What size of drift boat do you like?

Fish Cop · 01-22-2001, 08:25 PM

I am planning on building a wooden drift boat and I would like some advise on what size I should build. I have just completed making my own oars out of solid ash. I cut an ash tree and then cut the log into lumber and turned the oars on a lathe. I ended up with 8 nine foot solid ash oars. I know that I dont need 8 oars but I had some help and the extra oars are spoken for, (not for sale)...to much work. My next project is to build a wooden drift boat to go with the oars. I have a set of plans for a 16 foot boat with a 48 inch bottom. I was thinking a 17 foot boat with a 54 inch bottom might be better. I know that Don Hill sells plans for a 17X54 boat. I would like to drift the coastal rivers and camp and fish on the John Day and Deschutes for starters. Any advise or comments would be appreciated.
Fish Cop

Jigman · 01-22-2001, 08:54 PM

You might like the 17 footer if your going to camp overnight, the extra room would be handy for packing gear....the oars could be a tad short for a 17 foot boat though they should work.

Gone Fishin · 01-22-2001, 09:12 PM

Fish Cop,

I agree with Jigman, you will probably be happier with the 17 for load capabilities.
The 54" bottom is definately the way to go too, the more flat surface=the ease of rowing the boat. As for the oars, well, it's nice that you turned the oars from a tree and I'm sure they're beautiful... But, get yourself a set of at least 9 1/2 or even 10 foot catarat oars and you'll be able to row that barge!

Hookset · 01-22-2001, 09:23 PM

Over the years I've had the pleasure of rowing 16'x48", 16'x52" and a 17'x54". Without a doubt I prefer the larger 17'x54" the best. Still small enough to manuver quickly, handles 3 people easier and carry's a larger load. That is one of the reasons I sold my last 16'x52" drift boat. Just wanted a slightly larger boat. There is really not that much difference in size between the two. The one thing I would not build is a 16'x48" boat. On a wood boat, I found the 48" is just to narrow. Good for two people, not really adequate for 3, just my opinion of course. A person I used to work with built a 16'x48" wood boat a couple of years ago and I did have a chance to row his boat. Nice handling boat, just not very stable to fish out of. Don't really know why, seemed narrower then 48 inches.

Nothing prettier on the water then a wood drift boat!!

Just read Gone Fishin's post. Have to agree about the lenght of oars. You'll probably want 9.5 foot oars. And don't pay attention to the barge comment. A wood boat rows easier then most people think (ok Marty, any comments?). I've never owned a set of Cataract (sp) oars, but I've always enjoyed a good set of wood oars with a large paddle. You did build them with a large long blade, right?

good luck,

hook

[This message has been edited by hookset (edited 01-22-2001).]

Fish Cop · 01-22-2001, 09:42 PM

The blades on the oars are between 5 1/2 and 5 3/4 inch. First time building oars. might do it different next time - if there is a next time. Had a guy that wanted to teach me how to do it so I took him up on it. Oars are beautiful though. Is 5 and 1/2 or 5 and 3/4 big enough?
Fish Cop

lippee · 01-22-2001, 10:04 PM

Fish Cop
I have owned 14ft & 16ft wood drift boat's. They are truly fine floater's. You could almost float on dew with them. They manuver effortlessly and are quiet. also they are very beautiful when done right. I prefer the 16ft drifter. And also go with your wood oar's there more classie

RW · 01-22-2001, 10:23 PM

Fishcop, Mine are 5 1/2 inch width and work just great for me. I think the length of the blade would be just as important as the width. RW

[This message has been edited by RW (edited 01-23-2001).]

Steelheader69 · 01-22-2001, 10:51 PM

I'll have to agree, you'll want a set of cataract oars. I have 3 paoirs of them and I love them all.

I have a comment for you. Don't build a driftboat at all, get yourself a 16ft cataraft!

Why have the rest when you can own the best. (Can you tell I love my cats?) You can strap down lots of gear for multiday floats on John Day and you have capability for multiple people also.

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

Fish Cop · 01-23-2001, 06:19 AM

RW
The blades are 3 feet from the tip of the oar to where the handle starts, tapers down at the top.

Steelheader,
I have looked at the catarafts and am still considering that. I need (want) about 4 boats.
Fish Cop

Master Baiter · 01-23-2001, 06:39 AM

My buddy bought Cataracts last year! They are excellent quality. His comments though are that they are blade heavy. I also noticed this too first time I rowed with them. He said if he were to do it over again he go with composite shafts with wood blades. Just my $.02 though because I know alot of folks here love them!

Oh and my vote also goes for the 17x54.

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Keep your tip up and don't pull too hard! {;-)>

[This message has been edited by Master Baiter (edited 01-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Master Baiter (edited 01-23-2001).]

Jellyhead · 01-23-2001, 07:10 AM

FishCop,

If you run into any problems building your boat, be sure and ask any questions you have over at www.duckboats.net. Those guys on that forum know wooden boats, and how to build them. I've never had a boat construction question go unanswered over there. Good Luck on your boat, sounds like you've already got a good start w/your oars.

Aaron

Gone Fishin · 01-23-2001, 07:24 AM

I too run a "BARGE" although it's aluminum (17X54 Willie) and was just making a joke out of that comment. Someone suggested to run the wood oars because they are classy, be classy all you want, rowing a boat on a river is not a place where you want to be classy, rather be safe! If your oars are'nt the proper length you are putting yourself in jeapordy by not being able to manuver your boat fast enough to avoid danger!

Line_Buster · 01-23-2001, 05:25 PM

I also have the 17'x54" Willie. very nice! especially when you have a few extra lbs. I have the 9'-6" sawyer composit shafts with replaceable wood blades. they are also counter balanced. a very BIG plus. go with a 17' if you biuld a drift boat. or buy a cat. they sound like the way to go for multi day trips on white water. maybe you could biuld a smaller boat later for the smaller oars, but don't try them on a bigger boat.

welcome aboard fishcop

dcrzfitter

Sandybar · 01-23-2001, 07:11 PM

FC I built an 16 x 54 wood drift boat. I really like the way it handled in the rivers.
It is really a lot easier to row than the "barges" It is quieter than the aluminum boats and has character. I used Sawyers 9'6" with the replacable blades, The were
balanced beautifully. I had a set of all ash 8' 6" oars and felt bottom heavy. Now back to your question. I did
a lot of long floats down the John Day, Grande Rhonde (My favorite), and the Rouge. With the smaller boat you are limited to the amount of gear you can bring, With 17' x 56" you can haul tons of gear. But if want to just go day floating (no camping) the 16 x 54" is great handling in the tighter spots.

One thing you should consider before building any wood drift boat is it is very high maintence. I had my drift boat for 12 years before I sold it (needed a family boat), I sanded it down and refinished it every 2 years. If you use your drift boat alot, like I did, you will need to rework your boat. Yes there is nothing like a wooden drift boat but....

My 2bits worth

Sandybar

ampersat · 01-23-2001, 07:30 PM

i'm also looking to get a drift boat in the near future and am looking at wood because they are the only ones that seem to show up for under $2000 in the ads. i'm not concerned with having the most beautiful boat on the river, just having a boat on the river works for me. i've read that deck paint will work as a finish on these rigs and was wondering what experience the population at large has had with it. also, what's appropriate for boat rods? i'm looking at drifting the sandy and clackamas and maybe hanging a 6hp motor off the back to do the spring chinook hoglines down at oregon city. any advice folks?

Steelheader69 · 01-23-2001, 08:17 PM

I'll tell you the big key of cataracts. They were designed for whitewater boats. And the hardcore guys I know and have floated with all use pins/clips instead of oarlocks. The pins/clips balance out the oars. Most guys who have rowed my cat can't believe how light the oars feel (and my oars are over 9 years old). If you do go the way of a cat, I'd suggest the pins/clips. They have their negatives, but the positives way outweigh them.

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

Fish Cop · 01-23-2001, 09:03 PM

If I go with a cataraft what kind do you suggest I look at, and where do you purchase one at.
Fish Cop

whitewaterbill · 01-24-2001, 04:23 PM

Hi Fish Cop,
Would you be available to speak at a meeting of Boaters/Fishers? If you do this kind of thing or know someone that does....I would like to set it up. I think it would be very good interaction and a lot of fun.

Bill....Whitewater Boaters of Oregon.

Fish Cop · 01-24-2001, 06:05 PM

Slutgoddess, (Bill)
I speak to groups all of the time. When, where, and what topic. Also how long of a talk are you looking for. I'm sure we can work something out. If I can't make it for whatever reason I should be able to have someone there.

Fish Cop