First Boat Purchase - Willie Drifter

Heatmiser · 07-09-2005, 11:03 AM

My wife and I recently refinanced our home and took $3,000 cash out for our first boat purchase. Amazingly, this only increased our mortgage payment about $7 a month! Sure beats a $40+ payment. Plus, I keep the title - not the bank.

I wanted to find a boat that we could use for crabbing the bays, fishing kokanee, fishing the MC, and tribs above Bonny. Taking into consideration the advice of several ifishers, I decided that a drift boat could do all of these things, plus rivers (EFL, NFL, Kalama, Cowlitz, Washougal, Chehalis, and the Hump).

Prior to this, I was considering a v-bottom aluminum boat, the kind that marinas rent out for weekenders. When it came down to it, the drift boat was just more versatile. Yeah, it wsa more expensive, and it will be slower on lakes and rivers. But on the other hand, it will be more stable, more versatile, and probably more fun.

I have always read that you need to have cash in hand when one of these puppies comes along. So I had the cash waiting for the perfect boat. Then I saw it. A Willie boat for sell in Thursday's Oregonian. I called and got the basic information, and headed over to the guy's house pronto. So I get over there, and I knew that I was going to buy her after about five seconds! Gave the man his cash and brought home my new baby.

Here's what was included for $3,100.00

1998 Willie drift boat
1998 painted Baker trailer
Three sliding rod holder brackets that clamp onto rubber gunnel guard
Three Scotty rod holders
Three padded, fold-down-type seats
Dierks aluminum anchor pullies on bow and stern
Side anchor pully system
40' anchor rope with 25# pyramid anchor
20'rope for launching
Two Sawyer oars with rope wraps and with oar rights (not pictured)
Rod stand near bow

An 8-10hp motor will be needed in the next few months

.

I bought a few ifish stickers months ago in anticipation for a future purchase. Stickers are now on!

Now I just have to figure out how to row the darn thing! I have rowed a pontoon boat before, and I have read Driftboats: A Complete Guide several times. Aside from this limited experience and knowledge, what advice would those of you who own or who have owned drift boats give to me?

ampersat · 07-09-2005, 11:08 AM

Nice looking ride there, Heatmiser! You'll have loads of fun with that.

PGJPJ · 07-09-2005, 11:15 AM

Right on! Looks like a load of fun.

My father-in-law has a drift boat with a little 8hp Honda motor. It's easy to take on and off, and it's a really versatile set-up.

Pete · 07-09-2005, 11:22 AM

Start on small water to develop your confidence.

Point towards things you don't want to hit and pull!

Keep an eye on that trailer. Painted trailers rust from the inside out. Keep the hubs lubed.

Try to store the boat out of the sun to preserve the gunnel guards and rower's seat.

Think about a longer anchor rope. If you ever get the anchor stuck when you're in current, it's nice to have enough rope to get to the bank. From there, you can loop another rope over the anchor rope and walk upstream to possibly free your anchor.

Keep your eyes open for a deal on a third oar. If you ever break an oar, having a third on board is a nice comfort. Short of that, some helicopter tape in the storage box will give you a chance to splint a break.

Have fun! There's nothing like a Willie drift boat!

Grantspastor · 07-09-2005, 11:47 AM

Great boat! You should get many years of enjoyment out of it. One suggestion from a 40 year drift boater is to take off the Oar Rites, unless you have them far enough up the shank that they don't come into play when you're rowing. You'll find that it's important to be able to feather the oars. If they are just to stablize the oars when you're at anchor, no problem

Riverteeth · 07-12-2005, 10:24 AM

Here's some other thoughts:
DON'T get the cheapest PFD you can get. I f you want to be comfortable, get one desigend for Canoe/kayak use. Very nice compared to the stadard PFD. It will keep you a lot cooler as well.
Check the Gluv-it on the bottom-- Does it need recoating?
Get a small hand pump to get the water out of the boat that eventually slops in.

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

LuckySteelhead · 07-12-2005, 10:44 AM

Thats a boat that will last 50 years or more. Sounds like you'll be on the Lewis real soon. but like another guy said, watch for rust on the trailer.

LuckySteelhead · 07-12-2005, 10:53 AM

When you are old and grey someday, you will be sitting somewhere in a bar saying

"Willies..., they done make em like they use tah

rock bottom · 07-12-2005, 11:14 AM

Great choice. I have had mine for 11 years now and if I ever see the need for another it will be a willie for sure maybe a few feet longer but no question on brand. I second the comment on the oar rites, mine were on for about two strokes and I pulled over and took them off. Looks like you will be in the market for a side mount stern anchor as well when you get ready to mount that motor. Like someone above said always point your nose at danger and PULL I have seen alot of newer people on the sticks row forward to avoid something, this is a big mistake you can get into trouble in a hurry so dont fall into this bad habit. Most of all get out there and enjoy that boat.

Fisherfield · 07-12-2005, 11:24 AM

Get it wet...and if you are heading towards danger....point your nose at it and row away, row away.

I know of a guy selling a 8hp short shaft 2stroke for $450

EZ Limits · 07-12-2005, 11:36 AM

Nice looking boat. Have a great time. Start with some real easy water. I found rowing a drifter to be like bike riding - at first you need to think about every stroke, but then it comes naturally. When you hit that point you can try the more difficult water.

wootersen · 07-12-2005, 12:31 PM

You dun good....That's a fine lookin' vessel.

Heatmiser · 07-12-2005, 12:48 PM

Thanks all for the great advice! I am really looking forward to getting this boat wet, but I am also a little nervous about screwing up and dumping the boat.

I am planning on taking the boat to Battle Ground Lake to get more familiar with boat. I had to learn the hard way about pointing the bow at danger and pulling away when I was learning how to row a cataraft down the East Fork Lewis a few years ago :blush: .

Unfortunately, the boat will have to be stored outside. I need to look into getting a fabric cover for the boat. Any ideas on what these cost and how effective they work?

Pete, great advice on the anchor rope. The rope that came with the boat is actually much longer than I originally thought &#8211; 65ft. I do like your idea of having extra rope on board to loop to the anchor rope if needed.

Sounds like the oar rights need to come off? The oars also have the rubber stoppers on them so that they do not fall out of the oarlocks. Too, they have a strap with &#8220;O&#8221; rings that attach to the oar and the oarlock. Should these stay? I had them on my cataraft and was told by white water raft guys to just carry a knife in case this strap needs to be cut off in an emergency.

As far as a PFD, I have a Mustang CO2 inflatable. Got this for the cataraft. Much lighter and less bulky. The guy that I bought the boat from just recoated the bottom hull with Glove-it 2 weeks ago. Looks like new! He said that this is the second coat. He kind of did a sloppy job in places because Glove-it &#8220;drips&#8221; are on the sides of the boat. What&#8217;s the best way to remove these drips?

As far as a motor, I would like to get either an 8 or 9.9 Mercury, Honda, or Yamaha in the next several months. Possibly after a tax refund next March unless a screaming deal comes along. What would you all recommend? I know I need a long shaft, but would you recommend a 2-stroke (weighs less) or 4-stroke (cleaner)?

Thanks again for all of your advice!

Heatmiser

hotslam · 07-12-2005, 01:21 PM

Nice boat! great price, throw the oar rites away, gluvit drips dont hurt a thing!

you should not worry so much about the maint, of an alum drifter! they are made to beat. they take a likin and keep on floatin

hotslamaramadingdong

STRIKE ZONE · 07-12-2005, 02:48 PM

You got a real good price on that boat with what you got.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

rock bottom · 07-12-2005, 02:57 PM

From my last gluv it experience you cant get the drips off of the sides with out scratching the heck out of the aluminum. My opinion would be the four stroke. I have a 7.5 honda and it is clean low maint. which = more time on water.

rowmanholiday · 07-12-2005, 03:12 PM

After you floated around Battleground Lake for awhile and start to get bored, try the NF Lewis from the Salmon hatchery to either the golf course or the Island boat ramp. No serious water there and you can learn how to row with and against a current. I know I should have probably went to a lake when I first bought mine, but no, I had to go down the Washougal. Made it safely, but didn't realize how well those drift boats go down the river (backwards, sideways, and from time to time bow first). I've had mine about 10 years and I just love it. The boat itself is about 25 years old and still in good shape. A little care goes along way with an aluminum drift boat. If you enjoy fishing and being out on the water in a peacful setting as much as it sounds like you do, you're going to have many years of enjoyment. When I want relaxed fishing, I float the smaller rivers where jets don't or aren't allowed to go. As for the price, man you got a good deal. My neighbor just sold his for $4,400.00 and it was comparably equiped to yours.

Good luck and good fishing!!!

SeanD · 07-12-2005, 04:21 PM

I would leave the oar rites on. They were a good training tool for me I think, and after I got used to rowing I moved them up all the way to the top of the wraps. That way they hold your oars w the blades vertical on anchor, and they arent in the way during rowing. Nice Boat

KChookem · 07-12-2005, 05:35 PM

Congratulations Heatmiser ! Willies are great boats !!

Since you've rowed a pontoon before, you'll quickly get the hang of a driftboat. As long as you do not hit something broadside going through fast water, Willie DB's are very durable. Besides, at some point in a riffle or rapids, the current is going to take you where it wants to, and it may be best not to fight it.

You will find that you can row easier if your front passenger(s) are balanced, but your sliding front seats make that an easy adjustment.

Re Boat Cover - For inexpensive, you can purchase a big tarp at CostCo, and stretch it over a couple of 2x4's strung from bow to stern. Not pretty, but very effective.

Re 3rd Oar - Gi Joes carries a Carisle Break-down oar that can be trimmed a bit to fit in your front seat storage (and thereby out from underfoot) - at least I could for my Willie. In my poorer days, I made one out of plywood that I laminated together.

Re Launching & Retrieval and your wheel bearings - Mostly likely, you will never need to get your tires in the water when launching, unlike a standard motor boat, so why get your axle bearings, fenders and trailer unnecessarily wet, especially in saltwater? Do be careful when launching because a DB can come off the trailer very fast, and scoot on down the river if someone does not have a good hold on a bow rope.

Re your bow anchor roller - looks like there is a bolt above the wheel. Unless the bolt is needed for structural support (not likely), it would be in my way when I want to lift the anchor in or out of the boat.

Re Fish Box - looks like there is a slot for one to slide in & out under the rowing seat. A fish box is a very nice convenience to have in a drift boat.

Re Spare Tire - might as well start looking for an inexpensive spare tire. If you have one, you will never need it.

Grantspastor · 07-13-2005, 06:43 AM

I'd lose the straps that hold the oars to the oarlocks. Oars float and can be retrieved if they pop out. One thing that is mandatory is a third oar for backup. I have had to resport the the backup oar quite a few times over the years, and inn each case it would have been bad if one were not present. Doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive match to your good oars, but should be the same length

Steel Neurosis · 07-13-2005, 07:27 AM

Congrats!

You have the right idea to get started...go to a lake and just row around for awhile. Get used to making the boat change directions, doing 360's, etc. The 360 is a great move to get you un-stuck off of the rock when you do hit it (and if you fish rivers sooner or late you will get stuck on one..happens to everyone).

You mention that you have a toon, so maybe you are familiar with a couple local rivers? If not, be sure to take along someone that is experienced with that water and can let you know of the dangers BEFORE you get to them...plan ahead...and never be afraid to beach the boat and walk down the bank checking out waters ahead. Conservative, yes, but much better than crackering your new craft on a bar or boulder that could easily have been avoided if you knew it was there ahead of time.

I'm sure one of the other Ifisher's in your area would be glad to go with you, maybe 2 boats, and do a drift. Don't cry when you smack your first rock...it's gonna happen...but Willie's are tough boats, and it's all part of fishing!

Have fun!!!

Mike

Steel Neurosis · 07-13-2005, 07:29 AM

LOL!!! Looks like we all said about the same thing, and at the same time...

IT's all good advice...;-)

Mike

Rubber Robin · 07-13-2005, 12:55 PM

Congrats! You just purchased the best type of all round boat that you could want. You will get many great years out of this. Sounds like you got a great deal too considering the price of new boats now days.

Like SeanD said, Don't throw away the oar rites. They are very useful when you are on anchor for holding your oars vertically in the water. It helps reduce sway.

Rowing in a lake is a good way to get comfortable. You will get bored with that fast but definitely practice the 360 deg. spin and rowing forwards and backwards. You will find that pulling on the oars is much easier than pushing the oars.

Rule#1 in a river is to point your bow at the bad stuff and pull away with the oars. Always remember this!!!!!

It sounds like everybody else has added all the key points.
Get out there and enjoy your boat!!!!