fish-rite Vs. Koffler Drift boat

Mo Fish · 02-06-2007, 06:36 AM

I am going to buy a drift boat� my first one and hoping you guys will help me out. It will get used on the Wilson, lower Trask, but really lots of time on Mt. hood lakes with the family. I am looking at used 20x66 foot koffler or a used 19x66 fish-rite. From what I gathered they are very much the same boat. Am I right? Would anyone have a reason to steer me one way or another? Thanks for the input.

Mo Fish

SlipKnot · 02-06-2007, 08:15 AM

I owned a Fish-Rite drift boat a number of years ago and wasn't particularly impressed. The boat rowed adequately (not great) but the interior paint was not good. It basically washed off the boat on to my driveway evertime I sprayed the boat out. I would have paint flakes on my hands while fishing. They eventually agreed to repaint the boat but it was a hassle and the paint did the exact same thing again.

I grew up in a Koffler and that boat was sweet. I prefer Willie but I would go with Koffler over FishRite.

My .02. Matt Davis

Irish Green · 02-06-2007, 11:55 AM

I own a Fish Right and my son has a new Koffler- both row very well,motor well- the workmanship on the Koffler is by far better,the folks (joe and Bruce ) are great people to do business with any problems if any occur,will be corrected imediatly,with the use of a loaner boat if necessary- These people stand behind their products and want happy and satisfied customers-My next boat will be a Koffler 16x48 or the 18x60. Buy the Koffler you won,t regret it.

danger · 02-06-2007, 02:16 PM

everything else equal...

The Koffler is a more custom made boat, Fish Rite is a production boat.

Blind folded, you won't be able to tell the difference.

alanmikkelsen · 02-06-2007, 02:18 PM

I owned a Koffler Drift Boat for probably 15 years. I finally sold it when I was spending much more time in my sled than in the DB. Having said that, I've had Joe Koffler build several custom things for my drift boat and now my sled. I've never talked to a nicer guy. I'd buy Koffler again, in a heartbeat, just to deal with them.

Okie · 02-06-2007, 03:09 PM

The sportsman show is starting tomorow. Go to the show and look at all the drift boats on display. Not just the two brands you mention. You might be surprised at how some of the other drift boats look and work.

Good Luck;

klamathsteel · 02-06-2007, 03:14 PM

If you go to the show stop and see Larry Mercer at the Riverwolf Boats booth. He builds an awesome boat. I love mine. Oh and tell him Klamasteel sent ya !

Drachir · 02-06-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klamathsteel

If you go to the show stop and see Larry Mercer at the Riverwolf Boats booth. He builds an awesome boat. I love mine. Oh and tell him Klamasteel sent ya !

Tell Larry Hi from Drachir too!!

Why do you want such a large DB??

I would suggest you go out and row a BIG DB, before you buy. They must be a real chore to manuever, and stop in fast water.

fishing fanatic · 02-06-2007, 03:31 PM

Mo Fish,

I'm going through the same dilemma as you. I have both boats currently parked in front of my house. I have fished them each once in different situations (side drifting vs plug pulling) so I can't really make a good comparison. My gut feeling is they row very similarly with the Koffler giving you a little over a foot extra length for roominess. Are you looking at the 19x66 Fishrite on Craigslist? I plan to fish the Fishrite this weekend though with the low water, its tough to really judge how they back row.

good luck

FF

Bobberman · 02-07-2007, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drachir

Tell Larry Hi from Drachir too!!

Why do you want such a large DB??

I would suggest you go out and row a BIG DB, before you buy. They must be a real chore to manuever, and stop in fast water.

I have the 20' Koffler and used to have the same brand of boat Drachir rows. No going back for me. It's not for beginers on the class III or IV but what hard boat is? Now if I can only find some time to go fishing

neal40sandy · 02-07-2007, 04:27 PM

I been in both koffler and Fish-rite as a passenger the koffler seemed to be a much better boat. i was going to buy a new koffler this summer but found a used willies i couldn't say no too. i would check out the sportsmans show you may be supprised at what you find.

River Ranger · 02-11-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drachir

Tell Larry Hi from Drachir too!!

Why do you want such a large DB??

I would suggest you go out and row a BIG DB, before you buy. They must be a real chore to manuever, and stop in fast water.

not true,most big boats can handle very well.I had a chance to row a Willie 19x66 and was amazed at how well it handeled.

RR.

FastAction · 02-13-2007, 12:53 PM

Just by looks alone, from what I saw at the sportsmans show the Koffler had the best program for interior layout.. I think willie should of had a tricked out Drifter on display.. I will tell you this. Wayne Priddy has a nice 18x60 North River with walk through rowers seat and Seatbox's and I had a chance to use that boat all day one day.. Even though It had a Huge load, it rowed great but they don't stop on a dime, but baisc physics should tell you that. Good oars help A LOT!

I would go Koffler you know they are sweet!

seahawk503 · 02-14-2007, 02:13 PM

Definetly get a fishrite you can get some sweet deals right now on fishrites from browns with a motor for really cheap. just checked out the new inventory the prices blow anything out of the water.

gonfishenagin · 02-16-2007, 07:52 PM

you should look at the 19 x 66" guide model from RB Boats in springfield they make a great boat and are way better priced i have freinds who have both the 19x 66 and their 20 x 72 they love em.

Drachir · 02-16-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonfishenagin

you should look at the 19 x 66" guide model from RB Boats in springfield they make a great boat and are way better priced i have freinds who have both the 19x 66 and their 20 x 72 they love em.