Which boat would you build?

Derek Dodds

New member
Hey all. I'm looking to build a Devlin sneak box type boat. I live and hunt on the New Jersey Shore. Most of the time it would be just me and my dog but want the ability to occasionaly hunt 2 people and a dog comfortably. Which of the Devlin boats do you think would suit this best for the marshes.
Thanks
 
Hey Derek--I would go with the bluebill or the next size up. I typically hunt the salt marsh in my bluebill. Me and the dog. Tried 2 and a dog but the load was a bit much for my 9.9hp. -J
 
Derek,

Get in touch with Chris Pratt from the site. He built a BBIII and hunts all over NJ. He usually guns a couple guys and his chessie out of his boat.

Good luck,
Mike Galante
 
I've hunted tuckerton & the delaware river... and I've only been scared on the water once and that was because our boat was too small for the weather you get there sometimes... I've never been in a BB III but I feel like I have based on all the stories that the guys tell here.

I you have a need for speed - the BB III is the choice and yes Chris Pratt is a great guy to speak with. He's a nice guy.

If you don't need to go 28 knots, but 14 will do, and you want a slightly higher degree of stability - the BB II is the boat. However, I would probably choose the BB III because she draws less than the BB II and in the NJ marshes that can make all of the difference in the world at low tide at 3:45 pm... if you know what I mean.

Good luck in your search and you'll have all the expertise you'll need to build it when the time comes.
 
thank for the info. i used to hunt out of a an aluminum vhull. i assum that even if the BBIII is less stable than the II its got to be worlds better than that old V. I llike the idea of speed and shalower draft but also heard the III sit higher out of the water. Anyone know by how much and if it really mattters.

Derek

Hey how do i get a hold of Chris?
 
Doesn't matter... is it as cancelable as a BBSB? no, but it's close and the benefits outweigh a few more inches. Kind of like a woman marrying a guy for his money ;)

Lord I apologize for that comment...
 
Derek,

Try and post a hail call message to Chris. I will shoot him an email telling him that you want to contact him and that he should check the site for your message. If he doesn't reply, let me know and I can pass along your info. Sometimes he's busy with work/kids/carving decoys/hunting.

Good luck with your decision,
Mike
 
Hey Derek,

I just found this thread. If you are free during the week at all I can take you out on a coastal hunt in my BB3. If you just want to talk feel free to give me a call: 215-527-6749


Chris
 
I built a BB-II about 7 years ago to hunt in southern Md., usually just me and my dog on the Potomac. If I had to do it over again, (and if the plans had been available) I'd have built the Bluebill and then later built something larger, probably a Cackler, for multipurpose use. The BB-II (and-III) is a great boat but it was everything I could handle loading and unloading while solo. There were several occasions where I really wished it was smaller. I think that w/ 2 men and a dog the Bluebill will be pretty much maxed out but if you don't do that much then the more compact boat may serve you better.

Tony
 
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