layout boat question

D

Dick Sargeant

Well-known member
Guys - I have a very nice Don Warren 12' BBSB that I have enjoyed for a number of years. Speaking of years, I have a few on my odometer and am thinking about moving to a different craft for the next decade or so. I have some balance issues that may become more interesting in the future and I am thinking that I should get a craft that I can run from a sitting position. I would also like to be able to sneak out a little farther now and then to photo eiders and other sea going birds. The Estuary might be a possibility but I thought that I would throw this to the forum for suggestions.

Because much of my gunning is in coastal marshes with rising tides, the ability to hide is very essential.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

sarge
 
Dick,

I would not recommend an Estuary if balance is or could become more of an issue for you. While the boat itself is very stable and seaworthy, you run the boat from a standing position. If seated, your visibility is greatly blocked due to the high bow and dodger. The only way to really run the boat is standing and holding on to the dodger frame. At first, I wasn't a fan of this but after learning the boat I'm very comfortable running this way now. There are a number of guys on the coast, maybe you could get in the boat to see for yourself.

Have you considered any of the Devlin designs, maybe the cackler? Still small enough to launch by yourself (14') and can be run sitting down.

Ryan
 
Dick,

I wouldn't rule out the Estuary until you talk with Dave. He may be able to rig a folding helmsman seat or a framework to provide you any level of support required. Working with the builder is the best part of going custom.

Scott
 
Dick,

My suggestion is to figure out how to reset and calibrate the odometer to lower mileage. We would all be grateful if you did that and passed the how to around.

Matt
 
Dick if you like the BBSB style boat the estuary is about seaworthy as you are going to find. As you know I too hunt the great marsh and connected rivers, and occasionally go outside for sea ducks. My boat is nothing to look at but it works for the area. I have 1970's 16' Duranautic, 25HP Johnson with a beavertail blind. Even though it's a deepV I have no trouble decoying blacks in the marsh even at high tide with the beavertail blind. Seaworthy, drafts very little water making it good in the marsh and can go on the big water. Also serves as my striper fishing boat. I stand to shoot in my boat but you could rig a lower profile blind to allow sit down shooting.
 
Last edited:
Sarge, One of your questions about hiding the Estuary. Here is River on top of my Estuary after a great day hunting.

Gary March

img8412gx4.jpg

 
Sarge,

I've given this considerable thought. I believe an Estuary will be perfect for you with some minor customization.

I'll echo Scott F's comments. Dave should be able to build the sailboat dodger so that it both hides the hunter and provides a solid hand hold for a seated operator.

As for seating, I have a solution. PM me for details.
 
Sarge,

I've given this considerable thought. I believe an Estuary will be perfect for you with some minor customization.

I'll echo Scott F's comments. Dave should be able to build the sailboat dodger so that it both hides the hunter and provides a solid hand hold for a seated operator.

As for seating, I have a solution. PM me for details.
Click to expand...

If you wouldn't mind, share your solution in this thread.

I think it will be challenging to find a seat that would be substantial / stable enough to be safe if the weather turns. It will also need to be stowable once you get to your location, and ideally, not in the cockpit. I think it would take up too much room. You would also need to consider that you will likely need to have a tiller extension and you will need have enough clearance to turn in both directions.

I know this may sound like I'm against the estuary, but I'm not, I love mine. I just think there are other boats out there that can provide the flexibility you want / need while considering the balance variable.

Ryan
 
Dick,

My suggestion is to figure out how to reset and calibrate the odometer to lower mileage. We would all be grateful if you did that and passed the how to around.

Matt
Hi Matt - When I get that mastered, you will be the first to know !
sarge
Click to expand...
 
Dick,

I would not recommend an Estuary if balance is or could become more of an issue for you. While the boat itself is very stable and seaworthy, you run the boat from a standing position. If seated, your visibility is greatly blocked due to the high bow and dodger. The only way to really run the boat is standing and holding on to the dodger frame. At first, I wasn't a fan of this but after learning the boat I'm very comfortable running this way now. There are a number of guys on the coast, maybe you could get in the boat to see for yourself.

Have you considered any of the Devlin designs, maybe the cackler? Still small enough to launch by yourself (14') and can be run sitting down.

Ryan

Hi Ryan - I think you are probably right and the other problem with sitting is the spray but I may do some experimenting once it warms up. I don't doubt that some of the devlin designs might be great but I am not a builder so would need to come across the right one used.
sarge
Click to expand...
 
Dick if you like the BBSB style boat the estuary is about seaworthy as you are going to find. As you know I too hunt the great marsh and connected rivers, and occasionally go outside for sea ducks. My boat is nothing to look at but it works for the area. I have 1970's 16' Duranautic, 25HP Johnson with a beavertail blind. Even though it's a deepV I have no trouble decoying blacks in the marsh even at high tide with the beavertail blind. Seaworthy, drafts very little water making it good in the marsh and can go on the big water. Also serves as my striper fishing boat. I stand to shoot in my boat but you could rig a lower profile blind to allow sit down shooting.
Thanks Mike - What is a beavertail blind ?
sarge
Click to expand...
 
Sarge, One of your questions about hiding the Estuary. Here is River on top of my Estuary after a great day hunting.

Gary March

Thanks Gary - In most of the marshes that I gun, there is no raised bank unless I am against the actual shoreline on a super high tide. The tide range is about 9.5 feet and once it is close to high, everything that floats just pops up and you need to look as much like marsh as possible. A layout style boat would actually work but not practical without a mothership.
sarge






img8412gx4.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Sarge,

I've given this considerable thought. I believe an Estuary will be perfect for you with some minor customization.

I'll echo Scott F's comments. Dave should be able to build the sailboat dodger so that it both hides the hunter and provides a solid hand hold for a seated operator.

As for seating, I have a solution. PM me for details.

PM sent
Click to expand...
 
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