Inexpensive Drifter

Pescadote · 02-21-2005, 02:10 PM

Any recommendation on purchasing a drift boat?

I grew up fishing for Kokanee and trout on my Dad's powerboat, but I don't have much experience at all fishing from a drift boat. I went on a guided trip on the South Santiam in a drift boat last June and had a blast.

I live in Salem and would like to be able to use it to do some drifting on the North and South Santiam and the Nestucca. I would also like to be able to take my three kids up to do some lake fishing on smaller lakes like Clear Lake.

Is it an impossible idea to think that I could get into this for around $1,500? I just don't want to sink a big chunk of change into something that I don't have any experience in.

Thoughts on aluminum versus fiberglass? Is a wood boat out of the question? There is a wood drifter advertised in the Oregonian for $750.

Thanks for your input.

BloodNtheboat · 02-21-2005, 02:50 PM

Do a search on driftboats here on i fish, and you will see alot of debate on alum. VS Glass. I just purchased an alumweld, and did not have any experience rowing a drift boat, I have since drifted a few easy drifts, and its really not as hard as it seems, If i were you i would think about spending a little more and get into a used alumanum boat. not cuase i got any thing against glass boats, but aluminum drift boats are not a bad investment, you can usually sell an alum. boat for almost as much as you bought it for (if you buy used) they just dont wear out. 1,500 will get you into a used glass boat, but you might be hard pressed to find a metal one for that price. I dont think you would want a wood one, for the sole fact that you WILL hit rocks and beat up you first drift boat. Just some thoughts from someone who was in your shoes a month ago.

The Stallion · 02-21-2005, 03:16 PM

There was/is a wood drift boat in the nickel ads a week or two ago for $350. Might be worth checking out.

Broknt · 02-21-2005, 03:21 PM

i personally have rowed wood fiberglass and aluminum boats and all rowed good except wood was really heavy. i have had a fiberglass boat that was purchased for me since i was 14 years old and i love it. the nice thing about fiberglass is when you hit a rick it doesnt dent and make a loud noise. also i like it cause when you go over a rock the bottom flexes and tha allows your boat to slide over the rock and not get hung up. so as a person thats new to the drift boat world id suggest a fiberglass cause lets face it your going to be hitting alot of rocks. the fiberglass boat wil allow you to make mistakes without getting stuck.

husker · 02-21-2005, 03:51 PM

i got a 14' aluminum for 1400 last year....take your time and look around....i found that wood boats were cheaper however4 they require more maintenance..your choice however

bobross · 02-21-2005, 04:30 PM

I have owned aluminum and glass drift boats for many years. Both are good. Aluminum = less maintenance and more durability, but more cost. Glass= quieter, a little more maintenance and a little less durability and a little cheaper. Frankly, the trailer may be more critical. I have gone thru several trailers for each drift boat.
the important thing is to get in one and start rowing. As a beginner, it may make more sense to get a cheap woodie and accept the fact that its goinng to get beat up a little as you learn. then, with experience, you will figure out what you really need for the ideal setup, andhave time to find that perfect deal. Let's face it, you are not going to have only one boat for life, so get in cheap and get some experience, and trade up. Although, if you can afford it, alum would be my first choice, simply for the lack of maintencne.
the drift boat is very versatile and can get a lot of fishing. Not only the rivers it was designed for, but with a kicker, you can go a lot of places. I have caught salmon at Buoy 10, fished around in the sea of Cortez, and used it for duck hunting. Have fun.

River-Dweller · 02-21-2005, 04:57 PM

Bobross is right. get a cheap wood drift-boat. find out what you like to do and where you like to go. Then go from there. I have a wood drift-boat and I love it but I am constantly painting or working on it. I love it and it gets me around the rivers, resevoirs, and lakes to do what I want. I would like a mor durable boat, because when you drift from 5 and 1/2 bridge down it is gonna hit rocks. The rocks are far too hard on a wood boat.

RD

my two cents

Pescadote · 02-21-2005, 09:03 PM

Wow, thanks a lot for the replies; I appreciate all of your advice!

Gopher · 02-22-2005, 08:29 AM

The comments have been excellent regarding the considerations of aluminum vs. fiberglass. I have a glass boat and really like it for some of the reasons mentioned. If you consider wood, thing about a way to keep it garaged or covered and it will require less maintenance. A drift boat in general makes an excellent platform for teaching the younger ones to fish as they are real stable. Good luck and tight lines

one ear dog · 02-22-2005, 09:04 AM

I bought a wood drift boat back a long time ago which I still have and learned to take care of it as I went ---even remodeled and epoxied as time and $ allowed then when more money came availabe to buy (cash) a sled I did that --- then recently I bought a alum drift boat (easier to take care of) --- I have never regreted buying small and working up--- and the little jade green drifter I started with is recognized in a lot of water as a fish catching machine

--- jim h

hotslam · 02-22-2005, 09:19 AM

there is a 14ft koffler thats loaded that has been in the adds here on ifish a couple weeks ago for 1600$ they are awesome drifters! my 17 ft koffler is a sweet ride that is easy rowing and sweet to fish out of with no upkeep! check it out? hotslam

andy-ap emerger · 02-22-2005, 11:27 AM

patience is the key.

I just sold a 16ft alum DB for 900.00.
It had a side anchor system, cup holders, 3 rod holders, dry box, 3 oars & a decent trailer. But, Good deals do pop up every so often, when they do, don't wait around. Be the first to call & preferably first to see it.

FastAction · 02-22-2005, 11:29 AM

My opionion is to buy whatever you can afford....if its functional and you have 1500$ buy it..

For the records.. I beat up my boat WAY more now than I ever did starting out...since I fish those hard to reach\launch holes.. so I call BS on a newbie beating up boats...

Fish hard!