Boat Blind Review

Most of us who travel around to different parts of the country in search of ducks and geese have found that a boat blind is one piece of equipment that has to be versatile and functional in order for us to be successful. By their very nature, boat blinds are, for the most part, heavy and cumbersome. Some are built better than others and withstand strong wind and rough treatment while others fall down around you in strong winds. Waterfowlers have long used boats for both transportation and as blinds from which to shoot from and, each year, new and better designs are offered.

For those of us looking for a better-built mousetrap, today there are new, commercially built boat blinds on the market from which to choose. They come in all sizes and shapes, offering the discriminating waterfowler numerous options. Some are simple and very low cost, while others are quite plush and go for a kingÂ's ransom. Over the years, I have found that boat blinds all have drawbacks that must be considered before buying one. Some will be very transportable while others will have to be taken down each time after the hunt and stored for the trip home. Some of the commercial boat blinds on the market today allow you to simply fold the whole blind down and head for the dock, but, in most cases, you will pay the price for this added feature. Others have many parts that can be lost or broken and you may end up spending a lot of your spare time dialing the parts department for replacements. For the less patient ones among us, this ordeal is sure to result in an increase in blood pressure level.

Hunting dogs in boat blinds is another problem that you will have to consider when selecting one. On more than one occasion I have had my valued retriever break, just as a flight of ducks was coming into the decoys, and proceed right through the front of the blind. This has left me red-faced, sitting in a pile of camo while the ducks flew off. On other hunting trips I have had the dog come up and sit there with his paws on the framework of the blind, looking out while we tried to work a flight of ducks. On still other occasions, I have had them whine so much that it became a problem because they couldnÂ't see out. Yes, boat blinds and dogs can be an interesting experience for us all. The new blinds on todayÂ's market have taken this aspect into consideration and have included a dog door or provided for dog blinds to be added.

One of the biggest complaints year after year about boat blinds is that, after ordering this new blind, the owner is frustrated because it just doesnÂ't fit properly or they couldnÂ't install it at all. Some boat blinds are simple to install while others will have to be installed by professionals. In order for the new owner to be happy with his new purchase, he or she must do some research and understand the problems associated with the blinds. This is a classic case of Â'buyer bewareÂ', so, you should ask questions and know what you are getting yourself into.

Every hunterÂ's goal is to be able to set the blind up with relative ease and be concealed from the wary eyes of incoming waterfowl in any location and weather condition in which he might hunt. Well, IÂ'm here to tell you that this may not be possible with only one blind. You may have to order a different camo cover for the blind in order to blend into changing foliage as the season goes on. You may need to change the cover when you change hunting location, such as moving from coastal marshes to inland lakes or flooded timber. You will have to determine your own needs and preferences, as they will differ from one part of the country to another.

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Looking around the industry at all the boat blinds that are offered today can be quite confusing. With this in mind I have chosen to review a cross section from which you can choose. I have tried to select boat blinds that are a fair representation for both the newcomer and the seasoned waterfowler. Some are simple while others are more complex and costly. Some are complete packages while others can be added to as you go along. Some come with the boat while others can be added to your old hunting boat. LetÂ's turn our attention to the boat blinds that are offered today. They can be found in a variety of styles and made from both natural and synthetic materials.

Easy-Up Duck Boat Blind

EASY-UP DUCK BOAT BLIND
BY FLYWAY SPECIALTIES
The Easy-Up Duck Blind is a patented blind that offers a number of features like easy trailing and ten-second set-up. It will fit almost any boat made today including those with pointed bows. It comes in 3-D leafy-cut in several camo patterns. This is a simple-to-install blind that comes with step by step instructions that anyone can follow. It simply requires measuring the length and width, cutting a couple of galvanized and powder-coated steel tubes and then screwing them together. This blind sets up by means of the unique snap-button connectors. It will even fit narrow boats and canoes and solves the problem some other blinds have — being able to work on V-bottom boats without losing valuable space.

The Easy-Up blind will fold flat into a neat package for trailering to and from your hunting spot and, when folded down, it doesnÂ't take up much space in the boat, allowing you to carry more gear. Once at your favorite hunting spot, all you have to do is pull the blind up and lock it into position. This blind has a unique gate assembly that allows one side of the blind to be open without affecting the other side. The gate feature not only makes it easier for you to get in and out but, it is also very dog-friendly in that it allows your canine partner to see out. This feature also aids your dog when he is required to enter or exit the blind.

The leafy-cut material gives this blind a three-dimensional look and it is offered in Shadowgrass and Advantage Wetlands patterns. This blind also comes with a motor cover and side skirts to help you completely camouflage your boat. The Easy-Up Blind is sold two ways: standard size to fit 12 to 15 foot boats and large size that will fit 16 to 18 foot boats. They have also made an optional mud motor adapter that allows you to use this fine blind with these motors. The total package only weights 28 pounds and the height is from 24 inches to 34 inches above the gunnel of the boat.

This is a nice blind and, at a very reasonable price, it will solve a lot of problems for those of us that have small boats or boats with V bows. You can order one of these fine blinds through HerterÂ's, CabelaÂ's or other leading catalogs. If you would like more detailed information on the Easy-UP Blind write to FLYWAY SPECIALTIES, 2434 Mcgarrah Road, Ochlocknee, GA 31773, or call 888-203-7781 or 229228-1787.

Beavertail Blind on Boat

BEAVERTAIL BOAT BLINDS
BY FISHER BEAVERTAIL
Beavertail offers one of the finest boat blinds that I have used this season, as it was easy to set up, durable and extremely effective. I have trailed it on the new Legend Craft 17 and used it in several states, from North Carolina to Florida, and it has allowed us to limit out. It has proven to be very adaptive and a pleasure to shoot from. This blind was designed so that you could use it with conventional outboards as well as BeavertailÂ's fine line of mud motors. It covers the whole boat and has three shooting ports that have flaps that can be fully or partially closed, depending on your situation. The blind also has vegetation pockets that can be used to help conceal the boat and break up the outline.

Straight out of the box, this blind only took about 30 minutes to install and we were ready to take it hunting. The unique features of this blind start with the no drill patent pending adjustable frame system that is made of marine grade aluminum and has stainless steel bolts to insure a lifetime of service in the marsh. The ends of the marine grade frame that attach to the boat are dipped in a special polyvinyl compound that absorbs vibration and helps the frame hold onto the side of your boat without having to drill holes.

It doesnÂ't stop there as the outside cover is constructed out of 500 denier cordura material that has a polyurethane coating for waterproofing and is available in Advantage Wetlands, Natural Gear, Real Tree Hardwoods, Shaddowgrass, and Skyline Fall Flight patterns. The total weight of the blind is only 47 pounds and, when it is in position, it only stands some 27 inches above the gunnells of your boat. While traveling to and from the hunting area, the blind rides on the port side of your boat in a snapped-on water-resistant cover. The blind only takes about 20 seconds to set up once you reach your hunting area since it just folds over the boat. At the end of the season all you have to do is loosen two stainless bolts, lift the blind off, and you can store it away for opening day.

This fine blind is also dog-friendly because they have added two dog doors — one on each side of the blind — making it easy for your dog to get in and out. One is located in the stern and the other is located in the bow and each has Velcro, making it adjustable. This makes it easy to use your dog ladder and keeps your dog out of the way in a safe place in the boat. Beavertail has also offered this blind in two models to fit almost every boat on the market from 14 to 20 feet in length. The two different models will accommodate boats from 30 inches wide to those extra wide boats that exceed 82 inches.

You will find Beavertail Boat Blinds through their extensive dealer networks that are located all over the country. You may also order one of these blinds through Carolina Waterfowl Supply by calling 800-474-2015. You may write Fisher Beavertail for more information at FISHER BEAVERTAIL MFG. INC., 211 1St Street NW, Avon, MN 56310. If you have questions that you would like answered over the phone, calling them at 320-356-7795 or 800-413-0020 will put you in touch with their staff.

Pop-Up Boat Blind

POP-UP BOAT BLIND
BY DUCK & GOOSE HUNTING SPECIALTIES
Pop-up Boat Blinds are custom blinds that have been produced for many years, earning the reputation for being the Cadillac of boat blinds.

These blinds are built individually for your particular boat and made out of the finest materials possible. They are constructed of rugged cordura nylon and square tubular steel that is powder coated to insure quality for years to come. They give the hunter a waterproof and windproof structure in which to hunt on those bad days in the marsh. The Pop-Up Blind also gives you a full 360-degree shooting radius by having the top snap backwards through the use of stainless cable releases. At your discretion, it can also be released manually.

The blinds have been built by hunters for the waterfowler and are excellent, no matter where you live. I have hunted from one of the Pop-Up Boat Blinds on several occasions in different states and found the construction to be rock solid and trouble-free. This blind rides on the gunnel of your boat and takes only 10 seconds to pull up and over the boat. It has flapped, net-covered windows allowing excellent visibility; yet, it keeps you hidden from incoming ducks and geese. When you are ready to pick up a cripple, just drop the blind down and it is out of the way, allowing you access to the sides of the boat. When you finish your dayÂ's shooting, drop the blind, drive up the highway and the blind is ready for your next outing. Duck & Goose Hunting Specialties has designed two models — one for boats 14 to 15 feet in length and the other for 16 to 18 foot boats. Upon request, they can also build a custom model for larger boats. The Pop-Up Blind has made it very simple for the dedicated waterfowler as this outstanding blind is all that you will ever need.

If this boat blind meets your needs, all you have to do is measure your boat, put the measurements on their new chart, and send it to them. In about 3 to 7 working days, depending on the time of year and custom changes, your new blind will be ready. It can be shipped by UPS or you can pick it up. It will take you about one to two hours initially to install this blind on your boat, but once it is there, it is ready to hunt out of for years to come. If you have the time, they can also build it right on your boat in their shop and make a custom cover for it at the same time. They also offer a wonderful one man Pop-Up Blind that can be used in a small boat or on land. For more information on the Pop-Up Boat Blind, simply call 402-454-3334 or write to Duck & Goose Hunting Specialties Company, Inc., 55513 824 Road, Madison, Nebraska 68748-6247.

Go-Devil Duck Barge Blind

GO-DEVIL DUCK BARGE
BY GO-DEVIL, INC.
For years Warren Coco has been producing Mud Motors and duck boats, but now has offered the waterfowling community a new concept: a full duck blind that is self-contained. It is like having a Hilton Hotel in the duck marsh. This fine duck blind/duck boat combination was designed for the hunter that was looking for it all. It can be trailered and, by simply adding a Go-Devil motor, you can run to where you need to hunt and never have to do a thing. These fine blinds can be outfitted with all the comforts of home such as heating, stoves, lighting, custom seating, and much more. The hull is constructed of marine grade aluminum and measures 16 feet long by 7 feet wi

de. It has a shooting platform mounted on the boat that measures 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. The shooting house has a three-foot roof and a two-foot shooting porch.

With a complete blind structure, all one has to do is add vegetation to blend into the environment. The blind structure is solid aluminum with a door and roof. The inside of the Go-Devil Duck Blind is roomy and will protect you from the elements, no matter how bad it gets. Being waterproof and being mobile are key features. Warren has put years of hunting knowledge into this design and come up with one of the best designs that I have seen. It offers you safety and comfort, plus, gives you a blind that will be passed on to your children. Built like a battleship, it will take years of punishment.

You can order this blind or have a custom blind built just for you by calling Warren Coco at 888-490-3254 or writing to Go-Devil Manufacturing of Louisiana. Inc., 18649 Womack Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. DonÂ't forget to ask about all their other fine products and you will see why Go-Devil has been a mainstay in the waterfowling industry for over 25 years.

Avery Quick-Set Blind

AVERY QUICK-SET WATERFOWL BLIND
BY AVERY OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
The Avery Quick-Set Blind hs been around for a few years and has been used in all parts of the country. This lightweight and durable blind is made of thick-walled aluminum square tubing that is adjustable. Avery makes their Quick-Set blind so that it can be shipped via UPS right to your doorstep, ready for assembly on your boat. From start to finish, it takes about one to two hours to assemble and fit the Quick-Set to your boat using only simple hand tools. Unlike other blinds, the frame of the QuickSet folds straight down. They have used 1000 denier cordura wind-blockers on the inside with the exterior camo netting made out of leafy-cut Cerex. They also offer rain tops that fit the double flip tops.

Once you have properly fitted this fine addition to your boat, all that is needed is a place to go. I found that the Quick-Set was designed for the hard core waterfowler as it is dry and warm, even on days when the wind is blowing. Once at your shooting spot, pull the frame up, snap it into position (which only takes a few seconds), and roll-down the camo. When ducks begin working, you are concealed by the flip tops and camo outer cover and, when it comes time to shoot, all you have to do is flip the tops open for a full view and plenty of shooting room. When you are through for the day, simply pull four pins and the whole blind folds down to the gunnels of your boat. Then attach the keeper straps for the ride home. Once on the trailer, roll-up the Cerex camo netting inside the wind-blocker covers and fasten the tie-downs. You will be able to travel up the highway in just a couple of minutes.

The Quick-Set Blind by Avery is everything that they say it is and more. If you are in the market for a duck blind this year look at the QuickSet. Call Avery Outdoor Products at 800-333-51l9 or write to them for a full catalog of all their fine products at Avery Outdoor Products, P.O. Box 240663, Memphis, TN 38124-0663.

Mud Buddy Fastgrass Blind

MUD BUDDY FASTGRASS BLIND & MUD BUDDY II BLIND
BY MUD BUDDY MANUFACTURING
Mud Buddy Manufacturing has produced two different duck blinds that will work in marsh or big water conditions. Their Fastgrass Blind was designed for duck hunters seeking a blind that didnÂ't look like a blind and would blend into low marshes. It takes up very little room, is attached to your boat by bolts, and features a frame that will fit boats from 12 to 20 feet long with beams up to 50-inches wide. It is constructed of metal tubing that is covered with all natural Fastgrass, a woven palm leaf mat, that with proper care, should last for 3 to 5 years. There are swivel brackets, both front and rear, that allow the side frames to fold up and down for hunting. The top of the blind has a shooting slot that allows you unrestricted movement.

The Fastgrass Blind is lightweight and, because it folds into a pocket of nylon mesh, it trailers very well to-and-from the marsh. Now, Mud Buddy also offers a nylon liner that will keep the rain and wind out, making this blind more comfortable. In every kit, Mud Buddy includes all necessary hardware, Fastgrass camo panels, and easy-to-follow instructions that make it a snap to install. The only things needed to complete installation that are not included in their kit are the two l-inch conduit sticks and the two sticks of half-inch PVC pipe.

Mud Buddy Buddy II Blind

The Buddy II Blind is a different style blind that is also offered for duck hunters looking for total concealment. The drop frame of this blind is made of metal tubes that attach by pressure to the gunnells of your boat. The bows of the blind are bolted to the drop frame and this allows the blind to flip over from one side to the other. The 500 denier cordura cover is coated with waterproofing and is offered in Natural Gear, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass, Mossy Oak Breakup, and Fall Flight patterns. A dog door has been placed on the port side of the blind in the middle of the boat so that old Rover can see out. Mud Buddy has used a drop frame that does not stick up above the rear seat and which allows easier operation of both outboard and Mud Motors. The blind also has a heat shield that you can flip up when the temperature is warm, as it has been during some recent seasons. I have hunted from one of these blinds on several occasions and it really works. For more information on their fine line of motors and blinds, call Mud Buddy Backwater Motors at 801-352-8011 or write to them at Mud Buddy Backwater Motors, 9358 Springwood Lane, Sandy, Utah 84093.