Drift Boats

[steelyhornhntr]

Chuck n duck, you are really asking which is better ford or chevy but since you asked here is my opinion. I have owned a 1987 guide model Alumaweld since '87. I have absolutly loved it! It has been an incredlbly durable boat. Howeever, I have a couple of fishing buddies that have 98 guide model Alumaweld and the other has a 97 guide model willie boat(both 16ft). I have had the opportunity to row both boats a considerable amount. I have a hard time admitting this(I'm taking a deep breath) but if I was in the market for a new drift boat I would probably lean to the willie boat. They have a higher rocker and are alittle quicker to respond.. Both brands are excellent boats but I do like the way the willies handle. I have no experience with the 17ft boats but I would definately take a hard look at them. THat little extra room could go along ways. I hope this helps you out alittle bit, In the end you won't be disapointed with either boat but also take a look at the fishrites and koffler boats. I've heard good things there as well.

[chuck 'n' duck]

I am currently looking for a used late model driftboat, and was hoping for some input from some of you guys (and gals) about brands, sizes, and options. I have been rowing an OLD Alumaweld (I guess that means it is really an old Willie) for the past 5 months or so, but have no experience with any other brands. I was hoping some people could provide suggestions as to well-performing brands, sizes (16' or 17'), and options that have proven useful or convenient (i.e. walkthroughs, level floors, etc.) It would be much appreciated.

[willierower]

Well since I own a Willie Im supposed to say willie is the best but, Im not. Willie, Fishrite, Almaweld and Diamond back. boats are all good boats. When you do get a boat make sure its a wide bottom (54"s) My buddy has a 17" Willie, That extra foot is nice. Another friend has an 18x60 Willie. Now thats a boat.
As for componants, Level front floor boards are nice they keep you from slipping when its wet. Go with a full front storage seat. you dont have any storage aea with walk through. Anchor sytems are a matter of personal choice, I like the side pulley system. Gunnel gaurd is a must have, sure saves on rods when they are banged against the gunnel.
Hope this helps

[NEUTRON]

Don't rule out fiberglass as an option,
I've ran a clackacraft for the last 10 yrs
and have been real happy with it. They are
very durable, slide well, don't conduct heat
or cold temps etc. I would be interested in
RT's input as I've seen various pic's with
him in a glass boat. Actually, Bruce Bells
paid me to post this (jk), seriously though;
Bruce stands behind his products.

[Nanook]

After I bought my big boat and lost my
driftboat, when I went looking for a
good used one since I missed it, I found
out that for what everyone wanted I could almost buy a new one, which I did, a
complete Willie 16 foot package for 4K.
Just my experience, not selling anything.

******

[Deleted User]

Yes Neut., that is me in a Clackacraft I got from Bruce and used for guiding. He is a good guy. They build excellant boats and I think they have surpassed the Lavro boats now. The only thing is they have become oriented more toward specialty flyfishing boats, which are excellant. I think they still make the boat I used though? They do slide over rocks better because of the give in the bottom. They are warmer (not a big factor) and less noicy when you hits rocks or drop your pliers. However, I don't believe they handle quit as well or quickly as the best aluminum d-boats. I agree with Willierower's post; lots of good ones, and get the 54" bottom. If I had to pick one though it would be the 17' X 54" Willie. They should draw a little less water under loads than the 16' and are as easy to row; and be more manuverable than an 18', which I think is too big for most NW applications. Another consideration, if you will keep your boat garaged, is the Don Hill wooden driftboats (in Springfield Oregon). They are the most beautiful boats on the river, handle well, quiet and natural, and have a space age material put on the bottom. - RT

[Big Willie]

Howdy Chuck. If I could recommend anything it would be dry storage, like a rear compartment/seat and under the front seats. I got that on my 16' X 54 Willie, which by the way handles like a Ferrari, except when RT's in the boat, jk, Steve is actually awesome on the oars, I've learned alot from him. My friend just got a 17' Willie, great boat, but according to the specs is only 8" longer and a smidge wider across the tops of the gunnels. I'm not sure if the extra "foot" is worth it. I'm very happy with mine, the only thing I would do different is get the clearcoat finish on the inside. I don't sound biased, do I? -Gary

[Big Willie]

Btw Chuck, I got my boat from South River right there in Corvallis, good people to work with. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[chuck 'n' duck]

Thanks for all of the input guys, I really appreciate it. I am a firm believer in doing something right the first time, so I really want to get all of the info that I can before I rush into purchasing a drift boat of my own. I went down yesterday to S. River Marine and got some great help from one of their salespeople. I marked down all of the options that I wanted, and the quote for a new 17' 54" guides model was approx. $7100. Ouch, that is alot of money! Not only that, but the wait for a boat ordered now is approx. 10-12 weeks. By the time I get that money saved and the boat in my possession, it will almost be time for winter steelies. Oh well.

Thanks again guys,

Chuck 'n' Duck

[This message has been edited by chuck 'n' duck (edited 07-13-2000).]

[Deleted User]

C&D- You can save a bundle on a good used driftboat with all the goodies. There are so many around the northwest that you should be able to find nearly what you're looking for at a very good price. Be sure to check the bottom, chines, and welds for any signs of abuse or cracks (which are unusual). - RT

[Hotshot]

Chuck, It all depends on what kind of water you are floating up here in forks we have some class 2,3,4 rapids the popular boat is the willie windle rake it is a 16ft 54 inch bottom wich is really maneuverable it doesnt draft the water like a flat bottom boat does. if you are fishing where it is windy most of the time with no real tough rapids i would get the 17 or 18 ft guides special model. The extra room is nice! there are also alot of options wich make a persons life a lot easyier like heaters, bo's anchor system that comes right through the floor! a pully system. i am 5"7 so i had my row seat put up 2 inches so i can see over my guys heads. suspended fish box underneath the seat most of all make sure you get it clear coated it cleans out with a hose! if you want ship me a email and i will send my order form i used. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

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www.olympicpeninsulafishing.com (http://www.olympicpeninsulafishing.com) Fish Willy Boats

[Salmonator]

If you want a new boat but don't want to shell out more than you have to seriously consider a Diamond Back. It's a one man shop down in Veneta and he makes a really nice boat. A 16X54 with anchor system and oars goes for just over 3K (with trailer). I bought the 16 footer two years ago and am seriously considering having him build me a 17 in the near future. They row nice and you can't beat the price. He also welds up some real nice aluminum trailers for a reasonable price..... Joe

[This message has been edited by Salmonator (edited 07-14-2000).]

[Wet_Willy]

Chuck n' Duck, A year ago I was in your situation. I wanted the best boat for me that my money could buy. I rowed and Willie, Alumaweld and Koffler and just accidentally found Diamond Back in the Nickel Ads (he doesn't do much advertising). I'll admit his price was a big reason I made the drive down to Veneta but I'm glad I did. For the price of most used boats, I got into a new boat with every option I wanted (incl dry storage, full side tackle shelves, side paint, f/r anchor sys, and more). A Montana guide has a picture of a Diamond Back boat on his website at www.johnkirby.com/boats.html. (http://www.johnkirby.com/boats.html.) I'm not saying this is the right choice for you but an option to look at, I'm not sure how he keeps the cost so low but he doesn't skimp on quality. The welds are tight and he stands behind his boats...

[TheRogue]

oops, 1 extra letter on that url....

http://www.johnkirby.com/boats.htm