Comments on Lavro DB

danger · 12-18-2003, 09:59 AM

Was looking at an ad for one online and wondered if you guys had some input on durability, fishability, models and anything else.

PS what is going price for one in decent shape?

Thanks,
Dan(ger)

Hooker · 12-18-2003, 10:20 AM

Danger,

I own a 16' Slide-Rite. I was told that Lavro pretty much made the boat. I think that you will really be impressed with how easy they are to row. As for durablity, no issues. In fact, they ae designed for rocky NW rivers. They have been making boats over 20 years. I would visit Lavro's web site. Reasonable prices too.

Wet_Willy · 12-18-2003, 10:28 AM

Lavro boats are just about indestructible. At a boat show a number of years ago they had a video running at their booth where they dropped one of their boats from about 15-20' in the air onto concrete with just a few scratches. Then the video goes on to show them taking a boat over an embankment across bowling ball sized river rock to the rivers edge. Durability is not an issue. If I didn't like my boat so much, they would be on my list of boats to consider...I'm not quite ready to go fiberglass..Someday maybe though.
Bill

DriftR · 12-18-2003, 10:33 AM

Owned one for many years. Loved that boat. Now have a Willie guide model. However, the Lavro was easy to handle, quiet and really is a great low water boat. I used that boat alot. Really was a nice boat fishing by yourself, light and easy to handle. Like I said in another post, never really got used to that bottom flexing. I would recommend it if the price is right and the boat is in good shape. I always had a cover over mine. Thought that it keep the uv rays from ruining the fiberglass. You'll appreciate the glass boat when the summer low water years come around.

Riverkeeper · 12-18-2003, 10:39 AM

I've got one that I think is a 1979 model year. It is great. Rows easy, easy to get in and out of the water, bounces off of rocks, just about zero maintenance necessary. It is 16 footer, and is pretty simply laid out-not many frills.

snit · 12-18-2003, 12:12 PM

I've got a old 16' "guide" (wide) model. Excellent boat, kinda heavy, but they're a good glass boat (if that's what you wnat). THere's lots of them being used all over the NW.

DollarBill · 12-18-2003, 11:45 PM

My Lavro is a 14 footer built in 1988. I kept it outside for years, covered and it still looks great. Its a good solid boat, and has a good slippery bottom, which makes low water no problem. I wish it was a 16, though. A 14 is a 2 person boat, max. The other thing is the boat doesn't have much straight line stability. When rowing down river or pulling plugs I have to keep my hands on the oars,or the boat turns immediately. Maybe a 16 wouldn't have this trait, but if I were you I would definately take a test ride.

$Bill