2025 Devlin Snow Goose Thread

Mocked up some of @Steve Sanford 's bi-folds to test heights, and think I like this idea better than taller singles. I could shift another inch or so from bottom to top section, but it is shootable from a sitting position as-is at my height. I made this mock-up so that I can cut it in half lengthwise for more experimentation - thinking that if I hunt alone it might be advantageous to be able to fold the aft (or fore) half to close off half the cockpit.

As always, I covet any advice/guidance from those that have done this before.

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Thinking through dodger options this morning.

Have generally had a rounded dodger in mind and drew that first (may be tough to see without zooming) - my thinking was/is a half-round toe-molding that has legs extending to/towards thatch rails, with a removable canvas dodger attached.

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As I was looking at it, I started considering the more traditional triangular shape. Cut a couple scraps to get a better visual sense of it. Not quite as aesthetically pleasing, but to Tod's point of visibility would be much easier to see over/around.

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Any recommendations one way or the other?
 
I'd consider building a curve into the side screens, then copy that in the profile of the dodger so they mate. The top of the dodger would look nice with a curve matching the deck, which would also cut down on the height. Easy for me to suggest, probably a bear to build. Just me making more work for you, so you can make Tod's launch date. ;)
 
SJ Fairbank said:
I'd consider building a curve into the side screens, then copy that in the profile of the dodger so they mate. The top of the dodger would look nice with a curve matching the deck, which would also cut down on the height. Easy for me to suggest, probably a bear to build. Just me making more work for you, so you can make Tod's launch date. ;)
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I'm glad you said that... lining it out reminded me of an older idea along similar lines, extending the lines of the side coaming. I might also be able to craft a decent, lightweight, removable hard dodger. Something to think about. I think such lines would accommodate a stowed trolling motor just fine.

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A few comments not organized and don't take them as aggressively negative.

The blind needs to not extend beyond the gunwale, what is mocked up just won't work for function or aesthetics. It if going to get broken at the dock (think trying to launch or load or tie up in a swell) catch something in the dark, etc... You boat is too nice to hide the lines with a jankey ass blind setup.

If you are thinking of running with a dodger up (that is the point of a dodger) you are either 7' tall or plan to extend the tiller with a 7' extension to stand at the front of the cockpit.

I'm also concerned with the ability of wooden flapper board to be built light enough to be reasonable and maintain their shape without going crazy. No commercial builders try to make a hard sided blind board that large out of wood. It seems like the reinforcements will needed and will make it exceptionally cumbersome.

You built a low profile boat and are adding a high profile blind. You will have all the downsides of a low profile boat and the downsides of a high profile blind. Something to consider.

The bulk of the major boat blind manufacturers build metal and fabric blinds as was pointed out. There is a reason for that.

Moving forward I'd look at every single boat blind manufacturer that makes a boat in that size class to guide what will work out.
 
tod osier said:
A few comments not organized and don't take them as aggressively negative.

The blind needs to not extend beyond the gunwale, what is mocked up just won't work for function or aesthetics. It if going to get broken at the dock (think trying to launch or load or tie up in a swell) catch something in the dark, etc... You boat is too nice to hide the lines with a jankey ass blind setup.

If you are thinking of running with a dodger up (that is the point of a dodger) you are either 7' tall or plan to extend the tiller with a 7' extension to stand at the front of the cockpit.

I'm also concerned with the ability of wooden flapper board to be built light enough to be reasonable and maintain their shape without going crazy. No commercial builders try to make a hard sided blind board that large out of wood. It seems like the reinforcements will needed and will make it exceptionally cumbersome.

You built a low profile boat and are adding a high profile blind. You will have all the downsides of a low profile boat and the downsides of a high profile blind. Something to consider.

The bulk of the major boat blind manufacturers build metal and fabric blinds as was pointed out. There is a reason for that.

Moving forward I'd look at every single boat blind manufacturer that makes a boat in that size class to guide what will work out.
Click to expand...
Appreciate it. Definitely agree a final design would need to get the flapboards "inside" the boat - I made the bottom section fairly tall (and upper short) so I could consider 1-piece vs bi-fold... so I have a fair amount of flexibility in bringing the outer edge in by shifting - but more tinkering to do here.

The length is what gives me a little concern about flapboard structure/rigidity... but making it 2 per side should make that pretty easy to make solid and light. Again, more experimenting to do.

Your point about profile is a good one, though I'd have built a smaller boat if low-profile hideability was critical priority. Our marshes are fairly tall, and in creeks/rivers along the bank height won't matter at all. But I'm still pondering on all this and will look into alternative options.
 
Its rare i ever want to use my boat as a blind, but in the last couple years, there has been more and more water and I could of hunted right out of my boat if a blind was on there. Ive been looking more and more at the BPS shaggy boat blind. Not sure it would work for your rig, but it seems easily removable for summer months and stows away nicely and puts up super easy when ready to hunt.

backwaterperformance.com

Shaggy Boat Blind

Description Related Items Tips The Shaggy Blind creates a deep, 3D camouflage effect with over 2,000 strips of burlap, hemp, camo, and poly fabric. The natural movement of the shredded material blends seamlessly with marsh grasses, cattails, and brush, helping your boat disappear into the...
backwaterperformance.com backwaterperformance.com
 
Just for some more food for thought on the blind. I have a boat of similar size and built a blind out of EMT Conduit. The frame has lasted almost 20 years but I have had to replace the netting a couple times and is due to be refreshed. I don't nessisarily recommend the army netting I use as it catches on everything. I typically don't hunt out of my boat much anymore but with the high water this year I used the blind several times.

The wood frame clamps onto the gunnels at the bow and stern. I zoomed in so you can see the high tech hardware I used. Angle Iron for the bottom hinges and a couple flat plates for the flip top with some bolts. The bottom of the blind is attached via a piece of plastic conduit with a bungees on each end that go onto the cleats. To put it up I simply take the bungees off the netting and pull it up and clip a couple carbineers together that are on the top of the frame in the front and the back. The blind is regulated how far it can go up by a some tarred twine that is tied to the conduit and then runs down to a pad eye mounted near the gunnel. I then drape burlap over it in the front and back, middle for extra coverage. The burlap is fine where I hunt and I don't use grass. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it in the up position.
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2 in the boat, 1 on a layout off the bow.... I could see it now! Could even put a dog blind up on the front of the bow. Then you have to figure out a dog ladder to get in and out of the boat. Should be easy enough for you to figure out on how you could attach a dog ladder for the pooch.

Remember …. Where my dog ladder go dad??
 

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Blinds built to roll down and sit on either sides of gunnels are your most useful type for a sit up style blind. They can also be incorporated into a front dodger if desired. Leaving the dodger erect while running and raising blind walls after your positioned to hunt . Take some hints from the leg design of the TDB style blind for your sidewalls. Using a grassed dodger as your front you'll only need to create a door ( from Cordura Nylon of course) for rear. Doing it like this would effect final shape and height of course of your dodger. Side Walls sewn from cordura nylon with grassing straps are fairly easy to do. Or forget dodger and just make a front door similar to rear. Wish I,d taken pics of the one I built for my Blackjack as its design is about perfect for a sit up blind for your style boat.
 
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