the best anchor release, oars, and oar locks?

dummy · 07-25-2001, 03:38 AM

i am building my own driftboat with my son as a project to do together. and i would like to know what is the best anchor release, oars, and oar locks. also is a wide bottom worth the extra work and cash. what kind of extras would you want on your boat. and can a regular boat trailer be converted to fit a driftboat? if anyone has these items let me know.

Smily · 07-25-2001, 06:07 AM

Hi Dummy,
Did I say that? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]
I Was thinking of doing the same thing you are about to attempt. I just thought it would get in the way in fishing time. But it would make for a wonderful project. The only thing I can help out is that I am gonna install a Side anchor system that you can piece together From Fishermans. I priced it out for all the hardware not counting the Rope and Anchor for $155.00. I all ready have the rope and anchor. Are you doing a kit or where did you get your blueprints? I have read on the Don Hill kits and Bob Tateman which is cheaper. Boat parts come precut and predrilled. I had also talked with Ray from Ray's river dory's. Nice guy too. I have been in a couple of boats now, I have the 48" bottom, If you have the choice or my next choice is the 54" bottom because it is that more stable. I have the regular wood 9' oars that I like and seems to work well for me. If your handy with a torch and welder I think you can convert the trailers over. Hope this helps.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Smily [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

dummy · 07-25-2001, 01:43 PM

smily i got them at boatdesigns.com . nice and simple ribless design. those kits are way over priced the wood is a lot cheaper than that and with these plans it is pretty easy. 100 to 160 hours labor and now you have a driftboat for under a grand thats is worth 3 or 4 thou and looks like a million. thanks again smily

Smily · 07-25-2001, 02:28 PM

I Envy ya Dummy,
Those are some of the best boats I seen so far. I like the ribless models. The other ones I seen all have the rib which seemed to get in the way and not make it as smooth. The only thing I didn't see in the photo's was more storage. It did have a storage in the front and back (transom area) which I have seen is uncommon but a good idea as well as they say strengthen the boat but you could also add storage under the Rower's seat as well as the Front Seat. Or make one of them a fish box. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] We do intend on catching Big fish don't we? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] So how much for the plans and where do you find your Marine Plywood? Is that Grand covering a trailer conversion as well?
Would like to see some pics when you are done. You are doing the wood one right? The aluminun looks pretty nice as well.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Smily [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Master Baiter · 07-25-2001, 02:36 PM

I too have always wanted to do this. I saw a wooden boat on the Eel R. last winter. The cool thing about this boat was the built in hand bildge that would clear a fair amount of water in one pump. The bildge was a older brass pump that looked pretty heavy duty and it was ported through the side. Never seen anything like it, beautiful boat too.

I have a 48" but I really like the room in a 54". I have 9' and 9'4" sticks both are good, the longer sticks would probably be preferred for the wider bottom. My anchor is a side pull, we just had a good thread about side versus floor mount recently so there is some good info there. Most important feature of any trailer would be to balance it so that it tilts with little effort and stays. When balanced they are soooo much easier to manuever by hand.

Good Luck and enjoy the bonding!

Thomas

dummy · 07-25-2001, 02:37 PM

ya thats covering the trailer i found one for a 120. i havent shoped around yet for ply wood but when i get the prices i will let you know who has the best. i have my own cabinet shop and i have a lot of resouces for plywood especially meranti.