New 17' Willie

Firedog · 06-03-2001, 08:13 PM

Picked up my new 17' Willie driftboat on thurs. What a great looking boat.Black half paint I want to thank Dave Traaen over at South River Marine for all his help and putting up with all my questions. Also his ideas of what options to use. Thanks to Willie for building such a quality boat.

I just installed the slider rod holders in it, I think those are going to be the way to go. Sure gives a lot of options on placement and I like the idea of not drilling holes in my new boat. Looking for any ideas on rod rack in the boat, so anyone with some ideas let me know. This is my first driftboat so any tips on things to add or carry would be great. Thanks

Hookset · 06-03-2001, 08:54 PM

Way to go Firedog!!

I can't wait to take a test drive!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Just name the date, time and place, I'll be there.

Good choice with a 17 footer. Is the boat 54 or 56 inches wide? And those moveable brackets for the rod holders really looks like a good idea and a Willie exclusive.

The only real option that is not really an option is a spare third oar. You should carry one. I like the 3 piece take down style of oar. The other option is a bow anchor, sometimes you need two anchors to keep from swinging. The other options I liked was outdoor carpeting (heavy gauge felt) to quiet trays and front deck. You can get a color that matches the boat and really looks sharp. I also added heavy rubber conveyor belt material to the back (outside)of the transom to keep the anchor from banging when the rope is pulled in heavy current. The current anchor brackets may provide enough clearance were this is not necessary. Lower the anchor and check your clearance if the rope swings.

I don't have a good idea on a rod rack. I've seen a couple different ideas, just nothing great. Good thing you've got rubber on the gunnel, helps when resting a rod.

Sounds like you've got a fishing machine.

Good luck and thanks in advanve on that invite. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

hook

Spooled · 06-03-2001, 09:23 PM

Congrats on your new boat. I also bought my Willie from Dave Traaen. He is great to deal with.

I have the sliding rod holders, you will be very pleased with them, they work great.

I mounted a Berkeley wall mount rod holder (just 1 side) to the rower seat on the left front edge. It works fine for about 5 rods. The butt of the rods rest on the floor below the front seat or dry box, whichever you have. The rods are out of the rowing stroke and for the most part out of the way of foot traffic and the side anchor system and rope. They also go out at an angle that keeps them out of low trees along some of the rivers around.

Another thing I put on, was a bubble level up front between the cup holders, so passengers can tell where they need to move their seats. It makes rowing a lot easier when it is level side to side.

Enjoy your boat! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

David Johnson · 06-03-2001, 09:55 PM

Put in the Berkley rod rack like spooled said. Also, I put my rods in a "Rod Tote" (at least that's what I think it's called) available from Cabela's for around $35. This is great for moving rods from the house to boat.

A front anchor is nice too. So is a sea anchor.

A hand bilge pump is nice to have too.

WD40 for sqeeky oar locks.

chuck 'n' duck · 06-03-2001, 11:34 PM

Congrats firedog. I have a 17' Willie that I got about 1 year ago, and I absolutely love it. I have not heard of, nor seen a very good rod storage unit to go to the side of the rower's seat. I know that Bob from Pisc. Pursuits had some really neat ones on one of his Wild Hair boats. They were adjustable holders made by RAM products. It looked like they could accomodate 4 rods. Unfortunately I think they are now discontinued. Berkeley may be your only option.

I bought 3 button plugs to keep in the boat. So, if I ever forget one at home after cleaning the boat, I will have extras on the river.

The biggest tip I can give you is to make sure none of your buddies have cleated wading boots. If they do, DO NOT LET THEM IN THE BOAT. The cleats will tear the hell out of your floor.

I am going to invest in some cutting boards with suction cups on the bottoms. These can be used to cut bait on. One for the deck up front and one next to the rower's seat. This should help cut down on the egg goo on the zolatone. When it dries it is very hard to remove.

Also, think about placing your drift-fishing leaders on a PVC roll like the one make by Motion Marine. It beats the hell out of a Pips box and can be made very easily (and relatively inexpensive).

That is about it for helpful tips.

Have fun with your new boat!

CnD

Firedog · 06-04-2001, 02:55 PM

Everyone thanks fo rthe great ideas,going to go with about all of them. I am still looking for a good way to mount a rod rack. Might end up doing the berkeley one but then it is mounted on the lid to one of my compartments. I guess I can keep things in there I dont need to get at very often.

Hookset let me get a little more comfortable rowing and then we can look at some trips.

Dave how many oversize did you get today. My buddy and I were in the 18' jetcraft that was below you when you anchored at the shad rack this morning. We did great on shad lousy on oversize. Couple biters but they both quit, oh well next time. Had a good time catching shad.

06-04-2001, 09:15 PM

You done good Firedog! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

boater · 06-07-2001, 09:00 PM

remember to let the first fish go in your new boat, otherwise it wont be a fish catchin boat.....

STRIKE ZONE · 06-08-2001, 01:26 PM

Good choice on the boat.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Annies on 29th PRO-STAFF

Hookset · 06-08-2001, 05:56 PM

Firedog,

Check out the attached link. The boat on the left shows a picture of a rod rack that should work for you. The only problem with a rod rack in a drift boat is it's all about compromise. There are no perfect solutions. This rack when populated will cover the tray. The best you can do is keep the rack towards the side. Hanging the rods over the transom excessivley creates another problem with bushes and limbs. I lost a tip section once from a pole stealing limb.

good luck,

hook
http://www.fish-rite.com/driftboats.htm

Firedog · 06-09-2001, 11:51 PM

Hookset,

I am going to go with something similar to that. I will just keep things in that space that I don't need to get to often. Thanks for the link. I like the looks of those.

Firedog