Is there any turnover on aluminum drift boats?

[drifter24]

I just recieved a tuition assistance check in the mail, and like any good student/fisherman, I want to put that money towards a used aluminum drift boat instead of my student loans. :grin: I've been looking for a used boat for over a year now, and when I do eventually find a used drift boat for sale its an old decrepid wood or fiberglass one. I was wondering if anyone out there knew where to find some used aluminum drift boats or had one for sale??

Also, I'm currently borrowing my dad's 13 ft, fiberglass drift boat, and thats the only thing I've had experience with on river. What are the differences between wood, fiberglass, and aluminum drift boats on the river? Thanks for all the help and please email me if you have a used aluminum drift boat for sale. :cheers:

[ampersat]

i'm not so picky. i'll take aluminum or fiberglass. wood is an option but it's a longshot in third place. cost is definitely a consideration. i'd rather have something that i can get for cheap that needs work. these days, i have more time than money. besides, oftentimes this will give me the opportunity to customize the boat in the process of fixing it up.

my buddy just picked up a 17' and our deal was he'd get the power boat and i'd get the drift boat (cover all of our options that way).

c'mon. somebody out there has a boat sitting in their backyard (or neighbor's back yard) that hasn't been out in years. give us a shot at 'em.

[ 05-11-2002, 05:36 PM: Message edited by: ampersat ]

[Flatfish]

Unless you plan on overnite trips or heavy water,save your money for other stuff.I have a 16 Willie and like it fine.However it only allows 1 more angler(3 instead of 2)than your 13 footer.A friend has a 13 and the only thing that my bigger boat buys me is I can put more stuff in mine.Bulky stuff like heaters or oversized tackle boxes that hold gear that I will never use.The only real gain that aluminum will buy you is that you can place a heater under the front deck(remove the dog from the deck first)and this trick really helps on those cold winter days.That said,fiberglass is cooler in the summer and slides over rocks much better than any other material.Your smaller boat is probably much more responsive than a larger hull and much easier to row in tight spots because of it.That said if you just gotta have a bigger boat keep looking.With summer almost here, a bunch usually go up on the block.Lower prices than the fall and winter months too.
Good Luck.
Mark

[Gizmo Man]

Send me an email...

Giz...

[Drachir]

You might check Willie's Web Site. There is 3 or 4 used DB's there, 12'-20'.

[Flatfish]

Drifter24,
Go to it then.Just figgured if it was your dads rig that you could borrow it for a while.Say 10 years or so. :cheers: My folks are spending my inheritence so gotta try when you can :shocked: .Be patient on what you buy,I see aluminum 16'ers once in a while for 2grand or less.See ya on the crick.
Good Luck.
Mark

[drifter24]

Thanks for the replies. Mark, the reason I'm looking for a boat is that my dad is going to want his back pretty soon. So, I thought I would start looking for one of my own. I would like to seat three because seems like I'm always leaving someone behind. Thanks.

[Drachir]

Saw a 16' Koffler w/ a 6hp kicker yesterday at Affordable Boat Sales in Gladstone. I think the price was $3150. You can call Rick Reid at this # (503) 723-7885, for details. :wink: