Drift Boat: Wood, Fiberglass or Aluminum?

[Michael J.]

So, I'm looking to buy my first drift boat and it appears that the only boats in my price range are wood. Originally, I was looking to purchase a glass or aluminum boat because I figured they'd be more forgiving, lighter and easier to maneuver. Is this true? I'm really looking for a versatile boat that will drift well, operates well in lakes and is durable.

Can anyone give me some pros and cons?

Thanks!

[blackdog]

Go with an aluminum boat if you can find one in your price range. Wood or glass will be a much warmer boat on the freezing cold days chasing winter steelhead, but the first time you hit a nice sized boulder you weren't on the lookout for, you will be glad you have the aluminum. Also the maintenance will be quite a bit less with this choice, and should last you for as long as you want (once your first cheap used one, by the next year, you will want to upgrade to a new Willie!).

[Bait O' Eggs]

Michael, A boat in your price range is out there. It just may take a little looking. I bought an old 16x48 Alumaweld last year for $500 [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] It took me while to find it but I am glad I was patient. It didnt have a trailer, and had some small dents in it. A few small repairs, and I am into the whole set up for $1200 complete with oars and a little labor on making the trailer.

Good luck and keep looking. I strongly recommend the aluminum.

[Artwo]

MJ,
A little help for ya,

16' ALUMINUM drift boat, Smokercraft, trailer, oars, anchor, rope, fish finder, lifevests, good cond. $1,600/ofr. 503-648-9593
Published in The Oregonian on 04/17

From classifieds at Oregonlive.com

JK

[STRIKE ZONE]

Go with aluminum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

[potter]

Some things to consider. Do you own a 4x4? If not fiberglass is easier to launch and pull out on gravel bars. What size of rivers will you be on? Will you be pulling the boat over shallows? Again, maybe fiberglass. If you have a 4x4 and are on bigger stuff then Aluminum would probably be best.

[SteelieSteve]

Artwo that boat went the day the ad started, I already recommended it [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]. I've fished in a lavro and it handled well, rode the water like a cork, but it was cold!! no insulation on the bottom of those boats. Wood takes a lot of care. Maintenance is high, gluvit every year, refinishing and unless your real good you'll likely have holes to patch. We had a ostrem 16-footer for many years. Had one hole punched in it on the Mollala first time out. Had to redo the bottom once in about 8 years. Aluminum is the way to go if you can find one in your price range. good luck and I'll continue to look for you.

[FishinMission]

I'd go aluminum. Once you've got one it'll last forever. Just remember to shop around and don't be in a hurry. New ones have gotten expensive...especially when you start thinking about all the ad-on's. I missed some good deals while looking for mine. Ya gotta be right on them. Bait's right. there are deals out there, and you can fix aluminum up with paint to look pretty good. I'll never have anything but aluminum.