New Drift Boat??

Hookset · 09-04-2000, 05:37 PM

If you were going out to purcahse a new drift boat, what would it be?? Could you please list the manufacturer, model, size and features you like AND explain your choice. I'd really like to hear how your choice drift boat rows compared to others.

Drift boating isn't new to me, been rowing for over 20 years. But I'm currently without a drift boat and would like to purchase one before the upcoming fall/winter season. I've owned a couple Alumawelds and 2 Willie's, rowed Lavro, Koffler and some wood boats. But a boat is just like anything else, always wondering if there something better.

thanks for the input,

hook

sgs · 09-04-2000, 06:42 PM

hey, hookset.
good topic to bring up.
I too have rowed a number of different drift boats. I have always wanted to have some sort of "on water" test to really see how each design is different if at all. When I was thinking about buying a new boat, I visited some of the major manufacturers. The salesmen only confused me more. Some said "our boat has a flat bottom and therefore the water slides under it easier." I believe that was Alumaweld. And some said "our boat has a curved bottom and therefore the water slides under it easier." I believe that was the Willy's story. The fiberglass boat builders say it is the chine that makes a difference and that their boats by far are easier to "hot shot" with and hold in the current. At that point, I gave up and stuck w/ my 79' alumaweld. I think the main thing to look for is the internal design. How do you want the seats set up? The trays or rails that run along the side and how many people you will want to comfortably hold is also key for me. These little row boats have become a little pricey too as of late. I think I payed $395.00 for my first boat not all that long ago. Now, it is ten times that much for a basic model! No answers, just more questions.
scott

Gone Fishin · 09-04-2000, 07:22 PM

Hookset,

I see in your post above you've already rowed the best, so I really can't understand why you would even ask the question! IT'S A WILLIE!

Of course all the boats are way over-priced, but I too have rowed many makes and models and I really truely belive Willie Boats are better rowing machines than any other on the market today.
I prefer the aluminum boats over wood or fiberglass, less maint.,more durable. I want to spend more time on the water and less on boat repair!
I am not on Willie's pro-staff but I have rowed: Koffler (my second choice), Alumaweld,
Fish-Rite, Smoker, Wild Hair and Diamond Back, but there is nothing finer on the water than a Willie.
My current model is a 17X54 and it truely rows better than my old 16' Willie.
That's just my opinion...but I'm stickin' to it!

Pete · 09-04-2000, 07:57 PM

I gotta second the vote for Willie. I've rowed my 16 x 54 for 12 years without a single problem with the boat. There are a few caveats however. The tongue on my trailer (Baker) cracked where the side rails are welded in ... I think that's inexcusable. The new Willies come with a "break your butt" interior finish of slick clear coat over zolatone. I guess it's easier to keep clean, but it's slippery and I don't like slippery in my boat if it isn't fish slime. Willie will customize the heck out of a boat, some of it good, some not. For example, I have an anchor nest welded into my boat, but I lost my anchor last year and no one makes an anchor that fits my cradle any more.

SandySteel · 09-04-2000, 10:45 PM

Well I have rowed several boats before and one thing I have found is that it is a lot like the Cevy vs. Ford thing (or Windows vs. Mac thing) The guy talking will always like his boat better. I will say that there are different features in different boats I like in each. Low water conditions or windy conditions, it's hard to beat a Clackacraft for it's low profile and bottom that flexes over low rocks in skinny spot. I don't like how well they hold a line though. Their chines are softer and that means the boat turns easier. This is the reason they came up with the tunnel on the bottom.
I gotta say though (here comes my boat) that it is hard to beat how well my boat rows. It's a Koffler. It's the original, and in my opinion, the best. Sorry guys but the Willys boats (copies of Koffler) I have rowed take a lot of effort to keep them in place. With the Koffler there seems to be something that sticks it in place mid-current once you put the brakes on. It also holds its line very well. Mr. Koffler got it right the first time. Mine is 20 years old now and is still seeking out fish which is a testament to their durability.
I think one of the reasons that each angler prefers their own boat is that they are used to it. They know how it will take a particular kind of current, how much pressure they have to put on the oars, and what the boat will do in a given situation. It's a seat of your butt thing. You know what your boat is going to do even before it does it. So don't worry too much about brand. Look for the features and size you want, find a reasonable price in a reputable boat and buy it. Then go use it. It is in the relationship between oarsman and boat that the best qualities of the driftboat come out.
To be truthful, I don't care really what kind of boat someone has. Driftboats are one of the greatest creations of the 20th (19th?) century. They allow you to quietly explore a river and be a part of it. This is something you just can't get out a jet sled. Hurray for driftboats. I think my driftboat is half of the reason I fish.

Eric Neiwert

Jim · 09-05-2000, 03:27 AM

I agree with Eric 100%, the best drift boat I have ever owned was my first, all wood, high maintenance, rowed horrible, couldn't keep a line if you drew it, ate a lot of water...but...it was mine...I was 16 and worked my butt off for it. Since, I have owned Clackacraft, Alumaweld and currently a Willie's...the only boat I wouldn't own again was the Alumaweld...sorry Page! My Willies I bought used, it had what I wanted which isn't usually much in a drift boat and it was a couple of thousand dollars cheaper. Theres my .02 worth!

Jim

willierower · 09-05-2000, 06:38 AM

Almost all aluminum boats row the same. It just depends on how balance the boat. I own a 16x54 Willie and I love it. Ive rowed Alumiweld, Fish Rite, Kofler and Diamond back. If I was going to buy a new boat I would go with a Diamond Back. You just cant beat the price.
Actually the easiest and smoothest rowing drift boat Ive ever been in was a new 16' Clackacraft. Whatever you do dont even bother looking at a Hyde, what an abortion of boat!

White Willie · 09-05-2000, 03:37 PM

I to like every one else have owned several boats I currently own a clackacraft I found for the money you can buy alot of the extra's on your choice of boat a lot cheaper than the willies,koffler,ect. There a very good boat but I to would like to own a willie drift boat I have one of their predators and it is the best boat I have owned good luck the are so many to choose from.

Pete · 09-05-2000, 07:08 PM

I guess what it comes down to is what you plan to do with your boat. If you are going to do a lot of white water where you may bang a lot of rocks, aluminum dents, but won't crush or crack. Do you plan to carry a lot of camping gear? Are you heading to the Snake, the Trask, the Kilchis, the Rogue? Do you want to hang a motor on it and pull crabs? Will you be fly fishing, casting, pulling plugs? Each boat will perform differently in different situations, so its worth your while to be really honest with yourself about what you are most likely to use the boat for and find one that suits that use. Then there are the maintenance issues. Wooden boats are the most beautiful, the quietest and warmest, but you really have to love sanding and varnishing to keep up a wooden boat. Fiberglass can be heavy and hard to repair. Aluminum requires bottom treatment which can range from Gluvit that may need to be ground off and re-applied, to modern plastics which can last years.

Bottom line: sweat the details.

Catch 22 · 09-05-2000, 09:16 PM

Aluminum doesn't weather as bad as fiberglass. Clackacraft drifters are great but they don't withstand being stored outside all year long like an aluminum boat. I row a Koffler 16' now and I love it! All the aluminum boats seem the same. I don't think I notice a huge difference.

Hey, look! I'm a chromer now!!!

[This message has been edited by Catch 22 (edited 09-05-2000).]

Salmonator · 09-05-2000, 09:34 PM

For a new boat, definately a diamond back down in Veneta. But act quick, he's got 7 boats lined up as we speak and it's a one man manufacturing show. The only other boats I have rowed were fish-rites and alumawelds and my personal opinion is that the diamond back is the most enjoyable to row. A 16X54 (measured around the rail cap) will be good for yourself and up to two other guys and gear. Any more and i'd go with 17 or 18 footers. You can e'mail me for DB's phone number... Sal

Gone Fishin · 09-05-2000, 10:18 PM

Sorry Sandy Steel,

I don't know where you get your information but; "Sorry guys but the Willys boats (copies of Koffler)"

in your post above is very untrue.

It was Willie himself (not Willy), that built the first aluminum drift boat. It wasn't Mr. Koffler, so how could a Willie Boat be a copy of a Koffler?

Ask Bruce if you don't belive me!

Anyway, I was going to leave it alone, but I just couldn't stand it!

That's all.

"Friends don't let friends run Koffler's!" (jk)

[This message has been edited by Gone Fishin (edited 09-05-2000).]

Hookset · 09-05-2000, 10:20 PM

Thanks for all the great post all.........Now let's see, I should look at another Willie, Clackacraft, Diamond Back, did I forget any? The new boat is going to be a 17 or 18 footer, need the room and want a boat that easily handles 3 people plus gear. I have not seen any large fiberglass boats, maybe that helps narrow down my selection.

You know, you gotta love the net, where else could someone get so much info so quickly.

Thanks all, and I'm still listening...er reading for more info.

hook

Hookset · 09-05-2000, 10:31 PM

Gone Fishin,

Your right about the first aluminum drift boat. What I remember, back in 1968 I saw the first factory produced aluminum drift boat made by Willie Illingsworth under the name of Alumaweld. It had round rails, rope seat and no features to speak of. A very simple plain boat. Caused quite a stir and really put alot more people on the water. The wood boat owners really hated the metal boats. I think Bruce started making boats in the late 70's or very early 80's.

Do these dates sound about right to you? I hope I got my info straight.

hook

Gone Fishin · 09-05-2000, 11:01 PM

RIGHT-ON HOOK,

RIGHT-ON !!!

Good luck on your boat dealings...please let us know what you end up with.

-See ya on the water!

-Marty P.

Ron BoB · 09-06-2000, 04:02 AM

Hey Pete. Is your anchor the kind that looks like a 3inch pipe about a foot long and has two 1/2 inch rods running crossways? If you do my Willie came with one one also. I don't use mine I've got two pyrimids. If you can figure out how to get it you can have this one.

Bluher4@aol.com

Ron Bob

By the way Willie is simply the Best!

[This message has been edited by Ron BoB (edited 09-06-2000).]

09-06-2000, 04:01 PM

My vote is Willie!

signed,

Own One