Boats to consider

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
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Hi folks:

I'm a newbie looking for some general help. I'm just beginning to explore the idea of building or restoring a boat for duck hunting. I do all my hunting now out of a canoe. I'd like to get something that can:

(1) carry 2 men and a dog, plus a couple dozen decoys.
(2) Be propelled by oars fairly easily.
(3) Handle a small outboard--no more than 10 hp, and preferably 5 hp or less.
(4) Be safe in moderate seas and chop, so I won't be afraid to take it out on bays or large lakes late in the season.
(5) Be trailerable with my Subaru.
(6) Allow me to hunt using the boat as a blind if necessary.

I'm in Maine, so a Merrymeeting scull would be traditional, but I am intrigued by all the photos here of sneak boxes. So far I think the Devlin 2 man scull is at the top of my list, but I'm looking for other ideas. I'm in the early exploratory phase now, so please send some ideas along to keep the juices flowing.
 
I just purchased plans for a Devlin Mallard. Sounds like it would meet all of your needs/wants. It has a displacement hull and is supposed to row like a dream. It's 12'11" by 4'10" I think. It is more seaworthy than the planing hulls and you could either lay down in it or build a low blind for it such as a canvas canopy with loops for grass. Seems like it would be more versatile than a scull, but that's just my opinion.

http://www.devlinboat.com/mallard.php
 
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No suggestions on boats but one can never have too many! By the way are you the Jeff Reardon who won the 1987 WS?
Click to expand...


I was thinking the same thing. I was at all the home games and man was the Metrodome loud. Actually hurt the ears it was so loud.

Mark W
 
You know, I used to be flattered that people thought I was THAT Jeff Reardon--especially when he pitched for the Red Sox late in his career. More recently, the comparison is not so favorable, and much sadder.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Reardon

Thanks for the ideas. The Mallard is a definite possibility--it's on my "short" list.
 
Hey Jeff,
As a fellow Piner I looked outside the box and ended up here

http://www.instantboats.com/downeastdories/showdory.php?dory=seahawk

If you'll notice its 20hp Max and fairly easy to row as well. I can tell you it will get you to 15 knots with 7.5 hp.
As far as a blind I couldnt tell you, my season was cut short this year.
I would think with a little ingenuity however it would be do-able.

I am mostly coastal hunting however.

P.S. Really easy build too, detailed in Harold Paysons latest book on Instant Boats.
If you have any construction questions give me a PM
 
The Mallard is a one man boat so you will need to move up to a Bluebill or Black Brant. The Brant will be pushing your towing capacity for the subaru. You should be less than the max tow weight, and will have to move the axle to get the toung weight correct.

The blue bill will handle two men and a dog as long as both men are less than 200 pounds dressed. the decoys should be pastic to keep you under the max load. For two men you will want a low blind and sit on short stools or crates. Sitting on the floor with cushions is the prefered way to go for low profile with grassing rails.
 
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