Gunning Box/Coffin Blind dimensions

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Supporter
I see in Derek's post that his overall dimensions were something like 7 feet long and 32 inches wide. We are thinking of making a couple of boxes, and my buddy, who is a lot smaller than me, thinks that's way to small.


My dimensions--6'3", 275, size 16 feet, size 54 long jacket--so you can see why I'm asking.

Any thoughts on size, or dimensions on existing boxes, are more than welcome.
 
If you are 6'3" and sitting in an inclined position then how is 7' to small? The longer you make it, the heavier it will be. Also, I like to have my feet pressed against the end of the box when I sit up. I made a cheap box with osb just to try out and it was way too long and too much room in it for me, and I'm 6'2" 215 lbs. It's all just personal preference and what you want to put in it I guess. All I have in it is my gun, some shells, and a call. To me, the smaller and lighter it is, the better!
 
Derek: Here are the dates to look back for an old copy of the Sanford Gunning Box, the date is 10/7/2009. I printed it off at that time. If this can help you, try it. I made one for a fellow from these plans and he loves it but your size you'll have to read the specs. I'm sure on the length but the width is what you have to look at. LOL Don
 
Don, is this the article you were pointing us to?

Can't remember how I found it, but bookmarked it a while ago.

http://www.njwa.org/Old/gunningboxplans.htm
 
Yes, this is the web for it but I could not get it to go through. That's why I mentioned where it can be printed. The print is not too good on it. If you look very closely it can be read. Makes for a nice hunting piece.
 
I just looked at the page that I printed the plans from and it is not in use anymore. So if anyones needs them just let me know and I can make some copies and send it to you. Sorry about that!
 
Jeff,
wider maybe but I dont think you need longer.
I will take some pictures of the boxes with an adult in them and you can go from there.

Here is the link to the plans. It worked when I tried it.

http://www.njwa.org/Old/gunningboxplans.htm

Derek,
I think the stitch and glue would work very well. There is a lot of bend in the front of the box if built to plan. You have to work the chine strips pretty hard, but ply alone will take the shape easily. Just dont go nuts with the epoxy. Weight is an issue if you get too much.
Dry storage for the off season will be a big help if you are concerned about life span.

The builder in NJ makes a box that is quite a bit wider. I think they even put a dog in with themselves.


Bob
 
Couple of cautions, a little longer is good, 7' is fine, it centers your weight better so in case your in shallow water the box floats more level. Don't make it too narrow, it's hard to get in, and sit up to shoot especially wearing your heavy coat and waders, 30" should give you enough room. If your gunning tidal areas, seriously consider a wider box, maybe 36", every once in a while you'll need to float over a deep ditch or spot when the tide comes up in a storm, another reason for the extra length too. These things are NOT boats, but in an emergency if you carefully lay out on top of it you can float over a bad spot. Try that with a 24" box and you'll see just HOW deep the water is.
Keep them light as possible, when transporting them in a bigger boat drag them in sideways over the boats rails, most boxes tow for crap at any other then real low speed. 1/4" Luan is strong enough and pretty light.
 
I already put one together with wire and it worked great. My plan is to fillet the seams inside and use just one layer of 4" tape over the fillet. The outside will get 6oz. cloth. I posted pics on another post.
 
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