putting sewn strips on the outside so that I can lace grass or other camo into it. More pics of the fabric when I get it back from him.


Dave
 
Wow......woke up this morning to find my neighbor had already completed the first of three panel covers. The fit was pretty much spot on and he added strips to allow me to install grass or other camo. Here is the first panel installed across the front of the splash well.



Dave
 
So, my neighbor has finished all three panel covers and I have them mounted. This photo shows the attaching "foot" with the threaded PVC sleeve.

The panels slide into the sleeve and can be removed easily for transport. There are three feet on each gunwale to support it and keep it stable. The panels are supposed to be only for a wind break and some concealment. Most of the time when I am hunting along the shore, the boat is just used for transportation to the spot and I hunt from the shore, not the boat. I only plan on using the panels when I am sea duck hunting out of it unless conditions warrant using the panels at other locations. Don't let the white PVC sticking up above the panel confuse you. That is just the frame I use for the boat cover.
[URL=http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/dcducks1/media/1966%20Crestliner%20North%20Star/20160726_163029_zpsk1vvs5ey.jpg.html]
Starboard side and transom panels:
[URL=http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/dcducks1/media/1966%20Crestliner%20North%20Star/20160726_165523_zpscxors1pa.jpg.html]
Port side and transom:
[URL=http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/dcducks1/media/1966%20Crestliner%20North%20Star/20160726_165728_zpsjlhilfns.jpg.html]


It's almost time to start whacking some grass and lacing the panels.
Tell me your thoughts, concerns, questions........this is all a work in progress and I don't expect to get it right on the first attempt.


Dave
 
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Be careful with mounting those galvinised pipe fittings on aluminum boat as electraliscis will result in aluminum being eaten up particularly fast if around salt water. Just a thought for a little better concealment on boat bl;ind would be top run rear panel all the way to transom and install stainless snaps along perimeter. Same with front panel, extend to bow contour and install snaps. Once grassed will go a long way in breaking up profile of boat when used for ducks other than sea ducks.
 
Roy, good advice. I mounted the "feet" with stainless screws and placed a nylon spacer between the "feet" and aluminum. In addition, I sealed out the moisture with Star brite polyether boat caulk. I will keep an eye on this throughout the season and plan on washing after each use. If anything looks like it's going "south", I will have to re-address.


Dave
 
That liner between the two metal types should be helpful. Had a friend that insisted in putting galvenised cleats on his big seaark aluminum and eventually it cost him a transom and corner cap replacement. Is your blind going to be made to roll up along gunnel combing? With your boat style that would be excellant design for storage and deployment.
 
Roy,
No, the panels will not roll up. They will be able to be lifted out of the sleeves and stored inside the boat along the walls. This will allow for putting out/retrieving decoys, etc. I'm still trying to figure out a way to get the dog in/out of the boat and the solution might be back thru the splash well since the gunwales are so tall. The next chapter is all about getting the boat out and working thru the kinks. I am already stringing long lines of decoys and want to get out with my son in the next few weeks and start deploying them as a team to see what we do right or wrong. Each time going out can be different based on current flow, tides, wind direction....so I want to get out and work the decoys several times to get a good understanding of the process during different conditions. After we have an understanding.....then we need to do it in the dark. This is called .....FUN!


Dave
 
I,ve got that same longline deployment drill comeing up for my son & nephew a little latter. Built a flotilla of scotter v boards and sleds this spring for use this fall. Looks like you could fab up a dog step that would fold back into that splash well when not in use . Just remember to built it stout enough for yourself to use if ever needed.If your like myself its not quite as easy as it use to be climbing in over the side any more!
 
Roy,
I mounted a folding ladder on the port rear for myself, just not sure if I have the room to mount something else back there without interfering with the motor. Need to sit down with some paper, compass, slide rule.........well, at some beer.....and figure something out soon.


Dave
 
Took the boat out Friday after work for another "shake down" cruise. Ran very strong and decided to fish for a few hours. Put about 30 perch into the boat and then took it back home for a good rinse and to bed. Today I worked on the panels some more. Decided to do a little stenciling.



Once the panels are grassed you wont even see the stencils, so I'm kind of just playing.
 
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