Drift Boat opinions...

[257 Wby Mag]

Kinda thinkin new Jim. The 17'x60'' looks pretty slick. It'll see more lake fishing, camping trips, and buck huntin trips than anything. If I wanna catch springers or summer runs, I just give Mark a call, he does everything but reel em in for ya! grin...

I saw that Thorbuilt too, good lookin boat. I know John used to build nice stuff, never heard how Dean and Mike did......

[jackelope]

How about a Pavati.

[TheHunt]

I called down to Willie's for a quote and they gave me a quote of all most 11,000 dollars.  That was for a 16X54 all decked out.  For my first drift boat I think I will go the cheaper until I know what I am doing. 

I like the idea of hunting off a drift boat.  Lots of opportunities in Oregon, Wyoming and Montana for such a hunt.

[RadSav]

Been pondering a drift boat lately, whatcha think is better, glass or aluminum and why. Got my eye on Willie and Clackacraft. Thanks. Later

Hey 257,  Two outstanding boats you're looking at.  If you go Willie don't go Glovit anymore.  The new UHMW sheeting glides over rocks much better. The Willie might be the better "Hunting" boat since mounting a motor may be needed.  However, my choice for an enjoyable fishing trip is the Clack'.

Possibly no pro guide has put more hours in a Clack than Steve Flemming of Mah-Hah outfitters Fossil, OR.  You might want to give him a call if you need questions answered from a highly qualified Clack' veteran.  Book a trip with him even better. That is if you can reserve a seat. http://johndayriverfishing.com/

Can't go wrong either way.  You must have done some good homework before getting this far.

I'd like to take that Pavati for a test drive.  Looks pretty nice from the bank.

[CallMeBigPapa]

I have the UHMW bottom on my Willie. I also have the 5 spar floor up front because the 3 spar floors tunnel out real bad.

[fishcrazy]

The pavati boats are interesting. They always bring huge boats to the show. Like 20' drifters so they look like they have so much more room in them. I have pawed them over many times. After talking to one of the sales guys for some time I figured I would stick with my Willie. After all that is what he owns and fishes from.

The doors look cool but a guy can get them from Willie also. They put the first door in a drift boat back in the 80's for a handicap guy.

Kris

[RadSav]

I've seen a lot of drifters that looked awesome from the bank.  But, you have to bounce 'em against a few rocks and logs to see just what's under the deck.  So to speak. 

Clack and Willie do it all well with a reasonable price tag and a very comfortable platform.  I've seen a few on Craigs List the past few years that were extremely good deals.  Save your money on the boat and buy some "Premium Oars".  You'll be glad you did.