Drift boat, which one is best?

rockaway · 04-29-2008, 05:57 AM

I currently have an 1860 G3 sled and miss not having a drift boat. Which one do you recommend. I have rowed a wooden for a year and loved it. I would like a boat that is a little more durable. I am looking at fiberglass or aluminum. Not sure which one is better. Also need to consider which type motor is best. Electric or gas. I spend alot of time in the Tillamook area. I appreciate any help.

Greg

River Ranger · 04-29-2008, 07:10 AM

your going to get alot of different opinions on who builds the best boat and none are wrong, people are just partial to their boats.

For Glass I think Clackacraft is the only way to go. They build a tough boat that rows very well and tackles shallow water better than any metal boat. Also since your local, why not buy local. If you were to ever have problems you could just come to Clackamas and have it taken care of.

When it comes to metall boats the name you'll hear and see most is Willie. They build some of the finest, best rowing boats on the water. Willie will build your boat the way you want it, which is what I did.
I prefer Willie boats myself but would also buy a Koffler without thinking twice.

For me a big part of picking and designing a boat is Space. If your going to fish with three people in the boat often, A wide bottom is the way to go. The widder bottom will give you stability and better displacement for good shallow water boating.
I have the Willie 17'X60" and would never go smaller. Plenty of room when fishing a full boat.

I don't think there is a "better" Between glass and metal boats, just differences.

As for a motor. if you plan on staying in the rivers, electric all the way as this is all you can use in most.
If you want to head out in to the bays to troll or do some crabbing I would go with a gas engine for a little more power.

I use a gas engine and fish the Willamette and Columbia with it as well as trolling and crabbing in the bays.

I stay on the sticks in the rivers but would love to have an electric someday for sidedrifting.

Hope this info helps, if you have any other questions let me know.

RR.

LiveBait · 04-29-2008, 02:10 PM

Very well said River Ranger!

Davy · 04-30-2008, 06:12 AM

Indeed, well said RR,

enjoy your new boat too.

Hope this thread doesn't head south

rags · 04-30-2008, 07:44 AM

I owned a 16x48 Alumaweld for years. I think I bought it in 1980. Prior to it I owned a 17ft. Alumaweld. Both boats were great. A lot of good fishing trips on just about every river in Oregon and Washington. Last year I sold my 16x48 Alumaweld and bought a 17x60 Willie. If your looking for a metal boat this is the tops. A lot of room, handles low water and maneuvers well with a load. It would be hard to buy anything better than this boat. Good luck in your search.

jaxflyfish · 04-30-2008, 07:54 AM

I have a Willie and I love it. I have rowed Kofflers, Alumawelds and I think they are all good. Glass boats have some great advantages which I often think about sitting in the river in late December when it is 20 degrees out....

I chose an Aluminum boat but it was close....All my buds in Idaho swear by glass boats.

Here is a link to a similar string that might interest you.

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=190764

Davy · 05-01-2008, 08:17 AM

Those 17 X 60 Willies like Rags are sweeeet! I fished one on the Sacramento last year, darn near pulled the trigger on one. Think I'll wear the one I have out first. Maybe if I pull right a little to much in Mill City the dillema will be solved??? LOL

rockaway · 05-02-2008, 07:21 PM

I appreciate the help fellows. Sounds like the 17X60 Willie is the way to go. I have made up my mind to sell my 1860 G3 and put an order for a new Willie. Sounds like a terrific boat. Plenty of room and a dream to row.

River Ranger · 05-02-2008, 08:51 PM

Awesome! If you have any questions on boat configurations try doing a search for drift boat accessories or start a thread asking for ideas.

Good luck on your decision.

RR.