I just bought some 1" schedule 40 PVC to build the frame of my duck blind that fits on my latest boat project. I got 60' of pipe, a few elbows and a lot of T's. I already have the camo net material.

My plan is to attach 6 T's to the boat for the base of the uprights, and then build a basic box frame using the remaining T's and elbows. After it is assembled, I will sand and then paint the frame a lovely flat black.

I need suggestions for the following questions.

1. Should I glue just a few pieces like the top rails, and then rig up some of those d-ring style connector pins, or leave the entire thing unglued, and just used connector pins on the entire thing. I want to be able to set it up in about 5 minutes or less.

2. What should I use to connect the camo netting to the frame? I would want it to be reusable, non-glare, quick to employ and take down, and also relatively inexpensive. I thought about zip ties, but I want something re-useable.

Thanks in advance for the info from my fellow duck hunters.

Andy

Hey dog, At work we have zip-ties with a little trigger so you can release them and use over and over. Thier heavyduty and very slick. Try an electrical supply outfit.
Hope this helps.

I dont suggest you glue anything together. Use sheet metal screws to secure a few key joints to make 6 - 8 total pieces. That way if you break a piece you can unscrew it and replace it, and it makes for easy set up in the dark. As for the netting leave it unattached, and cover it each time. Army camo netting only works well it you have a dark background behind you, otherwise the ducks can see right through the stuff. Good luck

Andy,

Kinda after the fact but if you feel the sched 40 is to flimsy, you can get sched 80 at plumbing supply houses. Excellent point made above about not glueing any of it in case you need to do a repair. I was just looking through Cabelas for camo netting for the same reason as you. Looks like there are a number of options now that have burlap as a base for those with light colored boats. You could weave in some of the flappy kind on the outside and have a great cover. If I recall, you just painted your boat green so probably not an issue for you.

Good luck

Steve

Dogfish,

You might try using short pieces of bungee cord tied in loops to attach your camo to your frame. If you know anyone that has one of those white Costco carport/tent things, check out how they use bungees on those things.
I know you can get that bungee material in small diameters, and in black, I'm sure if you looked around you could find it in camo.

-N.

Thanks for the ideas. I like the zip ties with triggers, so now I just have to find some. The sheet metal screws were also a nice idea. I like the idea of easy repairs, although pvc isn't too hard to deal with.

The boat is dark green, so background shouldn't be a problem, and there will be two layers of camo netting, so it would be pretty hard to see through.

Thanks for the ideas. Once I get this thing done, I'll have my father-in-law snap a picture of it with his digital and post it.

Andy