Devlin Peeper

[Alan H]

Anybody built one? I've had the plans for years, just never got around to it.

[SScoville]

I built one last year. Plan to use it as a tender for a yet to be built larger boat. Whatcha wanna know?

[Alan H]

Buncha stuff...

How did the build go? Tricky, easy? It SEEMS like it should be pretty straightforward. Were there any pitfalls?

How does it row? How about rowing into some choppy stuff? Do the flat forward sections give you an issues?

got any pretty pictures?

[SScoville]

The build went pretty well I'd say. I'd say it's very straightforward and a good build for a first project. It was my first, so I had to learn a lot. My biggest goof was I applied a batch of epoxy to the hull that was mixed to the wrong ratio when I was glassing the hull. It was straightforward. There was one mistake on the measurement for either the side panel or bottom panel, I don't remember. Anyhow, it was the last measurement and not a critical one, so I just followed the batten. The foot stretcher location turned out to be too short for me. To me it seems to row well - I have rowed no other boat. I have not rowed it in any choppy stuff yet. Unfortunately, I have only had it out a few times so far. I refinished my oars and bought a kit to leather them and have not gotten around to it. I also bought some wheels to make a dolly with but have not gotten around to that.

The boat needs a dolly if you're going to be moving it over ground much by yourself. You can work it on top of a car, but it's getting it to and from the car that's difficult.

Not sure what you mean by "do the flat forward sections give you any issues?" It's not a high performance boat for sure. It's only going to row so fast, but I find its pace pleasurable.

I stood up and poled it once with my oar in very shallow, and calm, water, but it is "tippy." I also took my wife out in it once, sitting back to back, which was fun.

I was shocked at what I ended up spending on the little boat - $1,300.00. I could do it a good bit cheaper now.

The only pictures I have right now are some of it in my shop in the background of other photos on my blog about my current build - http://brs-pelican.blogspot.com/

[Alan H]

Thanks, this is helpful. I saw a few peepers at Sams shop quite a few years ago, which is what inspired me to get the plans, but have never gone any further with it. I have reason to think on that subject again.

I see her in your shop, next to the current boat..

Your response is much appreciated!