Drift Boat questions. (Different type of Question

[Blue Water 23]

These are different types of questions. I have the opportunity to get a drift boat made for me for the cost of material. It is a special deal that somebody is giving me and I don't think that I can pass it up. He has a shop that works with alluminum and fiberglass. He has nothing but time and help to design and make the boat that I want...for just the price of material. He has made alluminum boats that are designed similiar to other name brand boats. They have all been excellent boats, with perfect construction and a great finish look. This is a hobby for him and not a job.

I have considered getting a drift boat for a while but always thought that I would get a used one until this offer came along. I don't know much about them. I would use it for drifting the Clack and Sandy and maybe some coastal rivers and also to possibly start using it for drift trips hunting. I would not put a motor on it or use it in the Willamette or CR because I already have a boat for that. It would just be for drift fishing and hunting.

I won't use it that much as I mostly fish in my North River. I would use it on occasion. I would want tall sides so I could drift wherever once I got good on the sticks. I would also want lots of dry storage for camping out of it.

Should I get alluminum or fiberglass? Is 16 ft. a normal size that is adequate for 3 people? Or would 18 foot be better? He wasn't sure on the exact price of material so he didn't want to quote me until I tell him what kind I wanted. What do you think the price would be for material for alluminum? Fiberglass? What all extras are included with a drift boat besides the basic rod holders, oars, seats, and anchor/system?

I wanted to go and look at them to see what I would want. What make/model should I consider looking at to get ideas?

Thanks for any help with this.

Jesse

[Okie]

I recomend a 16' ft aluminum drift boat. 18' ft is to long for the average individual unless you are a guide and plan on carrying a heavier load, stick with a 16 ft drift boat. Three people work perfect. Two passengers and the boat handler. Aluminum will last and last and hardly requires any maintenance.

The outdoor sports show is coming up next Febuary if you can wait that long, they always have lots of drift boats to look at.
Good Luck.

[Gundog]

I would go aluminum and at least 17' the wider and longer the easier it will row especially with camp gear in it. Remember drift boat lengths are measured around the gunnel and not directly from bow to stern like all other boats. A 16' drift boat measured in a straight line bow to stern is about 13'. The reason they are measured this way is because in the old days they were made from plywood and 16' was the longest piece of wood they could get therefore they called it a 16' drift boat.
Mike

[SeanD]

16' is two 8' sheets of plywood :cheers:

[FishinMission]

17x60

Aluminum....covered front storage, removable, covered rear storage. Front seat storage, fish box under rower's seat.

Blah de blah de blah....

Mark

[baddotter]

Get the 18" I have a 16' Koffler, and if I could do it over again, Id have the 18. Ive rowed both, and the bigger boats row much better. By the way my Koffler is a very solid boat.

[czechmate]

I bought my first (and so far only) drift boat 13 years ago. I never rowed a boat before that. It is an 18ft "guide" model Koffler. I love all the room I have. Three guys casting towards the bank at the same time.... no problem. Because of the larger displacement, I can float over shallower water that you could with a smaller boat.

I say, bigger is better.

[OB1]

I've owned a 16 foot alumaweld with a motor well since 1988.
Aluminum is the way to go, low maintenace. My friend has a 17 foot willie's and this design is the best rowing boat going. Bigger is better when hauling camping equiment and three people.
We always take his boat during low water conditions.