best dual purpose boat?

E

Eric Flones

Active member
I have been really interested in building a boat. I mostly hunt seaducks, but do like to hunt puddlers on occasion. My question is what would make a good open water boat, and a good marsh boat? Or is there such a thing? I really like the Barnegat style, but wonder about the size. I am just starting to research this, as I have no boat building background. I your opinion what would make a good dual purpose boat? Thanks for your help in advance. Eric
 
Hey Eric,
Great question, and I'm sure you will get a variety of answers. I have a Cackler, a Devlin Bluebill, a pair of double-enders and each excels better in some situations over others. Devlin's Bluebill was my pick for an all-around boat because of its' 'cancelability' and ability to handle both moderately big water (e.g. bay work) and marshes as well. With a 20 hp on the back end, you can both cover a lot of water (lake or river) and hide it well in a small marsh. I have pulled it over beaver dams, but at 150 lbs it takes some puffing and doing. The Bluebill draws about 4" fully loaded, which will work in most marshes, the recessed boat well allows it some overall length and hideability advantage over standard designs, and it can be hunted as a layout boat. That said, if you are routinely hunting two people or if you have a kid that's growing quickly, I would point you toward the Black Brant.
 
Eric,
As a follow-up, if you get interested in boats similar to a Bluebill you may look at Lock, Stock and Barrell's South Bay Scooter and MLB's Widgeon. There is a Widgeon listed in the classifieds, I think. These are very good boats for the money and it would be hard to go wrong with either as an all-around boat./cc
 
Eric,

Cackler (very seaworthy) and Snow Goose (very seaworthy) are great coastal boats for Sea Duck hunting. They drag over the marsh boats though. But are def. great 2 man boats.

They are safe.

Andrew
 
Thanks for your replies. I am still in the deciding stages, of to build or to buy. I like the looks of the Black Brant. What level of difficulty is that particular boat to build? I have built many things, just never a boat. Thanks for your help, Eric.
 
Does any have a rough estimate as to what these boats cost to build? I too am curious.

Cackler
Snowgoose
Blue Bill
Black Brant
 
Eric,

Check out Eric P's "Building Devlin's Scaup" to get an idea of the tools and steps to build a boat. The Black Brant is very similar, and not all that hard to build. It does take some woodworking skill, but most can be learned as you go. Plus, you can always ask this forum questions. Having said that, it does take a fair amount of time and commitment to take one from start to finish. Lots of nights after work and weekends go into putting one of these together, but most will tell you it is one of the most rewarding projects they have undertaken. Expect several months work (can very greatly based on your skill and time available). I have a little over $2,000 in material in mine (built 2003), not counting camo/dodger/trailer/engine.

image0005.jpg

image0022.jpg

image0071c.jpg

image0002.jpg

image0011c.jpg

Good Luck with your decision (and send me a PM if you get serious abut a BB2)!

-Bill
 
If you are looking to buy, I love my TDB 14 for doing just what your talking about. It is a little on the large side (high from the water line) at times, but that is what keeps me comfortable when the going gets rough.

At the price of a TDB I'd say to build a boat if you've got the time and space. I got mine used and still paid 2-3X what you can build a nice boat for.

That said, I want to build a BBSB for those days when I feel like going a little lighter or the weather is nice. You CAN do it all from one boat. But what fun would that be!

Good luck on your search!
 
That is the thing. I hunt out of a TDB 17 right now. The problem is that it is not mine. It is my father-in-laws. He works on the boats, so he is only here half of the season. I love his boat, but as you know they cost alot. Those boats are the all around boat. He outfitted his with dual Mud Buddies, it will go anywhere. I have been carving my own decoys. I really like the thought of hunting out of a boat I built, over decoy's I built. Anyways, thanks for all your help and thoughts, they're much appreciated. Eric
 
Eric, The David Clark Estuary sneak box is built for big and little water. It's worth a look. canvasbacks.org
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top