Best cover while hunting Higbee Sneakbox.

[David Clites]

Not to be confused with factory fiberglass cover (which I have found to be excellent during trailering and storage) what are some of the best ideas for a camoflage cover while hunting?

Over the past 2 seasons I have used die cut netting with bundles of native grasses tied with Jute Twine or zipties to the netting. I also laid some fresh-cut juniper/cedar boughs on top after I laid into shooting position. This fools the ducks OK but getting my gun (favorite non-camo'd Rem 1100) out from under the netting is troublesome--Bolt Handle on the gun gets tangled in the netting. Also if I have to start the motor in a hurry to chase cripples the netting gets tangled on the Tiller, pull-out Choke Knob, Recoil Starter Pull Handle, etc. So I have labeled the Netting as Cluster Camo! Also a lesser/third problem is that the netting sags across the cockpit unless I lay bamboo or other slats/crosssupports under the Netting at cockpit.

What are some good solutions here? Heavy canvas, etc? Would also have to be rolled back for chasing cripples. Ofcourse adding flapper boards might work, but I am unsure I want to go that far...

Thanks for any ideas...

 

[David Clites]

Adding photos...

 

[Huntindave McCann]

I have used and was quite happy with a roll up cockpit cover. Due to unfortunate circumstances I no longer have any photos, I'' do my best to describe what I had.
Requirements; wind and waterproof, 3D outer surface, smooth inner surface, self supporting.
Materials used; treated nylon backing, leafy camo netting, 1 1/4 inch nylon strap, 3/8 dia. fiberglass fence poles, synthetic raffia, zip ties
(A) cut and hem a sheet of treated nylon material to the length of the cockpit and 6 to 8 inches wider than the cockpit
(B) cut 1 1/4 strap into approximately 2 inch long sections
(D) sew the strap sections onto the underside of the nylon cover in a pattern as shown below to form pockets for the fiberglass support rods (pocket span 3" wider than cockpit)
(E) sew the leafy camo netting to the top side of the nylon cover
(F) cut the 3/8 fiberglass rods to required length, insert 1st end into a pocket, bend the rod and insert 2nd end into the opposing pocket (rods span cockpit width plus 3 inches)
(G) using zip ties, add raffia to the top side of the leafy camo netting

I do still have the cover and can take pictures, just don't have the boat (a Chuck Huff) it went with. The sketch below is a view from the bottom side of the cover, primarily to show the support system.




I also added two twist locks and tie down tabs to the far end of the cover. This allows me to quickly roll it up to chase down a cripple and no worries of the wind taking it completely off the boat when rolled out in place. Unless it is raining. I lay my gun on TOP of the cover where it is in a ready position.





Showing tabs and twist locks on far end.

 

[Darin Clark]

I use pretty much the same thing Dave does. Let me know if you would like to see pictures. I can go out to the shop and take a couple.

 

[Steve Sanford]

David~


My approach is very similar to Huntin' Dave's below. See my thoughts in David K's Aeromarine post. My gun rests on top of the gunning apron/lap canvas and on the coamings. The canvas rolled up and stowed on the stern deck when it operating the motor et cetera.



Although I'm a devotee of Old School thatch rails - for Salt Hay in the saltmarsh, I also appreciate the need for a more flexible way to attach a variety of camouflage materials - for a variety of habits. If I had your vessel, I might attach 2 rows of shock cord along each deck. Here I show it on one of my gunning coffins:






I lash bundles of vegetation - in this case Salt Hay - with a square knot to each line of shock cord. Lash on as many as you need to break things up and add the third dimension. (I typically use plain jute twine - instead of this green we use at Christmas....)







Here it is with cornstalks - for field hunting Canadas.







I am currently restoring a Sneakbox I built with friend ~ 1990. I am thinking of using the shock cord approach - at least for the "laterals". I would secure them to the deck every 12 inches or so with nylon eye straps.






I got a big spool of camouflage shock cord - but Sgt. Knots offers a nice variety of natural colors.






https://sgtknots.com/collections/marine-grade-shock-cord/products/marine-grade-dacron-polyester-shock-cord-1-4-inch


BTW: Adding local vegetation once you get to your spot is always a good idea. I often dropped big bunches of wrack - dead seaweeds and hay - onto the decks - mostly to fit in and to break up the symmetry of the boat once I had the boat in place.



Hope this helps!


SJS

 

[Darin Clark]

Here are a couple pictures:

I used nylon webbing. Additional vegetation can be slid under




Here is the underside. You can see the pockets that hold fiberglass fence posts




Stowed for travel

If I were to make another I would like it to be another foot or more longer.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Darin~

re the foot longer: I make my lap covers so they are about 12 inches forward of the supporting rod - so it just lays on my chest . It's both warmer and a better hide.



All the best!

SJS

 

[roy brewington]

Roll up lap cover as others have mentioned works best. Loose the netting as your well aware its a tangling mess. As others have mentioned use the nylon rods in pockets under a cordura nylon lap cover. The rods use to be able to be purchased at Tractor Supply as electric fence posts but any 5/16 or 3/8" rod will work. Lets you roll up that cover very easy also. While getting your cordura get enough to make a motor cover . 600 denier with your choice of camo will be all you need. 3/4" nylon webbing sewn on across lap cover about every 10" and attach rafia bunchs or grass with natural grass. A need product called BLINDGRASS also weaves well and is all most indestructible for grassing. Doesn,t pick up water either which rafia & natural grasses are fond of doing. If you don,t want to use the little turn buckles Dave mentioned put some brass gromets along edges of lap cover and secure with stretch cord to cleats or other tie off points. With the stretch cord done properly you can rise/sit up to shoot without any meaningful resistance from lap cover against chest. Simply lay your gun on top as your only bringing lap cover over to under your arm pits. The stretch cord around cockpit/decks ran thru nylon footman's loops gives you a great area to attach grassing around perimeter of boat and over decks. Just remember to tie your opposing ends together in a knot that can latter be undone as cord will eventually stretch a bit and will need tightening over time to prevent sag.

 

[David Clites]

Wow! Thanks for the inputs! Each and every one of your replies has a somewhat different approach but also some common elements. My wife is a pretty good seamstress although I am unsure what thickness of materials her sewing machines are up to handling. This will make a great off-season project for me (and possibly her--which might require a couple candlelight dinners out, possibly a trip to the jewelry store).
I like how Dave M boiled-down the Requirements: textured on top (which can be achieved several ways) with smooth underside, etc.. What I have done/used so far has been quick-and-dirty...now I need to get to deciding "Cheap/Fast/Good--pick 2 you can't have all 3".
First question I have--what is a best source for Cordura nylon (which I am thinking is one specific type of treated Nylon). Also what type of sewing machine setup is adequate for sewing Cordura or even lighter (but still waterproof treated Nylon)?
Thanks again folks!

 

[roy brewington]

I,ve had my wife sew several boat blinds, dodgers , motor covers & lap covers with Brother home owners machine. Think its a #14 needle, using automotive upholstery thread available at walmart. Requires patience on her part sometimes but always comes out great. Machine will sew thru doubled over 600 or 1000 denier cordura nylon and also thru nylon strapping I use for grassing loops. Occasional snafu from rushing machine but easily remedied. I develop patterns , cutting out fabric and do pin up for her which helps smooth things out a bit. Stuffs not hard to do just requires you to think ahead of process and understand how material will layout and develop and what your end product should function like. You,ll owe her big time afterwards! I,ve bought plenty of camo Cordura nylon off EBay & Amazon for as little as $8 a yd. to about $12.

 

[Richard Lathrop]

Check with Sailrite https://www.sailrite.com/ for some supplies. I picked up an older Pfaff130 for use with heavier fabrics like sail cloth.

Rick

 

[Huntindave McCann]

or even lighter (but still waterproof treated Nylon)?
Thanks again folks!

The material I used was a section from the "wind panel" salvaged from an Avery Quickset boat blind. IMHO for a cockpit cover which lays flat across the cockpit, one does not need nor does one want a heavy fabric. Maybe visit a fabric store or order some samples?

I'm thinking something like this may be comparable? PVC backed polyester fabric by the yard sold in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 yard increments with a 1/2-yard minimum. Enter partial yard increments in decimal form, e.g. 1.5 = 1-1/2 yards
58" 600 D. x 300 D. PVC Backed Polyester @ $8.95

10 oz. per square yd. This PVC backed 600 x 300 Denier Polyester is a versatile polyester fabric that has a sturdy appearance with a tough 0.55mm vinyl embossed backing, giving it a great body and feel, but still remains flexible. All at a great price.

link; https://www.seattlefabrics.com/...ear-yard_p_1115.html

 

[Steve Sanford]

David~


As Roy mentioned, home sewing machines can do lots - with the right needle and thread. Sailrite's website has a table with common machines and the best needles/threads for different fabrics.


I have not yet tried this vendor - nor Cordura for that matter - but I'm planning to get some for dodgers, lap covers and motor covers. I have been using Sunbrella Marine - but it's probably more than I need and quite expensive:



https://diyardage.com/1000-denier-cordura/


All the best,


SJS

 

[David Clites]

Thanks for additional inputs folks. I have confirmed with my wife that she has sewn fabrics equivalent to 600 Cordura. Now I need to begin sourcing the fabric, nylon webbing, fiberglass poles, synthetic (or natural) grass, etc. Unfortunely this makes me even more anxious for next year's season to arrive!