What kind of Drift boat?

[Fish Hawk Adventures]

I am thinking about getting a driftboat. I have a problem however. I dont know much about them. So what do you want in a boat and what do I look for in a used one? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

PS. Lets not start in on the nagavigating advice just yet please.

Thanks Joe

[Hookset]

I've only used Aluminum and wood, thought seriously about fiberglass, just couldn't get myself to do it. I've fished from fiberglass enough to know it just doesn't feel right. Something about the rounded edges, textured surfaces, and questionable material when you need to drill a few holes.

I like aluminum, will probably stay with aluminum. The material is tough, accomodates custom options easily, tracks well and last forever with just some minor upkeep. You'll see more Aluminum drift boats for good reason.

You should try the search feature, keyword driftboats, lots of good information available.

Gregg

[Bubzilla]

Talons,

I went through the same process you're about to enter a few years ago. I found some resources helpful.

There are a couple good books available that contain a wealth of information--both in terms of purchasing and equiping a boat as well as navigations skills. One is currently available from Amato publishing--sorry, but I can't remember the name. The other is "Drift Boat Strategies" by Neale Streeks. The latter contains a lot of information on choosing a boat. From materials to size and configuration, both books cover most of the bases. You'll find that there are advantages and disadvantages to each choice, e.g., aluminum is more maintenance free, but much colder and louder than glass.

It helps a lot to speak to different manufacturers. Of course each is trying to sell their boat, but you can learn quite a bit just the same. Spending a few minutes--I spent about two hours at Clackacraft--at a few makers will really open your eyes. Several makers carry used boats that they resell with new warranties.

Asking other anglers is good as well. Just keep in mind that opinions are like a certain part of the human anatomy: everyone has one and everyone thinks that their's doesn't stink!

Good luck.

[Williedrifter]

The other book is "drift boats a complete guide" by Dan Alsup, Amato Pub. Good book, definatly do your research on the subject and keep your eyes open :shocked:

[ampersat]

i'm still undecided between fiberglass and aluminum. one question: if i want to hang an 8hp kicker off the back, is fiberglass even an option? given the places i'm going to want to take it with said kicker, i'll need higher sides and the fiberglass boats tend to have very low sides.

[Smily]

Hi Talons,
What helped me decide if I wanted a drift boat was a guided trip with a reputable guide. Not only did I get to row his boat and get pointers, but he taught me how to catch fish on a certain river. Money well invested!!! I'm even thinking of doing another guided trip down another river so I can learn more too. Different Guides have different techniques. You just have to find which one works best for you. Also if you keep an eye out, you can get a used boat for less than half of a new one!! I ended up with an Alumaweld. I was thinking of a kit for a wood boat but now am totaly against it. Not only have I seen Broken wood boats in the river, It takes fishing time away while building it. The Glass ones seem okay but the Aluminum seems to be the strongest. Specially for low water days' and Mine fields. You know the hull isn't gonna crack and leave you swimming!!! Of course, YMMV
:grin:

:smile: Smily :smile:

[Tanner]

Only two words you need to know "Willie Boats"

[Fish Hunter]

If it will be stored outside , stay away from wood. That boat in the ifish classifieds will go fast at that price, if the trailer is in good shape (larger wheels, little or no rust). I know it's very tough to get a decent drift boat for under 2K. They sell really fast.

[Bubzilla]

ampersat,

You can definitely run a 8 hp kicker on a glass boat. A good friend of mine runs a 9.9 Merc on his new Clackacraft. As for the height of the sides, I'd say his Clacka is approximately the same as my Fish-Rite.

[FM2]

Talon,
I have a 16x54" fishrite aluminum boat. I'm with others regarding the durability of the aluminum. The boat can really take some hard knocks without sustaining serious damage. Also storing outside is not problem as the aluminum won't rust. I think the only downside is noise which I am currently working on different methods to dampen this.

The bottom width of the boat makes a difference on how the boat handles. There is a day&night difference between a 48" and 54" bottom. I have the 54" wide and when I pull plugs there is very little effort in keeping the boat in place (don't have to continually pump the oars). I believe boats now even have 60" bottoms but don't know much about them.

Storage, lots of storage and shelf space is really good. I've got a dry box under the front seat. There are 8' shelfs that run along the gunnels on each side which are great for keeping stuff in while your drifting. Also under the oarsman seat, there is a box that runs the width of the beam for additional storage. I also have storage under the front deck but is not enclosed.

Check out the different options in the anchoring systems. I currently use a 4 pulley system and have been pleased with it. It might be slightly harder to pull the anchor but I like the way it keeps the rope out of the way. Also, there are many anchor's available. My current and only anchor for the last 10 years has been a big ball of various sizes of link chain all wired together. I have never had a problem with this anchor and it really holds well, even in fast water.

Oars and oar locks is another important item to research. There are many types and sizes so if you have an opportunity to fish with people and can row their boats, this will help in experiencing the differences.

Get a good quality trailer. You want the trailer to last as long as the boat. I have an American and there has not been one problem with it. It has a nice roller on the end to aid in launching and loading the boat. I have nice rims and 15" tires and barely notice I'm pulling it. Be sure it has fenders on it, I've seen many homemade trailers without fenders and the garbage that flies off the tires will tear up the side of a boat. I really only use my boat in the winter and this is when the roads are graveled and I don't want the side of my boat gravel blasted! This also brings up the issue of painted sides, all the stuff that flies off your tow vehicle scratches the paint, look at a painted boat and unless it is new the paint usually is chipped, cracked and sandblasted off which make them look horrible. I would not have a painted boat.

Man, my fingers are tired now, there are many smaller details but you need to find what appeals to you and fits your budget.

Good Luck :grin: :grin: :grin:

[finclipped]

Talons, I went through this same process a couple months ago and there are a couple things I kept on hearing.

1.) Aluminum is the best overall boat as its stronger, weather proof and capable of absorbing the occasional rocks that you will inevidably hit when your learning the sticks. It will also hold its value better. Wood & Fiberglass boats can be bought for less money.

2.) Wider is better. The smaller 48" bottoms are not nearly as desirable as the wider boats. The 54" bottom is a luxury, and can be hard to find at times. A wider boat will increase its resale appeal.

3.) Just about any aluminum boat manufacturer produces a good boat. This includes Willies, Drift Right, Koffler, Alumaweld and whoever else.

4.) Most manufacturers measure around the outside of the boat to "measure" the length of the boat. Except Alumaweld. My 17' Koffler is a full foot shorter than by Friends 17' Alumaweld. Bring a tape measurer to know exactly what your getting.

5.) Storage space is very important.

6.) Every winter drift boat needs a heater.

7.) If it has a steel trailer, avoid putting it in the salt water. Galvanized is the best.


I found a 1992 17 foot, 54" bottom Koffler that I really enjoy. Its more stable than the typical 48" bottom and the extra foot of space is nice. Good luck!!

[highwater]

It will be your choice in the end but here is my 2 cents.
I started out with a custom made wood boat by Don Hill, 14 ft. The boat was super, found it to be to small and it needed a garage which I did not have. Put a cover on it and had dry rot, not the boat or builders wrong doing, I had the cover made out of material that did not let air in, my fault. Was a first class drift boat.

Ok now the next boat I bought was a Willie 16 X 54, Lots of storage room, fish box and 2 heaters.
Replaced the trailer, now have galv. Baker trailer, was going to cost more to paint the old one than it would cost me to trade in and get the galv. trailer. 9' 4" are my oars. I fish 2 and 3, rows easy, 3 is more work, I'm thinking about selling my sled and this boat, almost time for a windsheild boat, this will be hard to part with and I may not. I think if you can only have one boat, it has to be an aluminum drift boat.
You have alot to pick from, the choice is yours, have fun.

[401k]

I'll agree with the statementof: "two words, Willie boats" I'm sure that everyone has their preferance, but so far these have been the best handling and easiest that I've rowed. They seem to include all of the best features in one package like their rear trolling seat to name one. Wel that just one man's opinion for what it's worth.

[Drachir]

I have rowed all the current Models of Drift Boats on the market today, and 2 of them stand out as best. The Willie and the Clackacraft, are both great boats. I personally own a 16'x54" High Side Clackacraft. It is far and away better in shallow water than any Aluminum or Wood boat. You can slide right through water that would put a halt to any other boat. The boats are very slippery over rocks, and incredibly strong. I have an 8hp Merc that sits on the back all the time, and the boat is not phased at all.
If you want something bigger than 16', my suggestion would be a Willie, they make Drift Boats all the way up to 20' in length. Not sure how much fun that would be to row!! :tongue:

[BCFISHON1]

For me its fiberglass it slides over rocks is very flexible and doesnt tend to transmit the cold water temp to me.My magnum clacker stays out in the weather all year while the aluminum sled hides in the shop all cozy I will probably never sell that clacker.One thing I will say is no matter what you decide for material just make sure you buy a name you can trust because the best of materials will never make up for bad desighn or craftmenship.dont forget the anchor system and storage