i would like to know about drift boats - hunting for the ultimate flyfishin boat

[jeepster]

i have been on the quest for the ultimate fly-fishing boat for a while... i love the looks of a wooden drift boat, but i dont fish the rivers much... as i just havent had much oppertunity to do so, but would love to do so...  but i was wondering

being a flat bottom boat with alot of rocker, how does a boat like that row on flat water? i understand they are made to be stable in rough rivers, but i just know myself enough that id fish it 15% on the river and 85% on the lakes..... what do you guys say about drift boats as a general purpose flyfishing platform?

[JimmyHoffa]

I use a large pontoon raft-boat.  It would work okay on flat water.  It rows fine on rivers, but trying to keep it on track while the other person is casting is difficult.  When someone casts, their weight shifts and I have to correct and get it back on track.  It can go through some crazy stuff even with an idiot like me on the oars.  I slam into rocks and trees and bounce all around doing things that would be dangerous in a driftboat, it is rated to Class V+ whitewater.  It is also easy to use when the rivers are really low, floats in shallow stuff.  And when I get stuck... just getting out will usually cause it to float, and if not--it only weighs like 250-300 lbs so I can pick it up and carry it around logs.  I can also carry it up the ramps and go put it in the truck so I don't have to deal with trailers.  Overall I would say it is great for rowing place to place, but not the best to fish from while rowing.  Just my experience.

[bass2elk]

Willies drift boats, and get a 9 HP kicker for flat water.  That should suit all your needs.

[jackelope]

Driftboats in general tend to get a little squirley on flat water.
How much do you want to spend?

Ultimate fly fishing boat can mean so many things and so many dollars.
 
I fish my driftboat on lakes all the time and nothing bothers me unless the wind really kicks up, then you'll get blown around a little.
I'd like a CLackacraft. Their bottoms and tunnel hull are designed for better tracking. Low profile is your friend in a flyfishing boat.
http://www.mountaindriftboat.com/16LP.htm

[brianb231]

I am sure that you are looking around, but I have a drift boat with extras ready to fish for sale right now if you wanna take a look?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/2215701208.html


let me know.

Brian

[jeepster]

hmm thats interesting they put a tunnel on a a drift boat... less surface area when rowing.... ingenious.

my ideal flyfishing boat doesnt have to be spendy, it doesnt even have to be new, i might even build, if its the same cost as getting a decent used boat. ive had success customizing wood boats before...who knows, i might find a project for cheap...

 i guess what im after is a dry, stable, lake/river boat for one or 2 people and the dog, that can hold gear for long weekend trips,that is easy to handle for when im out solo....i like the idea of an outboard mounted amidships to compensate for the rocker...

 basically i want the boat that does everything and goes everywhere my 20' deep v cuddycruiser cant.

[jackelope]

The other thing you might like is a Hyde skiff.
http://hydeoutdoors.com/boat/models/skiff/skiff.shtml

[Swatson]

I'm not a fly guy as I have an alumaweld but I will tell you that all the hardcore fly guys run in either a Clackacraft or Hyde!  Went to Yellowstone a few years back and spent some time on the Madison and just about ever boat was a Clackacraft or Hyde!   

[MikeWalking]

My Nephew swears by his...


 http://www.springcreekprams.com/

[CountryslickR]

Get an aluminum driftboat..you will not be sorry, aluminum boats track better, more durable.........its a never ending argument about glass vs. aluminum, but go out row a few then you'll have a better idea of what will work for you...

[jeepster]

i had a little 7.5 foot pram since i was 8 and it got stollen about 2 years ago or so, hell i fished in that thing for over 12 years, had it everywhere from the skagit to the islands, to chelan even with leaks! rebuilt it twice, and recently, right after i re-did it 110%, including purplehart trim, teak seats, and a new transom, ruby red paint job,white interior, even did the sail-conversion for it, shaped a mast so i could troll flies for coho under sail....but some jackwad swiped it from our cabin...

since then ive been wanting another, but never had/have the time or resources, but i see a new boat in the horizon in the next few months-hopefully.

http://www.gregboats.com/pages/prams.html

if i were to go with a pram, this 12footer is it, same thing as like a 14-16 drifter, but with the ends chopped off. they dont offer plans... but pretty easy to figure out... probably would be cheaper as there is less materials in a pram...


http://www.montanaboatbuilders.com/kitsplans_king.htm this site offers pretty amazing boats, no way would i every pay that much, but if i were to build, i would try to incorporate alot of thier features/stylings.

those are just the ideas i have for my dream flyfishing boat, but when the time comes, more than likely im going to get a cheap old beater to learn "what not to do" on to get me started while i build(if thats what i choose to do).... or build a bare-bones basic boat(if its the cheapest option), and down the road customise with exotic hardwoods and oil finishes.... those are my ideas.

still havent found a design im set on or sure if a mackenzie style boat is what i want. or if a wood boat is what i want... but it all depends on budget.

building is starting to look cheaper than buying.... just all ideas right now- still trying to make up my mind.

[7mmfan]

I've been a fly fishing guide for years and have a few opinions on the matter. I feel that any driftboat is going to be your most stable fishing platform for rivers or lakes. If you are going to fish on a lake more, definitely look into a low profile boat because they don't get pushed around by the wind as much. If you ever plan on having kids in the boat, plan on getting a high sided model, you won't regret it. Also if you are planning on long weekends like you said, a high sided boat will offer much more storage and stability with a load.

Since you are looking for a flyfishing specific boat, look for the ones that cater to your needs. Many manufacturers make fly fishing models with leg braces and stripping areas. Clackcraft and Hyde (my personal favorite) both offer some of the best fly fishing models you can find. Both row well. Clackacrafts have rounded chines which limit their maneuverability. The tunnel hull and gulf-stream bottom do help. Hydes are the only glass boat with squared chines which makes them the most maneuverable glass boat on the market, they are also one of the more expensive ones.

As for the material they are made of, wood boats are awesome if you are willing to put the time and effort needed into maintenance. They are beautiful and row great but aren't all that durable, especially if you use them a lot. Aluminum is the most durable but if you do a lot of fishing on the east side they are HOT in the summer and COLD in the winter. Fiberglass boats are very durable, they are all I have ever used. They slide over rocks WAY easier than aluminum, are quiet, and are more moderate temperature in varying weather conditions.

To find a used fiberglass boat in GOOD condition, you are looking in the 4k-5k price range. If you find one in good shape under that, buy it. Feel free to p.m. me with any questions you might have.

[7mmfan]

Speaking of loads, here is my boat, loaded down for an overnighter on the Yakima last year. Enough gear for 4 guests, 2 guides, the camp manager, and a black lab.

[Antlershed]

Get an aluminum driftboat..you will not be sorry, aluminum boats track better, more durable.........its a never ending argument about glass vs. aluminum, but go out row a few then you'll have a better idea of what will work for you...

Apparently you've never rowed a Clack! My 18' Clackamax rowed like a dream and tracked awesome. My cousin had a Willie and said the clack was way easier to row. Mine had the tunnel hull and dimple bottom. Sold it a while back cause I just didnt use it enough.

[TheHunt]

Willie for an aluminum or Clackacraft for a glass boat.  I think a 16 X 54 would be the ticket and what I personally target if I was buying new.   You alo need to consider resale value of the boat.

I would also suggest that you identify the rivers you are considering to float.   Who ever posted to get a Willie and a 10 hp motor was a great idea.  In the slow water you could motor your boat back up for another drift through the hole.