AA Broadbill vs Devlin Mallard

Brad Yeaton

Brad Yeaton

Member
Hi

I have the opportunity to purchase both boats, wondering which is the best, both are wood covered in fiberglass. The AA is $1,100 and the mallard is $625.

Would use the boat in all types of waters except sea-ducking in open waters.

Tks
Brad
 
Brad,
I used to own a Mallard. I would feel confident in taking that boat out after birds in almost any conditions including sea ducks in open water. The only caveat I have is that you better not be in a hurry to get anywhere. If you can be content putting along at 5 mph to and from your destination you will love the Mallard. The displacement hull on the boat makes it incredibly seaworthy but also very slow. I liked the size, concealability and seaworthyness but I doubt I'd own another one because of the speed issue. If that doesn't concern you buy the Mallard, it's a good boat....but slow.......did I say it was slow?
 
Brad:

For what its worth I own a Mallard and a AA Widegeon. The mallard is larger but is a traditional hull. The guys are not kidding, it dosn't matter how bog of motor you put on its only going as fast as a function of the bow wave... PERIOD. The widegon FLYS, with a souped up 9.9 ah up to 15 ...

The Broadbill also has a planing hull but can if I remember right handle up to a 25. I even have a mold for a Broadbill but Devini Foam costs to much right now.

View attachment 151-5162_IMG.jpg
View attachment 151-5162_IMG.jpg
 
Thanks to you all for your advice, I was not aware of the slow speed of the mallard...I am not a speed demon in the dark due to floating debris and the many, many, many rocks & ledges on our coastal waters, but it would be nice to speed it up during the daylight hours or to get my butt home when the weather changes.

The mallard is several hours drive away just to look at it, the broadbill is owned by a friend of mine. He has recently stiffened it up with 3 more coats of fiberglass, it is solid as hell but getting heavy( 5 or 6 coats now between the last 2 owners). He was planning on cutting the wooden floor away and leveling the bottom of the boat to be lower to aid in concealment.

He uses a 15hp while I only have a 9.9, he doesn't figure I will get it on plane when its loaded full of gear and hunters. So I was thinking boat this year and motor next year. He usually takes a lab and 21 floater goose decoys when he goes, really rough seas at times and feels 100% safe.

I guess I am leaning towards the broadbill, but please if anyone has ideas please send them along...I was using a decked over 12ft aluminum boat to get where I needed to go for years and always made out worry free, lots of islands and sheltered waters for the most part on the coast. The inland rivers and lakes are rather small and rough water not an issue at all.

Again tks for your time.

Brad
 
Hi Brad, I have an AA broadbill and it works very well for me and my dogs. I run a 15hp 2 stroke and it goes as fast as I care to go. I have been in some crazy waves (on lake Erie)in the summer just to get an idea what she will handle and was impressed. The only close call I've ever had was while picking up decoys during a sudden wind shift. I took some water over the transom but she'll float with quite a bit of water in her. Get a BIG sump pump!!
Nice looking dog, what kennel is he out of? John
 
Hi John

Thanks for the advice!! I am able to borrow the Broadbill for a short while to try her out for myself. This should help me make up my mind for sure!!

My hunting buddy, "Oscar" is from Redland Kennels located in Oakland, Nova Scotia. He is a great hunter as well as a full member of the family. There is never a dull moment with him around as he usually won't let that happen...they are a very busy & smart breed.

I use him for tolling, as well with decoys, and for pheasants.

Again Tks for your time.
Brad
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top