Beavertail Boat Blind Cover: Effective Hunting Solution?

The Beavertail Boat Blind is a popular product for hunters, designed to provide exceptional concealment and superior functionality. While the blind is effective in providing cover, some users have expressed concerns about the open holes in the top, which can be a disadvantage as birds can still spot the hunters from above. This has prompted discussions on forums about finding a solution to cover these openings without compromising the quick set-up and takedown of the blind. Various suggestions have been offered, including using PVC pipes, Velcro, and additional fabric or natural materials like grass and cane. While some users have shared their creative solutions, others have opted to sell the product and create their own custom setups.

The Beavertail 1600 Series Boat Blinds are designed for concealment and functionality

The Beavertail 1600 Series Boat Blinds are designed for exceptional concealment and superior functionality. The exclusive telescoping frame system means that attachment and detachment are a snap, with no holes to drill. The blind provides ample clearance for all passengers, regardless of seating arrangement, and is designed to work with both backwater motors and standard outboards.

The Beavertail 1600 Series Boat Blinds also offer unobstructed access to gun boxes and accessories, as they lay directly on the side rail. This product is the only blind on the market that can go from the boat to the field in 5 minutes by exchanging the blind arms for ground stakes. The blind is windproof and waterproof, made from 600 Denier stitched polyester and polyurethane backing. It is also adjustable, with a telescoping frame system made from marine-grade aluminium, stainless steel, and galvanized frame tubing.

The Beavertail 1600 Series Boat Blinds are designed to fit boats 15' to 16' long, with a top beam width of 60" to 72" and standing 32" above the gunnels. The frame dimensions are 10'2" long, 68" wide, and 32" high. This product includes closable shooting holes (3), sewn-on vegetation straps, and a travel cover. The blind can also be easily stored and transported, and broken down.

The Beavertail 1600 Series Boat Blinds are designed to run with a mud motor and are equally effective with outboards. They accommodate square-front and V-front Jon boats. Available patterns include Karma Wetland and Blindspot Timber.

The Beavertail blind can be challenging to fold with the top cover on

The Beavertail boat blind is a popular choice for hunters, offering exceptional concealment and functionality. However, one common challenge that users face is the difficulty in folding the blind with the top cover on.

The Beavertail blind is designed with a unique, exclusive telescoping frame system that allows for easy attachment and detachment from the boat without the need for drilling holes. This makes it highly convenient for hunters who need to quickly collapse the blind to chase a cripple or move the boat. The blind also provides ample clearance for all occupants, regardless of their seating position, and is compatible with both backwater motors and standard outboards.

While the Beavertail blind excels in these aspects, the challenge of folding it with the top cover on is a notable drawback. The top cover, designed to provide overhead cover and hide hunters from birds overhead, can make the blind cumbersome and difficult to manage. With the cover on, the blind becomes a lengthy 15-foot structure that is unwieldy to deal with in the boat.

Some users have opted to forgo the Beavertail top cover altogether, opting for alternative solutions such as cutting cane to put in the blind loops to break up the blind's outline, or using extra material around the shooting holes. Others have modified the cover by using only the material and upper frame bar, inserting it into PVC pipes with pads at adjustable heights and attaching it to the blind straps with Velcro. This modified version can be broken down and rolled into a transport cover, providing a more manageable solution.

Additionally, Beavertail offers a travel cover for their blinds, which is included with the blind package. This cover is designed to protect the stored blind from the elements when it is not in use. It is important to note that this cover is different from the top cover, which is used while hunting to provide overhead concealment.

Beavertail blinds are available in different series, catering to boats of various sizes

These blinds are designed with exceptional concealment and superior functionality in mind. They feature an exclusive telescoping frame system that allows for easy attachment and detachment without the need for drilling holes in your boat. This innovative design also ensures ample clearance for all passengers, regardless of their seating arrangement. Beavertail blinds are compatible with both backwater motors and standard outboards, and they provide unobstructed access to gun boxes and other accessories.

The blinds are constructed with 600 Denier, windproof, and waterproof stitched Cordura, ensuring durability and protection from the elements. The frame tubing is made from marine-grade aluminium, stainless steel, or galvanised materials, guaranteeing a sturdy and long-lasting structure.

Each series of Beavertail blinds offers unique specifications to cater to specific boat sizes and requirements. The top beam width and height above the gunnels vary across the different series, ensuring a precise fit for your vessel. The blinds also feature closable shooting holes, sewn-on vegetation straps, and the ability to break down for easy storage and transport.

With their quick attach/detach feature, superior concealment, and compatibility with various boat types, Beavertail blinds offer a versatile and efficient solution for hunters seeking effective camouflage on the water.

Beavertail blinds can be customised with accessories like ground stakes and extension kits

The extension kit, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of seating arrangements. The kit includes four extension poles and hardware, which can extend your Beavertail Boat Blind frame length by 8 to 14 inches, depending on the model. This accessory is ideal for accommodating different seating configurations and ensuring comfort for your hunting trips.

Both the ground stakes and extension kits are designed to enhance the functionality and versatility of your Beavertail Boat Blind. They are easy to install and can significantly improve your hunting experience by providing more options for setup and customisation.

In addition to the ground stakes and extension kits, Beavertail also offers a range of other accessories, including the Boat Blind Travel Cover, the 1400 Series Boat Blind, and the 1600 Series Boat Blind, among others. These accessories provide protection, customisation, and adaptability to your Beavertail Boat Blind, ensuring that it meets your specific needs and preferences.

With these customisation options, you can tailor your Beavertail Boat Blind to your unique hunting requirements, making your hunting trips more efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Users have suggested DIY modifications to improve Beavertail blinds, such as adding extra material or PVC pipes

Users have suggested various DIY modifications to improve Beavertail blinds, with a focus on enhancing camouflage and functionality. Here are some of the suggested modifications:

Extra Material or Natural Elements:

• One user suggested adding extra material around the shooting holes to enhance camouflage and break up the outline of the blind. They also mentioned using natural elements like cane or saw grass, which can be cut to the desired length and placed in the blind loops to create a more natural look.
• Another user recommended using bundles of saw grass or zip-tied bundles of natural elements like cane or grass, which can be stored in the boat and reused for multiple hunting trips.

PVC Pipes and Conduit:

• A user suggested a modification using PVC pipes and conduit. They recommended cutting 4 pieces of inner tube (3/4" wide by 12" long) and acquiring a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe (gray or white).
• They suggested adding snaps to the conduit where the cross fillers are and using Velcro on the ends or between the snaps for attachment.
• For the covers and fillers, they recommended attaching them to 1/2" conduit and rolling them up to adjust the opening size. The 3/4" posts' length can be determined based on the desired amount of cover.
• Finally, they suggested using rubber cut from inner tubes to tie the posts to the bows of the blind and laying the 1/2" pipe in the T-joints of the conduit.

Welded Steel and Conduit:

• One user shared their experience building a Beavertail-style blind using scrap steel, stainless bolts and lock nuts, and EMT conduit. They mentioned that their design folds over to one side and does not require drilling holes in the hull.
• They also suggested using square tubing from gunnel to gunnel to support the brackets and recommended purchasing or making the fabric portion of the blind.

Aluminum Tubing or Conduit:

• A user considering building a custom Beavertail blind debated using either aluminum tubing or conduit for the frame. They noted that aluminum would be more expensive but would result in a lighter and more rigid structure.
• Another user provided a link to a website selling 21-foot square tubing for aluminum framing.

These suggestions demonstrate the creativity and resourcefulness of Beavertail blind users who are willing to modify their blinds to improve their hunting experiences.

Frequently asked questions