Brand new Drifter?

[danger]

My father and I are going to go in together on a new alum drifter. I am sure to get many opinions about this, but more than what your opinion is, I would like to know why. With so many great boats out there,most being in state brands what is the best value, service and performance. We will fish out of it often and will be looking to put a 8hp on it at different times, 16-17' wide bottom. So...
Willie?
NR?
Fishrite?
Motion Marine?
Fishcraft?
Alumaweld?
Diamondback?

Danger

PS feel free to weigh in on a kicker also.

[drhall99]

[img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] :blush: [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] . There, that should cover where this thread is going to go. Otherwise, my vote is for Willie.

Just say NO to NR :grin: .

Doug

[ 02-02-2004, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: drhall99 ]

[shalom]

It would be a good idea to figure out if you want fiberglass or alum.If you are going to fish hotshots a lot a fiberglass will row easier than alum. It is easier to row across the current than an alum.I have had both and they will both work well .If you decide on alum, you will want to put GLOVE-IT ON THE BOTTEM TO MAKE IT SLIP OVER THE ROCKS. There are times like low water where you will have to drag it over rocks and gravel . It will be a whole lot easier to drag with Glove-iton the bottem .

[wetonwhite]

koffler
RB
rouge river

[wetonwhite]

koffler
RB
rouge river
river wolf

just a few more to add to the list. went over this a few years back [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] look and look and then look some more, sportshows, boatshows, river banks and internet lots out there most are real good its just a matter of finding one with everything you and dad want for what you want to pay :grin:

[Grantspastor]

Most all of them are great boats. If possible...try rowing one or more before you sink the $ into it. I've tried many...like several of them. If I were going to buy a brand new metal boat I'd go with a Willie.

[Rakkasan]

Willie :smile:

[Twitchs_Tackle]

I've been real happy with this one so far... :grin:




I hear MM is now making a mimic...

[DockDrifter]

That Clean Machine ever get out fishing...Go with a Willie..."Simply the Best" and you can't beat the price on the 16' x 54".

[Class VI]

I wanted aluminum, so I narrowed it down to Willie and Koffler. Then went with Koffler and love it. Willie, Koffler and others will be at the Sportsman's Show this week.

[Coot22]

There is a new company based out of Redmond called "Smith Rock River Boats" that I came across down here at the sportsman show in Eugene. I can honestly say that these boats are the best made drift boats that I personally have ever seen. The attention to detail is amazing. A buddy of mine ended up buying one of them just because of the quality and the standard options that come with the boat. Very reasonably priced for a new boat. At least take a look... here

-Coot

[daveg]

You will be happy with your Koffler. They make great boats and have been around for a long time. Aluminum has it's plusses, being able to hit a rock really hard and it is only a dent. Also the upkeep is minimal. Boats are pretty personal and once you have one it grows on you and you think it is the best or at least good. I got a Fishrite and like a lot about it, except it swings when anchored in a stronger current. But almost all of them will oscillate in these conditions.

Motors: Got a Honda of my own and the company drift boat has one too. Both of them are nice motors, quiet, clean and good mileage. Also both of them don't troll down quite slow enough for my liking. I have friends that have Yamaha's and they perform as well and better than my Hondas. At least I think so, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

[Fish Hawg]

*Aluminum = Willie

*Fiberglass = Clakacraft

[go fisch]

*Aluminum = Willie

*Fiberglass = Clakacraft

[drhall99]

Listen to Fish Hawg and go fisch. You won't be sorry. BTW, I just saw an '02 Willie DB in the ifish classified ads.

Doug

[fishin62]

I bought a new 03 koffler 16.9x48 last year, me and a good friend made a appointment with Joe, went to his shop in eugene and took the 16.9x48 and their 16x54 for a test float, i never rowed anything as sweet as the boat i bought, i passed my 14ft lavro down to my son and i can honestly say my koffler is an awesome boat! give him a call and row a couple of his boats before you jump in to any of the others. i park mine beside my house, tip it up and let it sit in all the elements mother nature has to offer, no up keep at all! you will get lots of opinions but you can not change mine. good luck.

[Flatfish]

Buy used. That way when you sell it, it wont lose money.

What brand and model should be dictated by where, how, and when you fish.

Mark and the dog.

[superfly]

E-mail me, I have some new and used ones availible
Peace
Superfly

[ry]

Take a few test rides. Koffler has people waiting in line for their boats, and joe will let you row any or all. If I ever sell my boat I'll get ANOTHER koffler.

[Slade]

My buddy and I just went in on a 16' x 54' Willies. Great price and we really enjoy it. Another friend has a Koufler and he loves it, but he hasn't let me row it yet. The 16' x 54" has plenty of room for three men. They sell these great brackets for rod holders that slide along the gunnels which allows you to set up the boat how you want when dragging plugs or bait (I am sure you can buy the rackets elsewhere). We also had them offset the anchor arm (no charge) so we can put on the kicker. I have seen, but have not been in, several Clackacraft and they look very nice and seem to be very quiet. I am sure that any top brand would work well, but I just wanted to let you know that I have been happy with our purchase.

[freespool]

Friends don't let friends row tupperware. Go with the Willie.


salmon hugger

[River Ranger]

Happy with my Hyde.
R.R.