North River Or Koffler

outdrsmnty · 03-19-2009, 09:42 AM

Im looking at buying a 21' NorthRiver Scout or a Koffler sled boat. Thinking about the 225 yamaha 2-stroke HPDI motor and just a few options. Any thought on wich boat would be better. Im jsut using it to fish and run the rivers locallly here in Eugene. I also hunt allot using my boat. I had a 18ft hewes craft sportsman. Just looking for advise on what would be a better boat! thanks

Two Fister · 03-19-2009, 09:49 AM

Since you are in Eugene I would say Koffler all the way. They make one of the best boats out there, are willing to do anything custom you can dream up and I've never heard anyone complain about service at Koffler. Can't say the same about North River, especially given their recent financial trouble.

Call Joe and tell him how you want to use it and he'll take care of you for sure. People are stunned at how responsive and concerned the guys at Koffler are. They run that business like every single one in the US should be run.

Oh, it's also a tradition to tell a fishing story about yourself on the main board as a way of introducing yourself to the ifish community. Welcome aboard!
TF

foxer · 03-19-2009, 09:57 AM

I would check out Willie too.

elkmagnet · 03-19-2009, 11:07 AM

I was faced with the same dilemma two years ago....do I go with Koffler or a different manufacture. I also live in Eugene. I went with Koffler on a 18' open sled and couldn't be happier. Joe and staff will take care of you like none other! They truely build you a custom boat - just the way you want it. Yes, you can save yourself a few bucks elsewhere. I guess I like to shop locally if possible.

retaliate · 03-19-2009, 12:17 PM

You should talk to RB(Jim) boats on Marcorla rd in spfd also, he is even more custom than Koffler, & has less overhead costs, as he often works alone in his little shop, Koffler is a good choice as well, with North River having business troubles, I'd stay away from them until they get that problem solved.

Bobberman · 03-19-2009, 01:02 PM

I have a North River and a Koffler, and have owned others. Living in Eugene you should check out Koffler if buying a new boat

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baitsauce · 03-19-2009, 02:52 PM

Koffler, hands down........ Joe will treat you right! You'll probably spend a little extra than you will with a production boat like NR, but you won't be sorry!!!

Koffler also has a lifetime guarantee on their hulls. Perhaps NR does to, but I don't know if NR will be around long enough to have the possibility of taking advantage of a guarantee like that.

tomictime · 03-19-2009, 05:13 PM

no dis to Koffler, but many boat manufacturers are in trouble. I would suggest a bit of homework before any deposit is made - anywhere.
I looked at the baybee they had at Puyallup and spoke a bit w them about construction methods, etc. I came away impressed. I have some water time in a 26' in fairly rough water - its no deep V offshore boat, but it sounds like your needs are not offshore, so you should be GOOD

))

Bill Monroe Jr. · 03-20-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxer

I would check out Willie too.

They are only an hour or two away from Eugene... Hard to beat a Willie. They have some deals right now too that are really worth lookin into...

Either way you go though, sounds like you have a good idea as to what you are lookin for! Good luck in your search.

Bill Monroe Jr.

SummitOne · 03-20-2009, 08:32 AM

If you have narrowed it down to either North River or Koffler, I would buy the Koffler. Both are good boats, but personally I like the hull structure and stringer system better in the Koffler. My

jfa686 · 03-20-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummitOne

If you have narrowed it down to either North River or Koffler, I would buy the Koffler. Both are good boats, but personally I like the hull structure and stringer system better in the Koffler. My

A-Boss · 03-21-2009, 09:58 AM

I was in the market for an 18' foot open sled a couple years ago. Originally, I kind of discounted Koffler because I figured they'd be more than a factory boat. However, a couple years before Joe had custom made me a port side release anchor bracket for my db. I couldn't believe the service I got on that. We had to modify the first revision a bit to get it to work and through the whole process Joe treated me like I was his number one customer. All this on a part I can't see how he made a profit on.

I figured getting service that good on something that small spoke pretty well for the kind of service you'd get when you actually spent some money. So I gave them a call and it turned out I could actually get more boat for my money than I would of with a factory boat (Alumaweld, North River). Plus the customer service was Top Notch as expected, they will really work with you to make sure you get the exact boat you want.

Living in Eugene its pretty much a no-brainer which boat you should get. Koffler.