Thor Built Boats.....any good???

Owner · 03-11-2004, 10:08 PM

Just wondering about peoples opinion on Thor - Built boats. Any NW aluminium boat manufacturers that you feel must be considered when buying a new boat......besides the big companies (NR, Alumiweld, etc.)?

[ 03-11-2004, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: Scared of Bears ]

SandyRiverRon · 03-12-2004, 04:33 AM

Thor Built Boats are very rugged, their profile makes them look like a Willy to me....built in Vadar, Wa they are extremely popular on the Cow and other local rivers...Remember to have very deep pockets when shopping Thor, I talked to a guy on the CR yesterday who was driving one and his ran 40K without the seats and interior goodies...now that is a bit steep but it's said you get what you pay for.

illbfish · 03-12-2004, 05:53 AM

Just personal, if I were shopping for a boat I would only consider Alumaweld, Willie Or NR. These boats have the highest resale, and sell themselves. In fact in the twenty years I have owned one of each, & in all those years I've never lost money. In fact after 5 years (500 trips) I sold it for $1,000.00 more than I paid 5 years eariler. [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

STRIKE ZONE · 03-12-2004, 06:51 AM

Thor-Built boat's are a very good boat,It's a knock off of a koffler, but lot's better.Yes you will pay some big buck's for one.I'm getting ready to order my 17' 66" sled.Mike & Dean will take care of you.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Lured In · 03-12-2004, 06:56 AM

I know of at least two off this board (Thorbuilt). I am sure the owner of the "bazoomba" boat will post up. :tongue:

I have been in it several times and it is probably the best laid out and most fishable sled I have been in. From a price standpoint, I don't believe they are that much more than you pay for a comparable boat from one of the other manufacturers.

One of the things that boats like these seem to offer, is a much more 'custom' design. From what I understand, you can basically have your own boat designed from the chine up and bow to stern.

stlhdr1 · 03-12-2004, 07:35 AM

You can't beat Thor Built and Koffler for side drifting sleds.. I've ran them all and these two boats will do wonders. I personally own a 20 x 66 Koffler and it's absolutely amazing.

Some will tell you otherwise but if you're a freak about fishing like me and want a boat that will do all conditions, you're looking at the right thing. Where they really kick the crap out of the competition is the stability and the fact they run so shallow. People will usually put their sleds away at 1200 cfs on the NF of the Lewis because it is just too shallow in most slots. Make sure to get the Delta bottom if you ever do make the move, it allows you to run 2" of water without even thinking about it... Of course you may have to do a little powerslide here and there to get over the 1" deep stuff...

As mentioned I've ran the competitors and they are tugs compared to these two. If you're out for a Columbia River boat then go with something different with a bigger V front. But be sure to go no more than a 6 degree V in the front for tributary fishing.... Actually I fish Buoy 10 and the Ocean with my 20 footer and it only has 27" sides, the fact that it floats so well and so high stops it from taking any water on. People look at you a little funny when your out there and you take a little bit of a beating in the heavy water, but I've never taken any water on....
Keith :grin:

5-Cents · 03-12-2004, 07:38 AM

Seen a few down at B-10, I dont know anything about them but they look pretty darn cool :grin:

scooby · 03-12-2004, 08:59 AM

Mike and Dean are good guys. I own one of their drift boats, and as far as price goes it was in the same range as other boats. I think the best way to determine the right boat for you is to test out the different boats. I would bet if you went and talked to Mike and Dean, Mike (who is still guiding) would arrange to take you out on the Cowlitz to see for yourself how their boats run.

ducksled · 03-12-2004, 10:39 AM

In my opinion, Stlhdr1 is right on the money with his post. I've just spent the last 4 months shopping/pricing boats, going to boat shows, test driving, etc. I was split between a Thor and a Koffler. I've been in both and liked them both. I was shopping for an 16-18' free drifting sled. I felt that Koffler and Thor were definitely superior. I don't think that there is anything wrong with the others. Just watch the prices. You can spend just as much on an Alumaweld, NR and Willie. Alumaweld, NR and Willie are a little more stock, whereas Thor and Koffler will customize for you. Their service is something to keep in mind too. Koffler is in Eugene and Thor in Vader, both are very close and have great service. I went with the Thor, as I was a bit lucky in picking up Mike's 16' boat he guided this year.

stlhdr1 · 03-12-2004, 10:59 AM

Again on another note it depends on what your favorite fishery is... I live to freedrift and is my #1 go to method for steelhead.. All around it is the deadliest when done properly. You can't beat 3-5 baits presented perfectly in a drift, undoubtedly you will hook fish if they are there. It's also the most exciting for summerruns. I've had triples 4 times while boondogging and a near quadruple once and had days where we've boated 25-35 summer fish.

All in all the point I'm making is your gear (including boat) make a huge difference in your success rate. The Koffler and Thor drift the straightest and float the shallowest which in return makes for easy adjustments while freedrifting or back trolling in any sort of boily currents. There are a lot of people out there that have seen the success that I've had and a majority of it is bait and skill but the boat makes a huge difference in those tighter shallower slots and allows you to stay further off the fish.. If you're on the fish in lower waters, you won't be catching...
Keith :grin: [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Owner · 03-12-2004, 10:31 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I saw a beautiful 21-23 foot sled Thursday and thought it looked amazing and had to know more about it. For the time being I should probably set my sights and my wallet a lot lower

. Thanks again

SOB

Tilla · 03-12-2004, 10:47 PM

I guess a few of you have been waiting for me to respond to the Thorbuilt question.

If you want a production sled, you got all your popular choices.
But,if you wanna fish....well....!

Thumper · 03-13-2004, 02:43 AM

Tilla's Bazooba boat is the ticket for boondogging. And you can land a plane on it if necessary too. That baby is HUGE! :tongue:

HntnFsh · 03-13-2004, 07:56 AM

Cmon,Vader???,lets say Toledo!!!. :grin: Great boats though