Layout project 2012

Andy Grant

Andy Grant

Well-known member
I have always wanted to have a Busick layout since I first saw one advertised in WildFowl Magazine 15 years ago. I have even been sitting on a set of his plans for a while now. I think this is the year to make it happen.

I may even make two. One for me and one for my son who will start duck hunting a couple years. I figure it will be just as easy to cut out double the frame pieces as just one set, rather than going back and doing it all over again in a couple years.

I did try to find the foot box modifications in the plans, but with no luck. I would have shared the info, but I would not have made any changes to the lower box myself.

I also plan on head to the coast for another shot at brant.
 
I will give the other opinion..... while it is more efficient to make both at the same time... I would build them in series. You will learn things doing the first build, and changes you would do the next time. Unless you will build strictly by the plans, then 2 at the same time won't matter. It is not in my nature to follow the plans exactly. The engineer in me has to make "improvements", or use something I already have on hand, etc.

We expect photos!
 
I built one from his plans about twenty-five years ago.

Much to Paul's dismay, I added one inch to the depth of the box. It's a lot more comfortable to hunt out of, but it does sit a little higher in the water. In a soft chop, it tends slap a little. Doesn't make a bit of difference to the birds however.

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Being a former cabinet shop owner/maker, I agree on the making two at a time scenario. Whether you actually construct them both simultaneously or not, definitely cut both of them out at the same time.

Good luck with it, and DEFINITELY post pictures of your progress!

Jon
 
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So is it still legal being 1" deeper? Unless I misundersttod your statment about the box being deeper... I don't recall, be I think the regs say you can only be 66% below the water...or something like that .. or is it 33% is max below water... ????
 
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Without taking a tape measure to it, I would guess to say my box is 3- 3 1/2" blow the waterline. That leaves at least 6-7" above the waterline, then you can consider the coaming or spray shield at another 8-10", although I don't know if that counts...

Jon
 
This won't help you much but this is how the regulations read.

50 CFR 20.21(c) It is illegal to hunt ...

"(c) From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water;"
 
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Andy:
Good luck with the project. I built a Busick layout boat about the same time as Jon did. Mine turned out fine and has held up great--- I epoxied the inside surfaces of all the wood pieces prior to assembly. I've found that as I get older, the boat has gotten smaller! It's a tight squeeze to get my feet under the deck and my shoulders fit pretty snugly along the sides of the cockpit. I still have a few pictures of the construction if you find the need to see how something goes together.
 
I have an original busick and love it.Found it this past season.It came with a original foot pan option.Which was never put on.
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this what it would look like installed
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