All. Been a non-posting member for a while now but have finally become serious about getting a boat of some kind. I realize that the style of hunting one does has a significant role in choosing the right type of boat, and since I know little about BBSB boats other than what I see on this site I was wondering if some of you that hunt from them could enlighten me on the different ways you hunt from them. It seems that most of the photos I see posted are of hunters up against a brushy bank so I guess I'm most interested in hearing and seeing photos of how they are used otherwise. I'm especially interested to see and hear about folks using them to sneak/scull into birds since the profile is so much higher than a scull boat and if this is effective. Also any input about general likes and dislikes about this style of boat would be interesting. I find myself interested in these boats more than others because of their diversity of uses and smaller size/profile than, for instance, hunting from a jon boat. So really any information you could give a novice boat guy would be appreciated. With thanks in advance, Bill.
how you use your BBSB
- Thread starter BillV
- Start date
Is it me or is Jim getting a little cranky in his old age. Welcome aboard Bill V, I'm sure you'll find all the FREE info your looking for here. There is alot of knowledge here that people are willing to share. Some crankier than others but the vast majority are great. This year was my first year in my Estuary and all of my hunting was done in the marshes of southern New England, even some seaducking was done from the marsh with success. In the right area and conditions I would anchor out from shore and try for sea ducks. So pay no attention to the man behind the curtain (Jim). Which is to bad because I bet he has a wealth of knowledge on waterfowling. I'm sure he has forgotten more than I know but he doesn't like to share.
David Robinson
Well-known member
Bill,
You've gotta read Worth Mathewson's book, "Big Decemeber Canvasbacks." Worth is an amazing author and describes hunting the NW Pacific using his BBSBs and scull boats in great detail. I want to buy one just because of his stories!
You've gotta read Worth Mathewson's book, "Big Decemeber Canvasbacks." Worth is an amazing author and describes hunting the NW Pacific using his BBSBs and scull boats in great detail. I want to buy one just because of his stories!
k folkman
Well-known member
Here is how I hunt mine Bill. It's usually much more grassed up than this. Nose her into the grass and shoot away..................Kevin
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Bill Ferrar
Well-known member
I use an outboard to motor the boat. When I get to really low water I have a push pole to get the marsh. I will then pick a drainage ditch or depression in the marsh.
Then I lay down like you would in a layout boat. On days that I don't have the dog I will retrieve the birds by rowing the sneak box, just because it is fun.
What I really like about the my 12' fiberglass box is that it is light. I can drag it off the marsh by myself, It ride well in a chop, it push poles great, it row like a dream.
I can carry a couple of doz decoys, and dog.
Cons are that 12' box a one man boat.
When I take friends out hunting I have to use a different boat.
Then I lay down like you would in a layout boat. On days that I don't have the dog I will retrieve the birds by rowing the sneak box, just because it is fun.
What I really like about the my 12' fiberglass box is that it is light. I can drag it off the marsh by myself, It ride well in a chop, it push poles great, it row like a dream.
I can carry a couple of doz decoys, and dog.
Cons are that 12' box a one man boat.
When I take friends out hunting I have to use a different boat.
Bill-I hunt out of mine like Kevin does. I like to sit down on the floor of mine with a Momarsh Invisalounge with my feet toward the back and the dog behind me. The beauty of a sneakbox is being able to get down at the level of the brush. The next best thing to hide in is a pit. Take s a little getting used to shooting while sitting down. Biggest problem you have is having ducks come in from behind you, but that's a good problem. If you sit still in a sneakbox the ducks will come right in. The other great thing is the ability to quickly move and set up somewhere else. Because of the tides where I hunt, many spots are only holding water for a few hours, and being able to push pole in and out is a great advantage over other types of boats.
CPKBasil and Robert
Active member
Bill,
I just have one season's worth of experience in a BBSB, but I'll offer my observations.
I've used my boat in 3 scenarios: 1) layout hunting in open water for divers, 2) layout hunting in rice flats for puddlers (fully grassed, as in "be the muskrat hut" concealment), and 3) grassed and pulled up on shore with a nice backdrop. I don't use a dodger as I try to keep as low of profile as possible. I'm unaware of any other type of rig that offers that much versatility for a solo hunter (and dog).
I second all of the positives that Bill Ferrar stated. And, I'll add that it is pure joy to row a BBSB. I like to set and retrieve my decoys while rowing -- especially mother lines.
I don't have grassing rails. I use three bungee cords to fasten vegetation for concealment. One traces the perimeter of the rear deck, the second surrounds the cockpit, and the third covers the bow. I spend 15 - 20 minutes grassing the boat before the hunt. Properly grassed, you don't hide in a BBSB, you disappear!
The cons -- it's a 12-foot boat. There's only so much gear you can (or should) stuff in it. And, though they are incredibly seaworthy for their size, there's mucho pucker factor involved. You need common sense at the tiller.
I just have one season's worth of experience in a BBSB, but I'll offer my observations.
I've used my boat in 3 scenarios: 1) layout hunting in open water for divers, 2) layout hunting in rice flats for puddlers (fully grassed, as in "be the muskrat hut" concealment), and 3) grassed and pulled up on shore with a nice backdrop. I don't use a dodger as I try to keep as low of profile as possible. I'm unaware of any other type of rig that offers that much versatility for a solo hunter (and dog).
I second all of the positives that Bill Ferrar stated. And, I'll add that it is pure joy to row a BBSB. I like to set and retrieve my decoys while rowing -- especially mother lines.
I don't have grassing rails. I use three bungee cords to fasten vegetation for concealment. One traces the perimeter of the rear deck, the second surrounds the cockpit, and the third covers the bow. I spend 15 - 20 minutes grassing the boat before the hunt. Properly grassed, you don't hide in a BBSB, you disappear!
The cons -- it's a 12-foot boat. There's only so much gear you can (or should) stuff in it. And, though they are incredibly seaworthy for their size, there's mucho pucker factor involved. You need common sense at the tiller.
Didn't realize my location was not displaying; wasn't trying to be clandestine. Sorry for that.
Anyway, thanks to all for the responses and descriptions of applications. I will look for that book David R. thanks for the reference, and will give you a call later this week David C. The willingness to assist folks new to sneakboxing is appreciated.
A couple followup questions if I may:
Hunting with a retriever; Where does he sit, can he see to mark, and how is getting him back in (especially in deep water settings)?
Hull types - with the boats smaller size how does one choose if they go with a displacement, planing, or combination design?
Wood versus fiberglass - A few of us made a sculling boat from wood a couple years back and some of the others are tired of the maintenance required for a wooden boat. I know wood is more traditional, but other than that aspect what are some opinions about selecting a material?
Thanks again for the information and rolling out the welcome mat.
Best, Bill
Anyway, thanks to all for the responses and descriptions of applications. I will look for that book David R. thanks for the reference, and will give you a call later this week David C. The willingness to assist folks new to sneakboxing is appreciated.
A couple followup questions if I may:
Hunting with a retriever; Where does he sit, can he see to mark, and how is getting him back in (especially in deep water settings)?
Hull types - with the boats smaller size how does one choose if they go with a displacement, planing, or combination design?
Wood versus fiberglass - A few of us made a sculling boat from wood a couple years back and some of the others are tired of the maintenance required for a wooden boat. I know wood is more traditional, but other than that aspect what are some opinions about selecting a material?
Thanks again for the information and rolling out the welcome mat.
Best, Bill
Bill Ferrar
Well-known member
My dog sits next to me. My cockpit is pear shaped allowing the dog to sit next to you.
My friends has a narrow box and his dog sit behind him on the aft deck while he shoots over the bow.
Finding the mark. The birds are flying and the dog follows the gun then the bird drop. He follows the droping bird or hand signals.
Fiberglass verses wood. I like the no maintance of fiberglass.
My friends has a narrow box and his dog sit behind him on the aft deck while he shoots over the bow.
Finding the mark. The birds are flying and the dog follows the gun then the bird drop. He follows the droping bird or hand signals.
Fiberglass verses wood. I like the no maintance of fiberglass.
Steve McCullough
Active member
Dont have a BSBB but can comment on this from all I have learned about boats in the last 20 years:
For the same size hull and all other things being equal:
The general agreement is that Displacement hulls are very seaworthy but slow. They row extremely well. But with a motor, you generally wont get it over 8-10 mph. Good thing about that though is that you can use a small outboard, which is light and cheap to run.
Planing hulld dont row as well, are little bit less seaworthy but you gain speed. But once again, given the size, you can still get by with a small outboard, which is light and cheap to run.
I havent run a combination hull, but I guess it is somewhere in between??
Overall, you should ask yourself what is more important: Excellent Rowing characteristics & seaworthyness vs. Speed & still good seawothyness.
If you are only running a mile or so, maybe Displacement is fine. If you are making 6-9 miles runs (like I do), a planing hull maybe the better choice.
John L
Well-known member
Bill,
Welcome
I have a BBSB that is a modified V hull with alot of rocker. I went with this hull design because I wanted a boat that can get me to and from my spots quickly and still have the seaworthynees to go out in nasty weather. I can run at just over 22 kts with a full load and can also handle very sloppy seas. This boat has safely run out in 3'+ seas and in 40+ knot winds and I have not felt the least bit concerned. I have had many BBSB type boats in the past and now have restored this boat to what I find (for me) is a perfect BBSB for my style of hunting. Of course this could change the next time I go out. I have been searching for the perfect boat like so many other guys only to find that it does not exist. Thats why you just need more boats. At least that's what I tell my wife.
In most cases I find an nice spot and nose the boat up into the marsh and shoot over the stern.
My dog sits or lies next to me. I have a 14' boat with a wide cockpit that can fit two guys sitting next to each other or if I'm just with the dog she stay next to me.
As you can see from the photos there is more than enough room for both of us. I have also installed Mohogany grass rail thet are 7/8" square with rounded edges so there in something for her front paws to grab and pull herself back into the boat. At times she my just need a tug on her collor to help her up onto the boat. But most times she can get right in because the boat is very low to the water.
I prefer a wood hull that has been glassed over. It cuts down on some of the maintenance and still has the look and feel of an all wood boat. It is also a very quiet boat as compared to aluminium or all fiberglass. Here is a link to the thread the I started when I did the restoration. It may answer some other questions you may have.
http://duckboats.net/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=96481;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;
Good luck
Welcome
I have a BBSB that is a modified V hull with alot of rocker. I went with this hull design because I wanted a boat that can get me to and from my spots quickly and still have the seaworthynees to go out in nasty weather. I can run at just over 22 kts with a full load and can also handle very sloppy seas. This boat has safely run out in 3'+ seas and in 40+ knot winds and I have not felt the least bit concerned. I have had many BBSB type boats in the past and now have restored this boat to what I find (for me) is a perfect BBSB for my style of hunting. Of course this could change the next time I go out. I have been searching for the perfect boat like so many other guys only to find that it does not exist. Thats why you just need more boats. At least that's what I tell my wife.
In most cases I find an nice spot and nose the boat up into the marsh and shoot over the stern.
My dog sits or lies next to me. I have a 14' boat with a wide cockpit that can fit two guys sitting next to each other or if I'm just with the dog she stay next to me.
As you can see from the photos there is more than enough room for both of us. I have also installed Mohogany grass rail thet are 7/8" square with rounded edges so there in something for her front paws to grab and pull herself back into the boat. At times she my just need a tug on her collor to help her up onto the boat. But most times she can get right in because the boat is very low to the water.
I prefer a wood hull that has been glassed over. It cuts down on some of the maintenance and still has the look and feel of an all wood boat. It is also a very quiet boat as compared to aluminium or all fiberglass. Here is a link to the thread the I started when I did the restoration. It may answer some other questions you may have.
http://duckboats.net/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=96481;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;
Good luck
Mark Rongers
Active member
Dear BillV,
You definitely are are the right place for excellent advice on BBSBs and their use, and you are right to be considering a BBSB in the first place.
You've already received some excellent information here. I would add that using BBSBs as true, offshore layout boats, can be very rewarding.
Here is a pic of me in my Chuck Huff MLBBSB, bearing down on a Bull Eider, this past January. The great contemporary wildlife artist Dave Hagerbaumer has probably layed out in a BBSB while offshore, as much as anyone has. He wrote a wonderful book entitled; 'Waterfowling, these past 50 years, Especially Brant'. In the book, Dave recounts several stories when he employed one of his BBSBs as a layout/tender boat. They are very effective as such.
As many of the BBSB users here have already stated, the BBSB makes a great; "Hide", grassed up, and nestled against similar vegetation.
Perhaps the late Zack Taylor said it best, when he claimed that the BBSB was the most versatile of all duck boats. I surely agree.
God Bless you and yours,
Mark
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/MightyLayoutBoy/New%20England%201-2010%20hunt/con2bw.jpg
You definitely are are the right place for excellent advice on BBSBs and their use, and you are right to be considering a BBSB in the first place.
You've already received some excellent information here. I would add that using BBSBs as true, offshore layout boats, can be very rewarding.
Here is a pic of me in my Chuck Huff MLBBSB, bearing down on a Bull Eider, this past January. The great contemporary wildlife artist Dave Hagerbaumer has probably layed out in a BBSB while offshore, as much as anyone has. He wrote a wonderful book entitled; 'Waterfowling, these past 50 years, Especially Brant'. In the book, Dave recounts several stories when he employed one of his BBSBs as a layout/tender boat. They are very effective as such.
As many of the BBSB users here have already stated, the BBSB makes a great; "Hide", grassed up, and nestled against similar vegetation.
Perhaps the late Zack Taylor said it best, when he claimed that the BBSB was the most versatile of all duck boats. I surely agree.
God Bless you and yours,
Mark
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/MightyLayoutBoy/New%20England%201-2010%20hunt/con2bw.jpg
Mark that's a gorgeous pic... thanks for sharing.
Steve and Jim - PMs replied.
Thanks to all for sharing insight, references, and some great photos. Not sure if I'm ready to attempt a "restoration" but should have a better idea of what type of boat would work best once I get over to see Steve's boats.
Best,
Bill
Steve and Jim - PMs replied.
Thanks to all for sharing insight, references, and some great photos. Not sure if I'm ready to attempt a "restoration" but should have a better idea of what type of boat would work best once I get over to see Steve's boats.
Best,
Bill