Devlin Broadbill - Seaworthiness

[Kelley.Patterson]

Thinking of building a Broadbill, but wondering how well it handles big water.

I'm not hunting open water, but I have to cross a short stretch that can get rough from time to time. I'm currently running a soulless 1754 Excel Pro Hull with a 40hp Mud Buddy and despite the flat bottom, it handles the conditions fine. Prior to the Excel, I used a 1548 Tracker and it was ok too... I've also done it in a MLB ZT Wigeon, although there were a couple of days it was too nasty for the Wigeon.

I wouldn't feel comfortable making the crossing in these flat bottom or layout/marsh style boats that would otherwise be ideal (4Rivers, Countyline, MoMarsh, etc.)

Will the Broadbill "pop up" and ride a 1-2' roller? Am I looking at the wrong boat? I'm sure a more traditional BBSB style would be safer, but I don't want to sacrifice the shallow water performance.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Thinking of building a Broadbill, but wondering how well it handles big water.


Will the Broadbill "pop up" and ride a 1-2' roller?

In my experiences that's a yes. I built mine a little deeper than the plans state but regardless, it rides rough water better than much larger jon boats.

 

[perry]

my BBSB handled 3 plus rollers going into little bay from great bay NH

 

[Kelley.Patterson]

In my experiences that's a yes. I built mine a little deeper than the plans state but regardless, it rides rough water better than much larger jon boats.

Thanks Eric, I think I've looked at your Broadbill 1000 times...thought the hull looked a little deeper than the others I've seen. Do you figure one built to the plans would perform somewhat similar? Thanks again

 

[Kelley.Patterson]

my BBSB handled 3 plus rollers going into little bay from great bay NH

At 3' plus, I might drive home and drink coffee ...Which BBSB are you in? Thanks

 

[Eric Patterson]

Kelley

I do. The mods I made wouldn't change the boats posture under power. My mods were to increase storage under the decks, which it did. I added some height to the sides, and increased the deck camber for a total of about 3" increased height.

Have you seen the below?

DevlinBroadbill = @duckboatsdotnet

See Instagram 'DevlinBroadbill' highlights from Eric Patterson (@duckboatsdotnet)

www.instagram.com

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Kelley.Patterson]

Kelley

I do. The mods I made wouldn't change the boats posture under power. My mods were to increase storage under the decks, which it did. I added some height to the sides, and increased the deck camber for a total of about 3" increased height.

Have you seen the below?

DevlinBroadbill = @duckboatsdotnet

See Instagram 'DevlinBroadbill' highlights from Eric Patterson (@duckboatsdotnet)

www.instagram.com

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

I have indeed... it's been part of the inspiration. Thanks again!

 

[William Reinicke]

Kelley

I do. The mods I made wouldn't change the boats posture under power. My mods were to increase storage under the decks, which it did. I added some height to the sides, and increased the deck camber for a total of about 3" increased height.

Have you seen the below?

DevlinBroadbill = @duckboatsdotnet

See Instagram 'DevlinBroadbill' highlights from Eric Patterson (@duckboatsdotnet)

www.instagram.com

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

What does one of these weigh? I really do not need another boat, but these things are so freaking cool. And as much as I REALLY want one, I dont know how practical one is where I do most my hunting. But ive done stupider things in life.

 

[Linhardt]

What does one of these weigh? I really do not need another boat, but these things are so freaking cool. And as much as I REALLY want one, I dont know how practical one is where I do most my hunting. But ive done stupider things in life.

Dry Weight 105 Lbs.
Broadbill 11
Devlin Boat Design Catalog