North River Drift Boats?

[deschutes2]

What can you folks tell me about North River Drift Boats? How many own them and how do they row vs. a Willie or Koffler. Any and all information would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Reel Fun Fish'n]

Deschutes get a willie or a koffler Alumaweld or and other brand.
I admit I've never owned a north river boat., but I tried on my last sled. my problem isn't with their product it's with the customer service.
They were the most arrogant people I've ever tried to deal with. And thats saying alot for skinny water boat manufactures or dealers.
Once burnt twice learntor something like that. Anyway I ended up buying anouther alumaweld but it was a sled.

just my opinion

[Flatfish]

Spooled will be here soon.

The North River looks a lot like a Willie. Hmmm. What does that tell ya?

I am not up to date on new drifter price but I would buy the Willie.

He made the first great drifter. Now the masses, who can't seem to improve on his design, are seemingly duplicating his boat. The man knows how a boat works. If anyone deviates very far from the winning formula, it costs them.

Why not buy a used Willie and save some bucks?

Buy a used boat now, and spend the money saved on gear.

My 2 cents.

Mark and the slightly biased by real world experience, not marketing, dog.

[Spooled]

D2, I had a 2001 16X54 Willie Guide Model, and now have a 2003 17' North River Drifter.

I have rowed both boats and they are different. The Willie has virtually no flat spot on it's bottom, which makes it very responsive to any input at the oars, but this also makes it harder to keep on line when pulling plugs. The North River has a flat spot on the bottom as well a being a foot longer than the Willie. It is way more stable when pulling plugs and can go over shallower water than the Willie. I am an average oarsman, and for the rivers and methods I use to fish, the North River rows better. On very technical water, like some areas of the Deschutes, I imagine the Willie would have an advantage. I use my boat for fishing, not running major white water, as I am sure 90% of the drift boat owners here do, and just feel the North River suits me better. I know it is almost sacriligious to say anything rows better than a Willie, but I have owned both and the North River does.

The Willie may seem cheaper at first, but outfitted equally, the Willie will cost way more. The North River is 17 feet vs. The Willie everyone compares it to is 16 feet. The North River comes standard with a front dry box, Fish-On seats, rower seat dry box, fish box, anchor pulley system, gunnel guard and most importantly, an aluminum trailer. Add those to the Willie, and the price will far exceed the North River. Another plus with the North River is the option to upgrade to Cataract Oars for just $40.00.

Make no mistake, both boats are quality built pieces, designed to last a lifetime in normal use. I have no doubt that both companies would stand behind their boats 100% if a problem arose.

Their are places that the Willies excels over the North River such as the beautiful welds they lay down. The North River welds look nice, but the Willie welds are works of art. But as an overall package, I feel the North River is the boat to beat nowadays. If Willie added content and length to their package, it would be a horse race. Don't expect that to change though, Willie sells everything the can produce, and why mess with that formula.

One thing I would like to address, was mentioned by Reel Fun Fish'n. My dealings with North River, were completely different from his. I can not imagine a company making my purchase and ownership any more enjoyable than North River has. Not only was I treated superbly by Dave, Chris, Joe and all, but also was introduced to the owner Brian, during a visit to the factory. I had never met any of these people except Dave prior to buying at North River, but have fished with Chris and become friends with the others. I can't pay a higher compliment than that. I now own 2 North River boats because of the way I was treated. graemlins/applause.gif

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/144316228.jpg

[ 08-17-2003, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Spooled ]

[Flatfish]

Instead of asking folks who fish different rivers( I used to live in central Oregon. When in Rome), ask the locals. There were 6 or 7 guide shops in Bend alone. 1 in Redmond that I know of. And another in Madras.

Ask the pros what they run, and why they run it.

If you plan lots of multi day trips on the D( where you are packing camp and fish gear, and dudes) with a boat that is well suited to pulling plugs on the Wilson, you will work pretty hard when you don't have to. If I did a lot of multi day shows, an 18 -20'er would be my drifter of choice. Just stay off the John Day when the flows are below 600cfs( do not ask me how I know this, just trust me :blush: )

If all you do is the Deschutes, maybe a raft would suit you best.

Hey Troy, I have rowed 2 17' Willies. They both had the same flat spot you refer to( at least much more pronounced than my 16).

The 16 is a better technical water ride.If I had to do it again, I would buy the 17'er so plugs were easier. But if I were to hit the tricky upper river minefield of death watch out for that tree chutes and ladders stuff, the 16 was sweet. Still is.

Does your new ride row forward better than the Willie? My only complaint about the hull. That and they dent if you was to load 1500 pounds of kitchen sink in one and whang it on top of a rock. Go figure.

Mark and the dog.

[Nanook]

You missed a spot Spooled. http://www.ifish.net/uploads/590409229.gif :grin:

[cosmo]

I owned a 17' Willie for 5 years---it's now Mad Wizard's guide boat--- and now own the 17' North RIver. I love the 17" North River---feels a lot lighter on the oars than my Willie did and it is built with all the identical options my Willie had so it's a good comparison. The only mistake I made was switching from the standard Sawyer Light oars, Cataracts are way heavy in the tips. Other than that, I wouldn't go back.

Spooled, that was me that pulled past you at Herman Creek...next time I'll stop and say hi.

[rags]

Alumaweld. Owned one since 1973 and still do. Have rowed all the rest. Still have the Alumaweld. :wink:

[riverwild]

Before you buy a drift boat I suggest you call and speak with Joe Koffler at Koffler Boats. Koffler Boats set the bar for quality, custom options and SERVICE! My next drift boat will be a 20x66 Koffler.

Drif boat selection is not as easy as some make it out to be. The type of boat you buy will depend on how you want to fish. Do you want to run a kicker an electric (74# or 101#) or do you just want to row the boat. If you hit rocks you want a boat built with higher quality Alum. like Koffler uses. If you just want to row the boat and plan on anchoring up to fish, buy a boat that is easy to row like a Willie, Koffler or RB. If you need your boat to perform with a kicker buy a boat with a large flat spot with a 52" or 54" bottom. I own a Riverwild built out of Grants Pass designed to be used with a kicker. North Rivers first drift boats were built by Bob White of River Wild boats. North River contracted out to RW for their drift boats. The old NR boats were 16'4'x52. Now they are 54" wide. If you plan on running an electric with two to three 12v. batteries I suggest you look at a boat with a larger surface area like the 19x60 the FishRite is building or the 20x66 that Koffler is building. Fish Rite is building a boat that is designed to be run with an electric system.

Do you want to run small stream or are you going to launch at improved ramps 100% of the time. How much weight are you going to have in your boat 80% of the time. You and a buddy or three guys?

Another suggestion, dont get caught up in what the guides are running. They have the best boat on the market to fit how they fish their clients. If my goal was to put fish in the boat and run the boat all day vs. catch fish myself I would run a flater bottom boat and a kicker to side drift my dudes into the fish. However, I own the boat and I want to fish too and I like to side drift. Thus, I am running an electric system allowing me to fish my guys and have my line in the water 90% of the time.

So much info to consider...

I know one thing for sure. Once you visit with Joe Koffler and see their facility you will want to buy one of their boats.

Why choose just one. Buy them all! :smile:

<non-sponsor contact information removed>

[ 08-20-2003, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: Pete ]

[DRUNK COWBOY]

Flatfish,

"1500 pounds of kitchen sink in one and whang it on top of a rock".

I was wondering how you managed to dent that Willie above the water line. Did the dog go shooting out of the boat?


Spooled,

That sure lookes like the boat I see a guy fly fishing from. I will say high next time :cheers:

[Tanner]

Make no mistake, both boats are quality built pieces, designed to last a lifetime in normal use <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Or designed to last maybe 10 years when I am rowing it. :grin:

[ 08-19-2003, 03:15 PM: Message edited by: Tanner ]

[Flatfish]

Now you know DC. Did not lose the dog. But he was real quiet and laying down for a bit after that.

Don't try this at home kids.

Mark and the dog.

[wambam]

if you wan't to deal with arrogant attitude go buy the north river if they will let you lol. :laugh:

[Spooled]

Wambam is right, with North River selling every boat they can build, they can be picky on who they sell too. Word is that you have to be able to catch fish to buy one. Sorry Wambam, Alumaweld for you. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Cosmo, I saw you putting in as we were pulling out. Nice boat. :smile:

Drunk Cowboy, say hi next time. We have been killing steelhead there on flies. It sure is more crowded than it used to be. Still, the same old people seem to be doing the catching. :cool:

[ 08-19-2003, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Spooled ]

[Flatfish]

If you aint on the NR books yet Troy, you should be! graemlins/applause.gif

A lot of things I could call Dave at NR. But arrogant aint on the list.

While their sleds are not my cup of tea, I wish they were. Just so I could go thru it the way it should be done. Then again, I aint bought one from anyone else yet....

With the nice things said about them, I will row one before I buy another drifter.

Mark and the dog who can still learn new tricks.

[drhall99]

Something to think about - Willie builds TONS of drift boats. It's the Willie specialty. North River builds alot less. Last I heard, they build less than twenty driftboats per year. Also, Willie can have your boat ready in less than three weeks (usually) while NR can have up to a 4 month lead time. Willie will build the boat any way that you want. They love to customize boats and make their customers happy. NR has repeatedly said that their driftboats are production boats and they don't customize. They actually told a friend of mine that if he wanted it customized he should buy a Willie. As far as the price goes, Ask for Jim at Willie and see what he can do for you.

D.

[Get Bent]

while NR can have up to a 4 month lead time.

D. [/QB][/QUOTE]
4 months? i was in the show room tuesday and there are 6 drift boats on the floor maybe a 40 minute wait for the paper work :grin:

[Spooled]

I told you saying anything rows better than a Willie will stir it up. :rolleyes: Fact is, of all the posts here, 2 people have either rowed and or owned both boats. Of those two, the score is North River 2 Willie 0.

No one is saying bad things about Willie Boats. They make a great product, but give credit where credit is due. North River has done an excellent job with their Drifter and in some people's opinion, have surpassed Willie. Things change....Mercury use to be THE motor of choice. I sure see a lot of Hondas and Yamahas nowadays.

I don't work for or in anyway have a connection to North River, I just bought their boats and was treated very well through the process on both boats. It is unfortunate that someone's siter's brother-in-law says something about North River, and now it is passed along here, third party. Go in if you are serious about buying a boat, and see how YOU are treated.

Drhall99, your friends story may be true, I don't know. I find it hard to beleive after my experience. All I can say is, North River did every option I asked for that was not standard. Chris Baumgartner at the factory in Roseburg will add about anything you want, as long as it does not compromise the stuctural integrity of the boat. Just ask for him and pull out the check book. Oh yeah, custom stuff does cost money :grin: . I would question your total on how many driftboats North River builds a year. Chris can also answer that. :cool:

******, you noticed another boat that didn't have the "W" name? :shocked: :grin: I am flattered. :cool:

[ 08-20-2003, 07:36 AM: Message edited by: Spooled ]

[Grass Hopper]

I Like my Diamond Back Drifter. Performance and price, You Can Have It All!

[freespool]

Rags,mines a 82 Alumaweld,or whats left of it after 50 trips down the wild section of the Rogue.Oh ya I always overload it,gets very interesting at 800cfs. Willie builds um to take a lickin and keep on ticken. A good barometer to go by is look and see what the guides are using.

[ 08-20-2003, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: freespool ]

[Flatfish]

A couple points.

1- The dude on the oars is much more important than the sticker on the side of the boat.

2- The water you will use the boat on ( a great Deschutes boat looks a lot different than a plug boat for the lower Wilson) should have a big influence on what your boat looks like.

3- Pretty much any drifter can ( within reason. If you need an example, how about no 10'ers on Oak springs) be used anywhere. A flat plug boat will be much easier to row all day when you are pluging than some hyper active mega rocker boat. The flat plug boat will make it thru Oak Springs too. But the oarsman will have to work harder to get the same job done. Less room for error in
Oak Springs is ok. But an error in that environment is much more of an issue than on the lower Wilson.

Bottom line is, if I won the powerball, I would own 3 or 4 driftboats. One suited to each job at hand. 1 glass for summers in shallow waters. 2 16-17 aluminum for winters and day trips on big water when I aint packing the kitchen sink. And a 19-20' for multi days when I want 2 kitchen sinks.

I have rowed much of the exciting water in Oregon. There is no perfect boat. Buy what suits you best. Not what a salesman says you should have. Not what is just on the street corner a couple miles away because it is handy. Buy what you need now, so you do not want to buy what you should have later.

The bigger the water, the faster you want your boat to handle.

I know 5 guides on the Deschutes personally. Each and every one of them rows a 16' Willie.

One shop in Bend that runs guide trips in Hyde boats. Hydes' guide program was lucrative enough for them to do that. Interestingly enough, the head guide from that shop owns a Willie 16 too. He had several opportunities to buy a Hyde real cheap. Never did.

Now all these professionals may all trade in their boats for a North River next week. But if Spooled is correct in his statement that the NR handles slower than the Willie, I doubt it.

If you just plan on the John Day, and never on the big waters of the D, then your boat choice should change.

The neat part of this board is anyone can learn from it. I was one of the folks who figured Willie was, is, and would always be best( for my purposes). 2 people here have said that is not so. I will row a NR before I buy another. But then again, I have a raft for the big water now.

Mark and the dog.

[ 08-20-2003, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: Flatfish ]

[Gus Orviston]

Great observations. Thanks spooled! And if you fly fished in MT, or NE Idaho you would have to add glass to your arsenal to keep the noise down and slide the rocks in the shallow rivers.

gus

[ 08-20-2003, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

[deschutes2]

Thanks for all the replies! I have spoken to Joe Koffler and really enjoyed talking to him. It is obvious they build a quality product, interesting that not many people responding to my question talk about them though.

The two fly shops I frequent in Central Oregon; Deschutes River Outfitters and Central Oregon Outdoors choose different boats; DRO-Kofflers, COO-Willies. But since most agree that they row like apples and apples, it is no wonder.

North River has some nice boats and strong advocates on this board. It is a shame that some people have had negative experiences dealing with sales people. I would expect if I were to call them today they would say their boats row/handle/fish better than a Willie or Koffler.
Like I said, I have spoken to Joe Koffler, he was very accomodating and said "hey, row a willie and then come out to our location, we'll grab a boat and you can row it and see what you think." Mind you Joe did not say "ours is better", he seems content to just let the product speak for itself.

I have had a similar experience with the people at Willie, they don't slam other peoples products, their product speaks for itself.

Which will I choose? probably a Willie. Why? Number one is turn around time. For the boat I want, Koffler and Willie are priced equally but Willie can get it to me quicker and from what I have read, that seems to be the consensus. I think the Willie fits more with my type of fishing, run the river then stand in the water and cast a line. But I do think they all would do equally well I think, guess it boils down to customer service (no hit on Koffler, they have been great...its just that I never was very good at waiting for Christmas).

Thanks again for the input

Deschutes 2

[ 08-20-2003, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: deschutes2 ]

[Pete]

All I can say is I am very happy with my Willie, even 15 years after I got it. Nimble, comfortable and rugged.

http://www.mcube.net/images/willied.jpg

[drhall99]

Get Bent and Spooled,

First, you might check to see if the DB's in the NR showroom aren't waiting to be delivered and not available for sale.

Second, my friend was dealing with the Clackamas NR dealer and I can back up what I am saying. I wouldn't dog them for fun and while I like Willie boats, I don't have any particular loyalty to them. I just posted the facts - facts that I can prove and back up. The only thing I said that might be inaccurate would the number of DB's they build per year but I'll bet that I'm not that far off and only because they sold alot more boats than usual this year.

I wasn't trying to stir things up or insult the boats. If you notice,I never posted anything about the way that they row or anything negative about the NR driftboats, themselves. In fact, Dave (Salesman from the Clackamas NR dealership) was working the Sportsman Show in February and he told me and another guy that they row just like a Willie, so they must row great (yes, this was a jab. It's a true story but still a jab :grin: ).
I really only posted because I was trying to help deschutes2 .

D.

[ 08-20-2003, 11:26 AM: Message edited by: drhall99 ]

[Hookset]

It's the old drift boat debate.....who makes the best boat.......which boat rows best, just depends on who you want to listen to.

The only thing I'm convinced of is, we are really blessed to have so many good drift boat manufacturers in Oregon. Honestly, anyone of the drift boat builders in OR makes a quality ride. You can catch fish from any of these boats. Some have prettier welds, some better quality options, some are finished better, some are priced more competively and some.......yes, really do row better.

Personaly, I've owned a couple Willie's and 3 Alumawelds. A good friend had a very nice Koffler. And I fished out of several other drift boats. If money wasn't an issue, I'd buy a Koffler in 17 foot. Best rowing boat I've ever had the pleasure to row, plus they are built solid. These boats were developed for the Deschutes and made popular by a Eugene area guide and Bruce Koffler. When I was there last spring, Bruce and his family were still there taking care of business.

Now if money is a factor and it is for me. Then I would look around a bit more.

Concerning North River drift boats, the orginal reason for this post. I've looked them over really well and all I can say is WOW. North River really did a nice job putting a great product and package together. The rocker, lenght, width, aluminum, accesories and trailer is all first rate. If I was going to order a boat, it would be identical to the North River package....possibly add a few options. I'm impresed.....but I have not rowed a North River yet. Still, if you've been around enough drift boats, it doesn't take long to figure out which boats are winners and which are losers.

Lastly, out of respect for this site and it's advertisers, you should check out Willie, they do build a quality product. And then compare them to everything else, after all, it's your money, spend with confindence.

enjoy,

Gregg

[willierower]

Go with the 17' Willie. A good friend of mine owned a Fish Rite until he rowed my boat. Now he owns a Willie. He runs the big D often with the Willie. He says it is by far the best boat he has rowed. And he has been in a bunch of different drift boats.

Ive rowed a bunch of different drift boats. Ive rowed everything from 10' mini drifters to a 20' Koffler. My boat of choice would be a 17' Willie.

Ive looked at the North River Drift boat. Its looks just like an Alumaweld. Im not partial to a flat spot in the bottom of a drift boat. Willie is about the only manufatuer who makes a full rocker bottom boat......... If you want to spend the money buy the 17' Willie.

[RipDatLip]

If you're looking to save money, search for old wooldridge DB. I have one that predates any willies, almumaweld, or koffler. It rows better than both a koffler and an alumaweld. I've never rowed a willies or north river, but I bet this boat would give them a run for their money. Good luck on your quest.

Matt

[Flatfish]

Rip dat Lip,

Glenn Woolridge made his name building aluminum sleds. Willie was a Rogue river guide at the time who wanted a tougher boat to row. Glenn refused to build Willie a drifter of aluminum. He was too busy building sleds to do a drifter for Willie.

Willie did it himself. Then all of his guide buddies wanted one. He built a bunch. Then he was taking orders from all over the state. He was booked months out in short order. He started a company called "Alumaweld". If memory is right on( lot of room for error in my noggin) it was 1970. Maybe it was earlier. Maybe it was later.But it is close.

Stevens went into a partnership with Willie some time later. Willie sold his part of Alumaweld to him in the 80s( That timeline I am fuzzy on. But I think it is close).

I think he built raft frames before he went back into the driftboat biz. I have seen an '87 drifter with the Willie sticker on the side. So I would guess "Willie Boats" was formed about '85-'86.

Woolridge may have built an aluminum sled before Willie did. But I am quite sure Willie did drifters it on a commercial basis first.

Everything you always wanted to know about aluminum boat history. And maybe a little more.

Mark and the dog.

[ 08-21-2003, 09:12 PM: Message edited by: Flatfish ]

[RipDatLip]

Thanks for the info Mark. I did not know some of those facts, and I truly don't know all the details. But I can honestly say that this DB is as old as the hills. As far as who officially created the first DB, I don't know, all I need to know is that mine doesn't leak. :grin: But I do have a book around here somewhere on Glen, and how he had to dynamite the rogue river. Pretty cool stuff. What is more interesting is that the original title (I don't know where it is right now), was signed and purchased directly from Glen himself. Maybe it was a special deal? I don't know. And who says history isn't fun.

Matt

[WaterDog]

The book is titled "A River To Run". Got a signed copy on my bookshelf as well. Local history is aways interesting. :grin:

[CATCH AND EAT]

Man you drift boat owners are a testy bunch. :tongue: Spooled I can't believe you would think that North River was any better than anything else. I guess they are okay if ya want to have something shinny around that never gets used but come on.....I want a boat that looks used, gets used. I am not out there to impress the ladies. :shocked:

What ya need Troy is to attach a 35hp jet motor to that baby and spray WD-40 in it and throw a shovel full of dirt around the inside. Then it will be a fishing boat. Don't mind what the wife says. So what if she won't call ya Super-T as you request. :grin: What's in a name anyways. :hoboy:

[Spooled]

Hey, Dog in Heat, word on the street is you have the largest "drift" boat on the water these days. How is it oaring that Trophy around Buoy 10? I guarantee any boat mentioned so far on this thread rows better than that thing. graemlins/berry.gif :wink: :laugh: :laugh:

My theory is, take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. :grin:

Deschutes 2, You will be happy with the Willie or any of the builders listed here. They all build great boats. The main thing is to get one and get fishing. :cool:

[ 08-22-2003, 07:01 PM: Message edited by: Spooled ]

[Tight Lines]

Willie's is no doubt the father of modern day drift boats. When I broke into the guide business on the Chetco and Elk rivers in the early 80's, Willie did not give the time of day.

Fished with Larry on Fishing the Northwestand next thing I knew he was building me a 17' guide model. Was a good boat but tracked in eddy water just soso.

Was approached by Jamie from Fish-Rite to have him build me an 18' perfect for the 80z water I liked fishing and also side drifting for Steelhead. We spent alot of time talking about what we were wanting the boat to do.

That is the key. Everyone needs a boat to do something different. That is why if your boat is going to be on the water more than 30 days a year, spend time researching and designing your boat. The details will make you love fishing your drift boat in the Northwest. If you have it parked 345 days a year frankly do not buy it, put the money to work for you and hire a professional!

Either way, I would buy a Willie, Fish-Rite or Alumiweld. Never a North River because of how poorly the North River people treated me and my family at the Sportsman's show in Portland last year. So I bought a 23' Alumiweld guide model decked out for lakes,lower columbia and the ocean.

Good luck and do your research.

Val Perry

PS Oars make a huge difference and one type does not fit all, as with the boat it depends on the water and desired results. Holding, drifting, sculling, slidding, stopping, white water, frog water etc.

[Rauly]

Hey Spooled
Do you oar drift boats or row drift boats? :whazzup:

Rauly

[Spooled]

Rauly, oaring and rowing are one and the same. Check it out in Webster's. Maybe someone can use this as one of the 3 best things they learned at IFISH. :grin:

[Rauly]

Hmmm....I don't think I have ever seen Webster on the river. :wink:

Rauly