Help with Devlin black Brant III

[Dwehler2024]

Hi, I’m brand new to the boat building and I would like to build a black Brant III. My plan is start this spring. Just curious on materials that people used and anything I need to avoid or possibly any tips or tricks when it comes to the build process. My other question is has anyone put flapper doors on them like a sneak box.

 

[Anthony Babich]

Hi, I’m brand new to the boat building and I would like to build a black Brant III. My plan is start this spring. Just curious on materials that people used and anything I need to avoid or possibly any tips or tricks when it comes to the build process. My other question is has anyone put flapper doors on them like a sneak box.

Wow, that is quite the undertaking.. I admire the drive! I personally have never built a boat but restored a few and watched my father & uncle when I was small. Nowadays I would opt for the synthetic "rot-free" materials.Divinycell, Coosaboard and Nydabond are common products I use to replace wood. Last forever and work nicely to contours etc.. just pricey. I have not put flapper boards on that boat but have made some for other boats. Divinycell would be my go-too. Lightweight, easy to cut / style and will last forever. Make sure everything is stainless. Have good ventilation and best of luck!

 

[Eric Patterson]

Dwehler2024

Have you had a chance to review the Resources section where I build a Devlin Scaup? I haven't seen recent BBIII plans but Sam may have increased the hull to 1/2" ply from 3/8". I know he did on other designs.

Devlin's Scaup

The project that launched duckboats.net! Eric Patterson's step-by-step documentation of how he built his first duckboat.

duckboats.net

 

[Carl]

I dont have much to offer other than encouragement!
Please post lots of photos along the way, and don't be afraid to ask the brain trust here for specific advice, lots of boat building and restoring expertise here on the DHBP!

 

[Dwehler2024]

Dwehler2024

Have you had a chance to review the Resources section where I build a Devlin Scaup? I haven't seen recent BBIII plans but Sam may have increased the hull to 1/2" ply from 3/8". I know he did on other designs.

Devlin's Scaup

The project that launched duckboats.net! Eric Patterson's step-by-step documentation of how he built his first duckboat.

duckboats.net

Thank you Eric, your documentation on your build has helped me in my decision to make the black Brant III, I was really on the fence when it came to building it as I have very little experience building a boat. Thank you for the advice. I will be purchasing the build plans here some time soon so I can start to acquire the materials and get a good all around idea of the build. Little cold where I am at to start just yet plus I need to Finish out the season in my modified sculling boat that I recently purchased.

 

[Dwehler2024]

I dont have much to offer other than encouragement!
Please post lots of photos along the way, and don't be afraid to ask the brain trust here for specific advice, lots of boat building and restoring expertise here on the DHBP!

Thank you Carl for the encouragement! I will post progress post as I build the boat thank you again !

 

[Dwehler2024]

Wow, that is quite the undertaking.. I admire the drive! I personally have never built a boat but restored a few and watched my father & uncle when I was small. Nowadays I would opt for the synthetic "rot-free" materials.Divinycell, Coosaboard and Nydabond are common products I use to replace wood. Last forever and work nicely to contours etc.. just pricey. I have not put flapper boards on that boat but have made some for other boats. Divinycell would be my go-too. Lightweight, easy to cut / style and will last forever. Make sure everything is stainless. Have good ventilation and best of luck!

Thank you for the advice Anthony!

 

[Dwehler2024]

Dwehler2024

Have you had a chance to review the Resources section where I build a Devlin Scaup? I haven't seen recent BBIII plans but Sam may have increased the hull to 1/2" ply from 3/8". I know he did on other designs.

Devlin's Scaup

The project that launched duckboats.net! Eric Patterson's step-by-step documentation of how he built his first duckboat.

duckboats.net

Eric the scarfing technique is that strong enough to make a 16ft sheet out of two 8ft sections ?

 

[Eric Patterson]

Absolutely. I've never heard of a scarf joint done properly failing.

 

[Ray]

I built a BB3 back in 2003/04 when I first found this website.

I recommend buying and studying Sam's book before you start to buy materials or build. The first edition is fine as it covers all the things needing to be covered. Lots of used books for sale on line.

My BB3 was my second boat. I recommend building something first to learn the epoxy and fiber glassing first. Even a simple plywood box to get the fillet corner filling and taping skills down.

As for your flapper door question, a BB3 is pretty wide as it fits two men and a dog well. I experimented with flopping blind sides and it was just too much.