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How to Build a Boat Blind

There are many different types of boat blinds. Some can even come with amenities such as TVs and heaters; however, whichever you choose, simple or luxurious, the ducks really don't care. The important thing is that you are camouflaged from what you are hunting and that it is easy to assemble and takes little time. Building a boat blind takes just a little imagination, a few tools and some inexpensive (or even free) materials.

Method One of Six:
Backpacker's BlindEdit

1
Purchase some fiberglass tent poles; you can buy them for about $10.
2
Attach portable blind material to the poles with clothes pins or large clips.
3
Set up the poles and blind material around the boat with tent stakes and twine or lightweight rope.

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Method Two of Six:
Quick Snap Set UpEdit

1
Purchase black 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) irrigation pipe.
2
Cut several sections from the pipe 8 to 10 inches (20.3 to 25.4 cm) long.
3
Cut each section down its length.
4
Fit the sections over your blind material.
5
Attach the materials by "snapping" the pipe sections onto the sides of your boat.

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Method Three of Six:
Artificial Tree BranchesEdit

1
Find an old artificial pine or fir tree or large plant.
2
Remove the branches.
3
Spray paint the branches with a desired color.
4
Attach the branches to your blind material.

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Method Four of Six:
Portable Fencing BlindEdit

1
Staple snow fencing or other light plastic fencing to 4 to 5 wooden rods.
2
Leave room at the bottom of the rods for pounding them into the ground.
3
Weave several types of wild grass through the fence holes.
4
Add some local plants when you are at your hunting area.
5
Roll up the fencing when ready to leave after you are done hunting.
6
Store the fencing in your boat or truck.

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Method Five of Six:
Outrigger Blind for a CanoeEdit

1
Buy 8-inch-diameter (20.3 cm) PVC pipe.
2
Cut 2 sections, each 5 feet (1.52 m) long (one for each side of your canoe).
3
Glue PVC caps onto the ends of the pipes to create waterproof pipes ("pontoons").
4
Find the waterline of the canoe and where the pipes will be located in relation to it.
5
Attach a 90-degree piece of elbow PVC pipe from the outrigger arms where the pontoons will be located with clamps.
6
Wrap the clamps around the pontoons.
7
Spray the rig with flat camouflage paint to resemble the background plants or watercolor.
8
Drill holes through some large copper piping that will line up with your oar holes.
9
Attach the pontoon rig to the canoe with washers, nuts and bolts.
10
Place camouflage netting over the entire setup, including part of your canoe.

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Method Six of Six:
Don't Forget Your Outboard MotorEdit

1
Find an old T-shirt.
2
Spray paint the T-shirt or dye it with camouflage colors.
3
Sew the neck-hole closed.
4
Slide the T-shirt over your outboard motor to conceal it.

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TipsEdit

Remember to leave as little a "footprint" as possible; do not destroy trees or large plants to supply your blind with local vegetation.

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Keep in mind that portable blinds are usually light weight and easy to transport; however, blinds that are fixed can be more convenient and have more amenities. They can be built from heavier material such as plywood.

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If making pontoons, be sure that they are installed at the correct water level to avoid riding too high or to low.

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Always match your boat and blind to the water type, such as swampy marsh, by using local vegetation, such as cattails, and various colors of paint.

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Check your blind from far away and from several angles to find out whether it is too obtrusive and not natural looking.

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