Estuary Garvey

[RM Anderson]

Just returned from Michigan with an Estuary Boats, Dave Clark Garvey. It was built in 2024 but had only one hour of use as the owner had to sell, citing personal reasons. Originally I had intended on building a Cackler but when I saw this ad posted on Facebook I could not think of one good reason to go forward with the build. This boat is entirely composite with the exception of the grass rails. While talking with the seller, I learned that this Garvey was Dave's last before selling the molds. Everything is in "As New" condition with the exception of the outboard starter battery which apparently froze from lack of charge.
RM

 

[Carl]

Oh you lucky dog!!
I fell in love with that hull the first time Dave posted pics of it.

 

[jode hillman]

Just returned from Michigan with an Estuary Boats, Dave Clark Garvey. It was built in 2024 but had only one hour of use as the owner had to sell, citing personal reasons. Originally I had intended on building a Cackler but when I saw this ad posted on Facebook I could not think of one good reason to go forward with the build. This boat is entirely composite with the exception of the grass rails. While talking with the seller, I learned that this Garvey was Dave's last before selling the molds. Everything is in "As New" condition with the exception of the outboard starter battery which apparently froze from lack of charge.
RM

That is certainly a handsome boat. I wish you all the best with it!

 

[Anthony Babich]

My father has the 15' Garvey purchased back in 2021. Rides fantastic, hides well and at his age comfortable enough to hunt like a gentleman.

Dave had another one of his Garvey's with flapper boards years back at the Stockton Show in NJ. My father ended up adding those as well on his.

 

[RM Anderson]

My father has the 15' Garvey purchased back in 2021. Rides fantastic, hides well and at his age comfortable enough to hunt like a gentleman.

Anthony,
I'm glad that your dad likes his boat! How well does it handle rough conditions?
Now that I am sixty years old, I also wanted a boat that I can sit upright in yet is easy to conceal. I love the large cockpit as there is plenty of room for a Mr Buddy heater if needed. RM

 

[Anthony Babich]

Anthony,
I'm glad that your dad likes his boat! How well does it handle rough conditions?
Now that I am sixty years old, I also wanted a boat that I can sit upright in yet is easy to conceal. I love the large cockpit as there is plenty of room for a Mr Buddy heater if needed. RM

It handles rough conditions with ease, it’s a heavy boat and spacious for sure. He runs the buddy heater as well along with a small cook stove.
Here’s a video from when we picked it up
Estuary 15 Garvey Boat

 

[Matt C]

Does anyone know what happened to the molds? I am thinking about downsizing from my Bankes, and had been considering reaching out to Dave about the Garvey.

 

[roy brewington]

Sweet hull. Very similar exterior to the Chincoteague Scow 14 & 16,s that used to be the standard duck boat on the bay in my area years ago until Carolina Skiffs took their spot. The scow was a lot better rough water boat though. I,m sure you,ll be pleased with it.

 

[HenryHawthorne]

Great find, congratulations! But sorry we wont get to watch a build!

 

[RM Anderson]

Great find, congratulations! But sorry we wont get to watch a build!

Long story short I went to my primary physician last week who wanted me to fill out a health care directive. Scarred the tar out of me and after speaking with Dave Clark I realized that I would rather spend the next 2-3 years using than building my dream boat. Berta is also almost seven years old so it was an easy decision to make. Also, as Anthony stated, it is a heavy boat for its size so will probably ride better. I still have alot of DYI projects to keep myself busy including a wood strip canoe build starting this summer.
RM

 

[Anthony Babich]

Does anyone know what happened to the molds? I am thinking about downsizing from my Bankes, and had been considering reaching out to Dave about the Garvey.

Dave has them for sale still

 

[Taylor Smith]

That’s a good looking boat, had no idea they were glass.

 

[RM Anderson]

Dave has them for sale still

My bad! That is what the previous owner told me. Apparently he still has the molds but they are for sale. RM

 

[RM Anderson]

That’s a good looking boat, had no idea they were glass.

That is what I thought and why I didn't purchase sooner. It wasn't until I contacted Dave personally that I found out it was solid fiberglass. RM

 

[tod osier]

Just returned from Michigan with an Estuary Boats, Dave Clark Garvey. It was built in 2024 but had only one hour of use as the owner had to sell, citing personal reasons. Originally I had intended on building a Cackler but when I saw this ad posted on Facebook I could not think of one good reason to go forward with the build. This boat is entirely composite with the exception of the grass rails. While talking with the seller, I learned that this Garvey was Dave's last before selling the molds. Everything is in "As New" condition with the exception of the outboard starter battery which apparently froze from lack of charge.
RM

It is surprising how many of his boats turn up in basically new condition, it has happened a number of times over the years. Must be the demographic he sells to?!?!? Anyway, you did well on the deal!

No stress now considering a larger boat build, either! Although I'm glad I built when I did it sure isn't for everyone.

 

[RM Anderson]

It is surprising how many of his boats turn up in basically new condition, it has happened a number of times over the years. Must be the demographic he sells to?!?!? Anyway, you did well on the deal!

No stress now considering a larger boat build, either! Although I'm glad I built when I did it sure isn't for everyone.

Tod,
Part of me really wanted to build the Cackler but I figured at my age the opportunity cost was greater than my need to build. What really sold me on Dave's Garvey was the composite construction. Bumps and scrapes are bound to happen so it's nice not to worry about water intrusion.
Just glad to have a boat again after selling my Alumacraft Competitor last fall to help finance our toy hauler. I think the Garvey will fill the roll of a fishing boat nicely while not straying too far from its primary purpose as a duck hunting boat.
RM

 

[Carl]

If I remember correctly from when Dave frequented this site, the first garveys had a glass hull and wooden deck. Then he switched to a glass deck too. Anyone else remember it that way??

 

[SJ Fairbank]

If I remember correctly from when Dave frequented this site, the first garveys had a glass hull and wooden deck. Then he switched to a glass deck too. Anyone else remember it that way??

That's right, the Garvey and Estuary. I was at his house about ten years ago just after the first deck molds were made for the Estuary. The all glass boat is some nice. He had a boat manufacturer produce the molds and layup the hulls, if i recall correctly what he told me. I'm sure RMs boat is sweet.

 

[Chris Hughes]

Fine looking craft, definitely my dream boat.

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

Dave has always built great quality boats, also his decoy bags...