Driftboat questions

[Ssands]

I'm looking at getting a new driftboat and I had some questions since it will be my first one. I will be primarily fishing the deschutes and also some of the coastal rivers. Should I go with Aluminum or fiberglass? Is there any manufacturer that I should be looking at? And what are some options the boat should have? I've been told that a boat with a 54" bottom would be best, length of 17'? Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone.

[Flatfish]

Sandman,
Which end of the D are you drifting,Sunriver or Warm Springs?
Hyde and Clackacraft make nice glass boats.Lavro too.
The aluminum boat market is flooded with good choices.17 foot is okay if you are planning multi day trips on the lower Deschutes with camp and all in the boat.But honestly,the gear you have will fit in a 16 too, if you choose wisely.We have done a couple 5 day floats on the lower river in our 16'er,and I have NEVER felt that an extra foot would make or break the trip.Dog went in the back of the boat so it gives you an idea of efficiency.
That said,if you run into a good deal on a 16 foot boat(52-56" bottom is correct.Depends on who made it)I would jump on it.My dad had a 17 foot boat and it didn't offer much except the dog had more room to spread out when he slept.Honestly.Only light stuff in the back.Bulky is fine, but get the weight in front of the oarlocks (we are talking heavy water here)if you get stern heavy,it will be impossible to manuver.Wavetrains will toss an improperly loaded boat around.
I lived in Bend for several years.Made friends with several guides that ran the lower D for the bulk of their income.They all ran 16 drifters.I asked one about a 17 footer.He laughed and called it a marketing ploy to get you to think you are getting a bigger boat.Manufacturers charge more for bigger boats.If you demand more room than a 16,get an 18-20.They are wider,higher,and longer.If ya HAVE to carry a load,these are the tools of the pros.The pros who don't carry massive loads mostly use 16s.If you choose a big boat,don;t ask me to row it on the coast.It is a specialized tool with many disatvantages.
I have not actually given you any specific individual boats to buy because,as it is in most cases,she is only as good as her captian.She will be capable of more than you thought possible. Brand is not too important.
I would reccomend a used boat if this is your first.Too much money for a new boat to learn in.Scratch up an older unit first for half the money.Then after years of practice,you can get exactly your idea of a dream boat.Save the bucks for gear.
One last tip and I'll let you go.In the winter take the anchor rope inside.If you don't it will freeze like a dead snake.Then you will buy an extra anchor rope(hey I got 2,doesn't everybody?).Good Luck in your search.
See you on the water.
Mark and the dog.

[Doc Spratley]

I'll say it right up front. I own a Clackacraft 16 foot Guide Model and I LOVE IT !!!!! Okay, I feel better. Now I can respond to your question.

It is hard to find a bad drift boat anymore, whether it be aluminum or fiberglass. I opted for fiberglass because it is warmer to sit in during the winter time and it is quieter than aluminum. The bottom does not require some coating of gluvit (or its equivalent) that needs to be maintained. However, you must get used to the flexing "oil-canning" that the bottom of a fiberglass boat will do. My boat rows as well as my friends' Willies or Alumawelds based on personal experience. I also believe (here starts the big arguments) that my boat is just as tough as an aluminum boat. I smacked some rocks pretty hard when I was going through the learing curve without any structural damage. As to length, I agree with Flatfish. I don't feel like I am missing space by having a 16 footer versus 17. Just remember, the bigger the boat the heavier it will be to handle.

[fineline]

I bought one of the first Clackacraft drift boats in this area in the early eighties, used it hard for 20 years never broke it. Sold it to someone who wanted it more than me so I could buy a newer one. When I buy a different drift boat it will probably be a Clackacraft.

[Ken Drifter]

I would go with a 16ft. 17ft starts to get a little harder to row and maintain control, and you really don't gain that much room with a 17ft. Theres good and bad as with all boat decisions. Brand isnt all that important. Fiberglass is a little less noisy on the water and it diffenitely holds in the heat. Aluminum on the other hand I feel controls a bit easier than fiberglass, and is easier to add options later down the road. Meaning you can weld on things like seat anchors, storage, fish boxes, anchor cleats & pulleys if you decide to add a front or side anchor mount. Fiberglass requires alot more work to do upgrades. I've rowed
and or been in both. I personally have a 16ft Wooden driftboat (homebuilt) that has done me very well over the years. I went with high sides, high sides is an advantage when your starting out. Also a wide bottom like 54" is also good. It gives you more contact with the water, I feel thats is a plus. Oars is something you want to spend some money on, get the best ones you can afford. Anyway thats just my two cents....Good Luck... :cool:

[Gus Orviston]

I had asked this question earlier and got some great advice...here is the thread and it applies to more than just Willie boats...

http://www.ifish.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=010860#000000

[ladtrips]

My 2 cents. After spending hundreds of hours in a 16' Clackacraft. I have been sitting above shallow riffels waiting for my buddies to walk their aluminum boats. Then I slipped right through. I don't like having to get out and walk my boat. Fiberglass are extremely quiet and durable. I don't know about all the manufacturers but Clackacraft guarantees them for life.
First experience was in an old wood boat, then an auluminum and years in a glass boat. My vote is Fiberglass. They all have their pros and cons and could be debated for hours. Glass is naturally slick on the bottom and does not require any additional additives. Good luck and have fun.

[fishbait]

Ssands. e mail me if you are interested, I am thinking of selling my 16 ft clack DB...... FB

[ampersat]

dig for hours through the archives (you really should) but my vote is fiberglass. vs. aluminum: it's warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, it's quieter and you don't have to bother with gluvit, ever. vs. wood: well they're pretty, but man they are worse than a high maintenance girlfriend. you can't beat a clackacraft (except against rocks and logs, but afterwards you couldn't tell it by looking) if you've got the cash to drop for one. don't forget to leave some budget for accessories. gotta have accessories.

[Flatfish]

Just gotta chime in here.If you plan on winter fishing in Central Oregon,a fiberglass boat is harder to stay warm in in the real cold areas.Yes it is warmer than a metal boat,but it does not afford the luxury of placing a propane heater under the front deck(remove dog from deck before lighting heater)and getting the pan hot.Until you have been terrible," I wanna quit" cold, this sounds like a tiny detail.I have fished steelies in 10 degree weather,I would not try it for long in a fiberglass boat.
That said,if you don't plan on any winter death trips,then resume the regular programming.
See you on the water.
Mark.

[Drachir]

I've owned 2 Clackacraft DB's over the years, for my money they are outstanding!! I have rowed most of the major makes of DB's. Most row pretty good, but the one that outshines them all, the new Tunnel Hull Clackacraft!! It rows fantastic, tracks straight, and great manuverability. With all them afore mentioned positives about Fiberglass, why look at any other DB?? :wink: