New drift boat?

FishinBob · 11-12-2000, 04:10 PM

Just talked to Santa and she is agreeable to putting a drift boat under the tree. Now I need your help. I have fished out of a friends boat several times and love it, so I'm not 100% clueless but I don't want to get a setup that isn't right for us. What do I need and where are the best places to shop. What size, material and options. I have thought about a used boat but why would someone sell and what kind of things go bad with them? I have a 20' fiberglass boat and have boated for 20+ years but drift boating is going to be a new hobby. I live near Portland and would use the boat in local rivers within 150 miles or so.

Wog · 11-12-2000, 04:55 PM

There are a lot of thing's to consider when it comes to buying a driftboat. The cost of the boat, the type of rivers you'll be fishing, new or used? Each type of boat has a set of pro's and con's. In my opinion, it is best to do a lot of looking around and get the boat you will feel most comfortable and safe in.
I just purchased a new year 2000 model Clackacraft driftboat last Friday. I did a lot of research into different types of driftboat sizes, materials and options and decided to buy a new Clackacraft. A lot of people I talked with suggested buying an Aluminum Willies boat, but I had drifted down rivers in a Clackacraft before and really liked the way they handled. The guys out at Clackacraft were great to work with. They are able to build a new boat with all the options you want, in about 3-4 weeks.
There is a great book out I just read, it is written by Dan Alsup and is called: Driftboats, A Complete Guide. This book goes through driftboat history, the buying process, rowing techniques, and reading water. I highly recommend it.

Good luck in your search

[This message has been edited by Wog (edited 11-12-2000).]

HOGTIDE · 11-12-2000, 05:57 PM

Fishin Bob,

I imagine you will get plenty of personal testimony and recommendations with your thread questions. You will hear Aluminum is the toughest and tracks the best, which is true. You will hear that fiberglas glides the smoothest, is bulletproof and slips over rocks easiest, which is also true. You will hear a couple field rep fanatics tell you theirs is the 'only' boat, which is not true. You will hear that Alumawelds, Willies, Kofflers, Clackacrafts and Lavros are the best which is also probably true.Although I'm being smart-a*#@dley vague, I am serious. These are all fine nearly indestructable craft. Just make sure you actually sit inside your finalists and give a tug on the oars. Find a layout that suits your needs, a rowing height, positon and balance that fits you. On the practical side, 16' or longer is best. Wider is better for boyancy, gear and chubby buddies. I personally started with a glas boat, have owned a couple aluminum and if I buy another I will go back to glas. Not because its "better"...I just like the feel and asthetics of glas, at this point. Good luck, you are in for a fun time !!!

Pete · 11-12-2000, 07:02 PM

I wouldn't write off buying a used boat too quickly. A cheap boat will give you the opportunity to examine and consider the features you may want to include in your "real" boat. It'll also give you the opportunity to learn how to take your boat down the water you fish without putting the inevitable dings and scrapes in your "real" boat. When you sort out where you want your rod holders, what type of anchoring systems you want, the type and quantity of storage, the location of the heater, not to mention the construction materials, ... when you have all that sorted out hit the boat shows in January and February to see what kind of deals they are willing to make.

Wet Willie · 11-12-2000, 07:44 PM

Fishin Bob,
I agree with Pete. Go used on your first. You can find a great used boat for alot less money. Also,looking at used boats gives you a feel on how other people set there boats up to suit their needs.
I bought a used Willie in great shape, with lots of extras, for about 1,000 dollars less then a new model(Boat Show Special) with less goodies. And like Pete said, the first time I had mine down the river, I hit a rock bank and bent my front anchor pulley.OUCH !!

Wet_Willy · 11-13-2000, 08:24 AM

FB,
All I can say is don't be in a hurry. From their design they don't look that much different but personal preferences will be best satisfied if you test-row several models. When I bought mine I was seriously looking at a Fish-Rite with the split front seats, that was before I rowed one with only one person in the front. Balance is so important and if I hadn't rowed it, I wouldn't have thought about it until I had it out on the water. I ended up buying a new Diamondback out of Veneta. Hard to say if it is the best, you just have to row them and decide for yourself. I will say that I love it and it was a value...

Nice to see another Wet Willy on the board...

WW

Sand Shrimp · 11-13-2000, 10:10 AM

I think it's a good idea to buy a used driftboat first so you will know what you really want in a boat and you don't have to worry about banging it up learning how to row.My first driftboat I purchased for $1200 and learned to row that one and a couple years later invested more in another used one.Now I'm ready to buy a new one and I know what options I want on my boat.There are many different driftboat manufacturers out there so if you decide to buy a new one take you time and shop around.

Drachir · 11-13-2000, 03:55 PM

I have owned 3 drift boats over a span of 25 years. I have had 2 Clackacraft's, and one
Willie. I owned a Clackacraft first and last, with the Willie in between. I can honestly say that the Clackacraft's I've owned have been far superior in every way to the Willie.
I know that will upset some of you die hard aluminum fans, but the glass boats are easier to row, are warmer in winter, and their slippery bottoms, are a dream come true, for those who fish the smaller rivers, and low clear waters. Bruce at Clackacraft is a great guy and they really build a great drift boat. I would certainly consider a used boat, for your first purchase. There are some real good buys out there on used ones, Good Luck!!!

highwater · 11-13-2000, 04:17 PM

Fishnbob
My 1st drift boat was a 14 ft wood Don Hill, had it for 11 years. Great boat!! Super for 2 people, easy to row, was a fun boat. Had to do a lot of work (dry rot), I think it is a must to have a garage to keep it in when not in use. My 2nd boat 16X54 wilie, going on 12 years now. I set it up with 2 heater heads, fish box, storage under front seats, storage box in rear and there is storage in bow. I keep this boat outside, store oars, seats in my shed, I buy a drift boat cover every 2nd year it seems. Last year I bought a Baker trailer, galvanized, shopping around to get the old trailer repainted was more than trading in the old one and getting what I think is a better trailer. I had this boat painted to match my pickup, was a great looking set up, but then some nice folks decided to take the truck, guess they needed parts, not much left when I got it back, so I would not paint my next boat. I like the room I have in this boat, will carry 3 people, I like just 2 for rowing. I have ran glass boats also, I still like the noise the metal makes going to shallow. All the boat have there good features and all have their draw backs, good luck in your boat hunt. I vote for the Aluminum.

HOGTIDE · 11-13-2000, 07:23 PM

These "buy a used boat first" guys are right. I was never bright enough to think things out that well...I'd just get all excited over a new zolatone job and some 'bright' aluminum, and out came the checkbook! I wonder what the profit margin is in a $6000 tin bucket??? Ooooh...but, with a nice paint job and new graphics...see ya... I'm off to Stevens moonlight sale!

Moleman · 11-13-2000, 07:30 PM

BUY USED! I did 12 years ago....Clackacraft...I git things modified a bit to my liking (added a trolling seat) You should save half the price of a new one. (?)

------------------
"TMM"

lippee · 11-13-2000, 08:33 PM

My first drifter was a mckenzie river wood boat, purchased for a mere 300 hundred dallors. fished the heck out of that boat, good learning boat, but also a lot of work. moved to central oregon 2 months ago sold boat for 500 dallors, just yesterday purchased 16 foot 1996 model alumaweld drift boat for 2000 dallors sweet boat. great deal good luck.

CtDrifter · 11-13-2000, 10:46 PM

I am going to get a new Clackacraft. $4995 for the whole package. I am pumped up. They are on sale til first of december then they are going to go up 6%. Well, thought I owuld help out.
Ct

FishinBob · 11-14-2000, 07:44 AM

Thanks for the insight. Plan A is to shop for a used boat. Does anybody know if drift boats are available for rent? Plan B would be rent a couple different boats and learn the difference. Then there is always plan C " I can't wait to go fishing so I end up buying a boat that doesn't fit but learn to live with it while looking for a different boat." Time will tell. I'll let you know. Thanks again for the help.