How to measure a driftboat?

[Gregotis98]

I have a 1982 Alumaweld 16'x54" driftboat I'm selling , and a guy stopped by to look at it. We talked about the boat for a while and he decided he wanted to buy it, he gave me the money and we were about to sign the title, when he noticed that the title said 14'6". This caught him off gaurd and he wanted to measure the boat, so we pulled out the tape. Sure enough it said 14'6" stern to bow, but I told him driftboats are measured around the gunnell, and it measured 16'. Who is right? I've heard the state wants it bow to stern, and that's why the title is that way. Please tell me if I'm wrong.

[Hookset]

You are right. A 16' foot drift boat always measures less then 16' from bow to stern. Measuring along the gunnel is how boat manufacturers determine length. You can go look at any drift boat and they are all like this. Some manufacturers will be a little longer or shorter then others, but most 16' models will be under 15'. A 17' model is also just slightly less then 16', all drift boats follow this pattern.

hook

[Gizmo Man]

For years, the two ways you mentioned are what is done.

Those selling the boat call it a 16 as they measure around the gunwale. State says its bow to stearn down centerline. (14' 6"') If I remember, boats that measure over 16' centerline require different safety equip and rules.

Giz...

[Gregotis98]

How do I get this guy to believe me, he's the only serious taker I've had on the boat, he thinks I'm trying to pull one over on him.

[buzzerbaby]

So did you sell the boat? yesterday at work someone asked me to look out for a 16 foot aluminum drift boat, he took your number off the ad post you had but not sure if he called you.

[Gregotis98]

No, I did'nt sell the boat yet, but I sure would like to before this guy calls back when he figures out he screwed up. He refused to belive me that it was 16', and started to **** me off, coming from someone that's never sat behind the oars. It's a 1982 Alumaweld 16x54, trailer, Gull oars, 2 anchors, transom cut out, Eagle Ultra finder, cooler, spare tire,2 life jackets $2400 503-761-6214

[buzzerbaby]

This guy wasn't from Longview was he? if not I'll let my friend know you still have it.

[Gizmo Man]

G98:: you asked how to convince him.

Have him call a boat dealer...or take him to the river where there are other boats and have a 20' tape and have him go measure the boats at the boat ramp...

Or print off these posts and give him copies.

Good Luck...Giz..

[Gregotis98]

No he was'nt from Washington, so have your friend call me before this guy calls back and realizes he screwed up and missed out on a good boat. The guy that came to look at the boat was asking if it would work up on the upper Clackamas above Estacada, so I dont know if he should be buying a driftboat or a kayak? I dont want to call him back and look like I'm begging, I told him to go to the Sportsmans Show and take a tapemeasure.

[Gregotis98]

Well I called this IDIOT back after he cost me a sale. While he was there the first time, someone called about the boat and he had me tell the person on the phone that it was sold, now he backs out saying that it's a 14' boat. I hope you read this and realize how stupid you are now you a**hole. He told me that because it's on the title thats what it is period.Well from all of the above posts you can clearly see that you are an idiot Gary. I'll be sure to copy this post and take it home with me incase I get another fool over to look at the boat.


P.S. Gary the boat works great on the upper Clackamas, especially in Bob's Hole and the Toilet Bowl.

[Hookset]

Greg,

Rather then copy just this thread, copy a page from a boat manufacturer like Koffler.
http://www.kofflerboats.com

Click on drift boats, click on the picture then scroll down to specifications. The first column is center line measurement. Notice there are four 16' drift boat models and the center line measures from 14' 8" - 15' 1". The real difference is in side heigth and bottom width. A wider boat with taller sides will add length from stern to bow, extends and lenghtens the curve. This should clear up any confusion. I know Willie has a web page, not sure about Alumaweld.

good luck,

hook