Suggestions for New Duck Boat

The Broadbill would fit this need quite well. But again. Not going to find one I dont think for 2K unless its going to need some repairs.
 
Thank you all for all your time and insight!! You've opened my eyes to some new ideas and different model boats.

You are all very spot-on about the compromises that I'll have to make. There really is no "do-all" duck boat.

Tony, I like the broadbill, and I've seen several on craigslist for around $1200 boat and trailer. I know those may need some repairs, but I think I could get it all done for under $2k. Once I complete school, I'll be able to buy a new one from you! I just gotta sacrifice for a few more years.

I like the scaup a lot, too. Unfortunately, I don't have time for a complete build. I do have time for some teardown and repairs, but not a complete build.

If I have to make one concession, I'll concede hunting with a partner. (But I need my dog there...she loves hunting even more than I do!)

I've seen a few homemade Devlins for sale, but I'm super cautious about buying a kit boat from an unknown builder. I doubt he would have as meticulous an eye as I have. It just scares me. How do you guys feel about buying a 2nd (or 3rd) owner kit boat? Am I being overly cautious?

Thanks again for all your input!!

P.S. You guys have some awesome rigs!!!
 
I am not sure that I would rule our a used Devlin. Just vet it out. Check for any signs of leakage...Put in the water and run it... does it plane out... track... sink... etc

The one thing that I have found and believe in after years of hard learning... sometimes it is good to test the water with your toe, and sometimes it is best to jump in. What I mean is, there are times to get what you can afford right now...and there are times when you save money in the long run to wait, to get what you want/need. Don't sacrifice safety for dollars. and likewise accept that you may not be able to do all forms of hunting with the equipment you have.
 
Thank you all for all your time and insight!! You've opened my eyes to some new ideas and different model boats.

You are all very spot-on about the compromises that I'll have to make. There really is no "do-all" duck boat.

Tony, I like the broadbill, and I've seen several on craigslist for around $1200 boat and trailer. I know those may need some repairs, but I think I could get it all done for under $2k. Once I complete school, I'll be able to buy a new one from you! I just gotta sacrifice for a few more years.

I like the scaup a lot, too. Unfortunately, I don't have time for a complete build. I do have time for some teardown and repairs, but not a complete build.

If I have to make one concession, I'll concede hunting with a partner. (But I need my dog there...she loves hunting even more than I do!)

I've seen a few homemade Devlins for sale, but I'm super cautious about buying a kit boat from an unknown builder. I doubt he would have as meticulous an eye as I have. It just scares me. How do you guys feel about buying a 2nd (or 3rd) owner kit boat? Am I being overly cautious?

Thanks again for all your input!!

P.S. You guys have some awesome rigs!!!
Click to expand...

There are indeed some older broadbills out there in that price range. Be very cautious and check the floors transom and even the decks underside to make sure it still has floatation foam in it and that the wood is not rotted out or been hacked on. Alot of times the first thing to go in these boats is the foam it gets ripped out because it got waterlogged or took up space someone wanted for more decoys. The older ones are not to bad to take apart most were riveted together with 3m 5200 sealant but they can be seperated. The hard part is removing the wood floors and transom if they need replaced. It can take quite some time to carefully remove the wood without risking cutting thru the hull or transom. Just look them over very good and maybe you can find a decent one out there. Most of the boats from the 80s and early 90s are rotting pretty good now days.
 
Phil, the most promising Devlin around is a 2-owner BBIII, and it's selling with no motor...so running it may be tough. But it doesn't hurt to ask!

After hearing you guys' input, I'm realizing that I may have some unrealistic expectations. My budget, unfortunately, isn't the most flexible. I've set this money aside strictly for a duck boat. To alleviate some of my possibly unrealistic demands, what if I conceded hunting with a partner? With than in mind, would a possibly affordable one-man sneakbox fit the budget and needs? In North Carolina, sneakboxes are very rare...so I don't have a very strong point of reference. I'd need to haul me, the dog (70 pounds), misc. hunting tackle, and 4 doz. decoys. (My 25 hp is a 120 pounds. I really want to use my motor because I trust it much more than some other used outboard.) An additional decoys dozen or so would be helpful in some situations...but 4 doz. will get the job done in almost all situations. Could I fabricate a bow "box" to allow me to strap decoy bags on top? I've seen some pics on here with some designs I could incorporate.

I'm trying to slowly prioritize to fund a solid boat that will fit my budget. Thank you all so much for your help. I feel like I have to keep going to the well as my priorities evolve.
 
I would look at the BBIII... especially since you have a 25 that you could clamp on it... assuming it is the right shaft size... I know people that hunt 2 and a dog out of them. I have.. they are just tight when the decoys are in the boat. You have more room if you tie them to the front deck... which I never liked as it restricts vision. Check out CraigS's or Pete McMiller's pictures. It is a seaworthy design. You, your dog, and decoys will have no problems. I liked the hidability of the 14' boats... but the room of an 16/17'.
I bet they would be willing to put it the water to sell it. How much are they asking?
 
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I never had a problem hunting 2 or even 3 guys out of my BB3, all gear and dog included. I use those rig em right duffle-style bags and would put one on the front deck lengthwise, or even 2 crosswise. I could fit my goose decoy bag midway through the cockpit and although it took some creativity we never really ran out of space.
 
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