FishRite or Willies Driftboat

Surfnsully · 03-25-2009, 07:26 PM

Are either of these companies in financial troubles? If economics were not an issue what are everyone's thoughts about the best boat to buy? Willies or Fishrite? Does anyone have experience with either boat with the UHMW bottom? Any info would be appreciated.

FrogPond · 03-25-2009, 08:10 PM

everyone needs business right now. with that said. I own a willie, and LOVE it.

jimh · 03-25-2009, 10:10 PM

Fishrite might be cheaper, but Willies probably has better resale value. I have a UMHW on my Willies, and it works great. It is heavier but there is zero maintenance.

Rick on Rogue · 03-26-2009, 03:23 AM

They are located on the outskirts of Central Point, right across the street from each other, and I drive by them at least 2 times a day and sometimes more like 5 or 6 times. Both are open and it looks like there is activity at both locations. I am not a drift boater, but Fish Rite did the top and cover for my boat in their canvas shop. Great work and Jamie is great to deal with.

Surfnsully · 03-26-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimh

Fishrite might be cheaper, but Willies probably has better resale value. I have a UMHW on my Willies, and it works great. It is heavier but there is zero maintenance.

How does the UMHW work in low water? Is it comparable to fiberglass?

Thanks,

fifthamend · 03-26-2009, 04:30 PM

Go with the Willies.

bshiftbc · 03-29-2009, 07:26 AM

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is UMHV? I am a new drift boater and am not familiar with that term.

Surfnsully · 03-29-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshiftbc

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is UMHV? I am a new drift boater and am not familiar with that term.

It is a thin sheet of some sort of plastic that is either glued or welded on the bottom of an aluminum boat. It adds weight but is supposed to act like fiberglass in low water.

Why not just buy a clack?

Steelhead Chuck · 03-30-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfnsully

It is a thin sheet of some sort of plastic that is either glued or welded on the bottom of an aluminum boat. It adds weight but is supposed to act like fiberglass in low water.

Why not just buy a clack?

Cause there heavy, flex all over the place, you can't leave them outside, and need patching after a few years of hitting rocks.

stevo · 03-31-2009, 09:53 AM

UHMW = Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene. Milk Jugs.
Very tough material and slicker than snot when wet.

Get a Willies, then you can take photos like this:

Steelhead Chuck · 04-02-2009, 05:05 PM

try searching for drift boat reveiws online. You might look at some used boats too. bet u could get a killer deal.

fatman · 04-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshiftbc

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is UMHV? I am a new drift boater and am not familiar with that term.

It's UHMW. It's a kind of polyethylene. Google it if you really want to know what it is but it is really tough stuff. The problem is it is hard to keep on. They have to weld washers countersunk into it to keep it on the bottom. I don't think glue will hold it because glue won't stick and it expands so much that it will tear itself off. Up north they have had problems with water getting under it and freezing.

I saw a new Pavati drift boat at the Medford Sportsman show last month. They are using a bedliner material on their bottoms. I don't know much about it but I was going to call them and ask. I am looking to buy a new boat this summer when I get my taxes back. My woody is about done for.

roehoe · 04-02-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo

UHMW = Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene. Milk Jugs.
Very tough material and slicker than snot when wet.

Get a Willies, then you can take photos like this:

If that was a KOFFLER, it would be a 2 fish pic. Seriously, glovut or something along that line I would assume is preferred by most including myself. If applied right it will last a long time and keeps the weight to a minimum.