Wanting to buy a drift boat

[beagledog]

Just got a new job after being laid off for 3.5 months. Was going to buy a drift boat before I got laid off, but didn't know what work was going to be like after project I was on was over. Any ways what I'm after is something I can fish my two boys and sometimes my wife also out of the front. Been looking at pavati and clack a craft clackamax but wondering what some of you thaugt and maybe see if there is something I'm missing? Let me know what you guys think.

[huntnnw]

Cant go wrong with those..the Pavati is nice, but spendy!  Look into FishRite and Willie

[RadSav]

I'm not a big fan of metal rowers.  They are noisy and tend to really stick on the rocks and get icy fishing winters.  You can use Glovit or UHMW sheet to help, but they are already too damn heavy and stiff in my opinion.  The Clackacraft is a dream come true if you don't mind glass.  Flexes over rock, very stable, fantastic fishing platform, quiet and light weight.  I wish they had been available when I was guiding.

Steve Flemming of Mah Hah Outfitters on the John Day has been using Clackacraft almost since they came out.  I do not know anyone that puts in as many river hours as he does.  And his boats still look amazingly nice.  I'm sure he would answer any in depth questions if you wanted to give him a call. 

[carpsniperg2]

I have always liked the fishrite and the willies drifters. Check some classifieds out like on ifish there is some great deals out there.

[WSU]

Depends on where you are fishing and how you want to fish.  Willies are supposed to track better, but you may not notice the difference as it sounds like you are a novice rower?

[huntnphool]

M-ray has a nice one he has been thinking about selling, could be a win/win for both if you send him a PM.

[fish vacuum]

Lots of good deals on used drifters out there. If I was shopping for one and didn't have very specific needs, I'd just look for a good deal on a wide-bottom boat from a reputable manufacturer.

[WSU]

If you are a novice, get a used one so you won't be afraid to put the first dent in it!

[Antlershed]

I had a clackamax and it rowed like a dream and slid right over rocks  If you want to go aluminum, i would go Willie 

[windygorge]

if you like building them yourself.

http://www.spirainternational.com/hp_wood_boats.html

[beagledog]

Thanks for the info so far. the main reason I'm looking at the pavati and clackamax is so I can fish my two boys and wife out of the front while pulling plugs
Does any one on here have either of these boat?
Thanks again

[CallMeBigPapa]

I have a Lavro the for skinny stuff and a Willie when the rivers have water. Love them both!

[YoterHunter]

I'm waiting for the call that my Pavati . 17 ft Worrer is done . was told between the 12 and the 19 of October.  cant wait. 

[TheHunt]

Congrats on the Pavati those sure are a nice boat.  If you ever need a rider let me know.  I would love to ride in one and see how they operate in the water.

[YoterHunter]

I liked how they row. my wife and I went down to Oregon last month to test one out . I got to fish with Chuck. the owner of Pavati . great guy and nice boats. my informed me that i had to get arm rests on the front seats so she can kick back and relack's . the only problem is that it will be done during deer season. I told my son we will have to shot our bucks opening morning like we did 3 years ago.