Drift Boats

RipDatLip · 08-24-2001, 04:16 PM

Where would I start to look for a good used drift boat? I don't really want to pay over $2,000. It doesn't matter if the boat is wooden or not, but would perfer alum. I haven't done any research, so am I way off on pricing?

Matt

chuck 'n' duck · 08-24-2001, 04:25 PM

boattrader.com
oregonlive.com (under the classifieds)
Bob's board
abracat.com
willieboats used section (probably not under $2000 though)

If I were you, I would stick with aluminum or glass. You will have alot of work in upkeeping a wooden boat. You should have no problem finding a pretty decent boat for under 2G.

CnD

ampersat · 08-24-2001, 04:32 PM

straight out of abracat.com. alumaweld's are good boats and you'll see a lot of them out there. sounds like this puppy is ready to fish.

16' DRIFT BOAT, Alumaweld '79, oars, front/rear anchor, exclnt shape, $1950. 503-631-2527

chuck 'n' duck · 08-24-2001, 04:48 PM

I rowed a '74 Alumaweld driftboat for about a year. A bit heavy, but definately built hell for stout. I think those are the years back when Willie owned Alumaweld. Good boats.

CnD

Pete · 08-24-2001, 04:53 PM

I've rowed a Willie 16' x 54" for 12 years ... it is by far the best, most reliable boat I have ever owned. Tough, nimble and built to last.

Truly, Simply the Best!

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: Pete ]

RipDatLip · 08-26-2001, 06:12 PM

Here's what I have learned so far. The websites suck, OR I just don't know how to correctly find things. Didn't find anything that even sounded good. Where would I start next? Magazines? Guides?

Matt

Firedog · 08-26-2001, 07:07 PM

Watch the classifieds in the paper, oregonian has a fair amount once in awhile. Also watch the classifieds here on ifish and also in Bobs board. Willie also lists used boats on his webpage might be a bit more than you are looking to spend but there are some deals. I have a 17' willie and love it, still learning but that boat makes it easy.

RipDatLip · 08-26-2001, 07:37 PM

I have heard that the willie boats weight a little more than most. I would like to cut down on as much weight as possible. I have also heard they are a little more expensive. Is this totally true?

Matt

Sliderite · 08-26-2001, 08:22 PM

The resources mentioned above are good..notably the classifieds and boat trader. I would steer clear from a wood boat for the maintenance factor. My fiberglass driftboat has served me well but there are positives and negatives to a fiberglass boat. Although it is light and will easily slide over very shallow water and rocks.. the chines make it more difficult to stay staight if you do alot of plugging. Then there is oxidation of the fiberglass. I put on a 8hp Merc kicker for the Fall but it does make me alittle nervous because of the weight on the transom.

You need to just keep checking the classifieds and get a boat trader magazine. Sometimes a friend will tell you they saw a boat advertised as was in my case. Have the money ready because with these things.. there is no time to fumble with getting an approval for a loan. Just my .02

[ 08-26-2001: Message edited by: Sliderite ]

EZ Drifter · 08-26-2001, 09:21 PM

Go with an aluminum boat and you will never be sorry that you did....especially after you hit that first big rock going down the swift stuff! Keep an eye on the local classifieds, you would be surprised how many good boats go up for sale on a regular basis this time of year.

-EZ-

RipDatLip · 08-27-2001, 10:57 AM

I will continue to look for used boats, but I really don't know what I'm looking for yet. I don't know all the styles and feaures of every boat. I'm guessing that there are endless possibilities.

On another note, how would a person drift a river by himself? I could understand a shuttle, but what if there is not a shuttle? Does that equal no drift?

Matt

RipDatLip · 08-27-2001, 01:51 PM

What would you do with all the fishing gear? Hide it? Or just hope no one steals it? Sorry, but I can't trust anyone. I wouldn't even leave my boat unmanned. If you ever need someone to fish with, I'm right here. Until I get a drift boat I will probably just be banking it.

Matt

Tanner · 08-27-2001, 02:37 PM

RDL,
I replaced an 89 16 foot Alumaweld Alumadrifter with a 1998 Willie 16' x 54".
I had the Alumaweld since it was brand new and it was a real good boat. Getting the Willie was the best move I ever made. Much lighter, easier to row. much more well thought out for functionality in the setup.
Whoever told you Willie Boats are heavier than the rest is smokin crack [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] . My boat, with the seats out of it weghs just under 300 lbs.

Until someone comes out with something even better. I am a Willie Boat Man.

[ 08-27-2001: Message edited by: Tanner ]

DK · 08-27-2001, 02:52 PM

ripdatlip, sounds like you need a fishing buddy, i know how to row but being as though it would be your boat wouldn't want to take that away from you,so i could sit up front and fish, ya that sounds great, and of course be the pick up rig, just kiddin around, maybe look in to a moped if your going to be by yourself, dk

chuck 'n' duck · 08-27-2001, 03:41 PM

Hey ripdatlip:

For your first boat, you don't need to spend lots of money. It is actually advantageous to get a moderately priced boat, and row it for a year or so. You will not catch any fewer fish that the yahoo with a brand new Willie as long as you know what you are doing. Boats don't catch fish, fishermen do. Also, that boat will let you appreciate the Willie when you finally save up for one [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] . It will give you an idea of what custom options are advantageous, and which ones you may be able to do without. When you are learning to row, it will be much easier to stomach dinging the side of a beater boat than a new, painted one. The purchase of a driftboat will be the best fishing investment you make, because it opens up much more water as opposed to fishing from the bank. However, you will see the downside to driftboats when you try and float the lower Wilson during December and can't get any water because there are 50+ other boats on the drift.

CnD

RipDatLip · 08-27-2001, 03:51 PM

Hmmm... This does bring up some delimas. I don't have all the money in the world, so I am forced to look at a used boat. Most of the used boats I see are around 3-4k. A new boat would cost just a little more. I must be searching in the wrong places for an aluminum boat. Where are all these "moderately" priced boats? Would I even be able to get into a good used boat w/ trailer for 2k? I hope so, or I will be forced to steal your boats. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] J/K. I will continue to search, and ask question.

Matt

Master Baiter · 08-27-2001, 04:07 PM

www.fishsniffer.com

highwater · 08-27-2001, 04:28 PM

I had the best wood drift boat, Don Hill custom made for me..... I now have the best Alum. boat ever made Willie 16 X 54, had for 10 years and today it is worth what I paid for it, I have got a new galvanized trailer to replace the painted one. Not for Sale.....
Great boat. Keep looking you will find one.

jtl85 · 08-27-2001, 11:16 PM

No shuttle can mean no drift, but it depends on how long of a drift you do. On the NF Lewis I will float from the salmon hatchery to the golf course, and ride my bike which i dropped off at the take out on my way up, back to the car.

fish forever · 08-28-2001, 08:27 AM

If you decide to get a new boat, dont forget to add $500-1000 for all the accessories you'll need to enjoy it. Little things like life jackets, rod holders, fish boxes etc. add up on a new boat.

If you find someone going out of the fish business -> you can likely get them to throw in a lot of the accessories - youll be ready to fish as soon as you get it.

my .02

chuck 'n' duck · 08-28-2001, 12:00 PM

Hey Ripdat, check Oregonlive.com today. I saw a few reasonably priced driftboats on there today.

CnD

Krome Brite · 09-03-2001, 09:34 AM

What about a plastic driftboat? Swear to God I seen one the other day. I can give you the exact coordinates, if you want them, Matt. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Of course me and my dad are going to look at it first to decide if we want to buy it. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

RipDatLip · 09-03-2001, 10:22 AM

Why should I look for a drfit boat? Once you buy that plastic one then we can go fishing all the time. I thik my boat searching days are over. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Matt

willierower · 09-03-2001, 03:05 PM

RipDatLip.
I can hook you up with a couple boats for under 2 grand. ! is a wood boat the other is aluminum.
The wood boat is nice. Its painted baby blue, Has new coat it on the bottom. Its ready to fish with oars and a trailer.
The aluminum boat is a 16' x 48" white water marine. Its an older boat. It comes with oars and a trailer. The boat has a cut out for a motor. Oh yea and its brown with orange accents....
If you are interested in either boat drop me an e-mail