Boat Selection

[Buck Rub Jr]

Looking to get my first drift boat here soon and was curious on any opinions here. I’m having trouble deciding on getting a willie or clack. I was 100% sold on a willies but now I am back on the fence. I’m looking to get a 17 x 60 and if I go aluminum leaning towards a UHMW bottom. So what are your guys thoughts? 17 ft aluminum or 17’ glass? UHMW or coat it?

[walt]

I went with a Willie 16x54 and have no regrets after 15 years.  I have rowed a bunch of clacks too and they are great; quiet, comfortable, easy to get in and out... but I'm lazy when it comes to maintenance.  A lot will depend on what rivers you plan to fish and how it will be stored.  My Willie is bomb proof and I like how easy it is to move seats/benches around to fit the day or excursion.  I mainly use it on inland rivers in WA, OR, ID, and MT.  I'm happy to answer any questions and I'm always up for a float if you're in the area and want to give it a spin.

[Buck Rub Jr]

I went with a Willie 16x54 and have no regrets after 15 years.  I have rowed a bunch of clacks too and they are great; quiet, comfortable, easy to get in and out... but I'm lazy when it comes to maintenance.  A lot will depend on what rivers you plan to fish and how it will be stored.  My Willie is bomb proof and I like how easy it is to move seats/benches around to fit the day or excursion.  I mainly use it on inland rivers in WA, OR, ID, and MT.  I'm happy to answer any questions and I'm always up for a float if you're in the area and want to give it a spin.

I will let you know if I’m in the area, that’s be cool. I really appreciate it! Thank you!

[Ironhead]

Another vote for the Willies boat, they really are extremely durable. Tin boats are noisier , colder and tougher to get in and out of. Glass boats not nearly as durable need to be under cover when stored and pretty tough to shove one of the side of the highway to launch with out damage.

[7mmfan]

Like others have said, pro's to aluminum include: durability, low maintenance. Cons include: more difficult to get in and out of, cold in the winter, hot in the summer, noisy, heavy, sticky on rocks (UHMW bottom helps immensely).

Glass boat pros: lighter, easier in and out, slide well over rocks, warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Cons: more maintenance, less durable long term.

They do not need to stored under cover. I've got a 16' Hyde that I've owned since 2009 and lives outside, often without it's cover on. No issues.

Glass boats are by no means weak, or not durable. I've used and abused mine. Slid it down cliffs to launch or down long overgrown rocky trails. Does the side get scratched? Yeah, but it's a boat. It gets used as a tool because that's what it is. The aluminum boat will scratch and ding too. The bottoms can be recoated. A UHMW bottom on an aluminum boat will need work at some point too.

It will mainly depend on how you're going to fish, where you're going to fish, and what your expectation for longevity and aesthetics are. If this is the only boat that you're ever going to buy, and you're going to fish Puget Sound and coastal rivers mainly, a Willie is a great choice. If you're going to fish the eastside in the summer, or fly fish out of it, or fish skinnier water in general, I'd think pretty hard about a glass boat.

[Buck Rub Jr]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input. Yeah I’m going to be focusing on the sound and coastal rivers, not intending on fishing real skinny water. Hoping to have on that’ll last me for quite a while. I’m really looking forward to pulling plugs 

[7mmfan]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input. Yeah I’m going to be focusing on the sound and coastal rivers, not intending on fishing real skinny water. Hoping to have on that’ll last me for quite a while. I’m really looking forward to pulling plugs 

If you're mainly going to be pulling plugs, the aluminum boats also track better and more consistently than the glass boats. I pull plugs in my Hyde all the time, and I know guys in Clacks that do too, but I can say, a sharp chined aluminum boat cuts water like nothing else. Get one with the level floor systems and pedestal seat in the back so you can switch gears to side drifting whenever you want.

[PolarBear]

I had a Willie years back but now fish out of a Clackacraft and won't be going back to an aluminum.  Love the flex of the bottom and the tracking.

[Machias]

Looks like there is a brand new drift boat for sale in the HuntWa classified section right now. 

[jackelope]

Looks like there is a brand new drift boat for sale in the HuntWa classified section right now. 

That thing is a monster! 18'!!

[ctwiggs1]

This thread has renewed my frustration at having never fished out of a drift boat.  I have got to try that this winter.

[Henrydog]

I had a old Willie and it was a very well built boat.  I have been in a friend Clacka a couple of time and rowed it as well.  Clacka was easier to turn in my opinion.   The only downside with owning a drift boat is you normally are the one behind the oars when everyone else fishes and the 2 trucks of arranging a shuttle is a pain in the butt.  That said there is no better way to fish a river.

[walt]

The only downside with owning a drift boat is you normally are the one behind the oars when everyone else fishes and the 2 trucks of arranging a shuttle is a pain in the butt.  That said there is no better way to fish a river.

Most of the time I'd rather row than fish.  I like putting people on fish and showing off my skills on the sticks...maybe I have control issues.    Definitely agree there is no better way to fish a river.

[jackelope]

The only downside with owning a drift boat is you normally are the one behind the oars when everyone else fishes and the 2 trucks of arranging a shuttle is a pain in the butt.  That said there is no better way to fish a river.

Most of the time I'd rather row than fish.  I like putting people on fish and showing off my skills on the sticks...maybe I have control issues.    Definitely agree there is no better way to fish a river.

Same.