Does anybody have a 12 or 14 Willies???? I'd also like to know how these little boats perform. Give me your thoughts on there ability to get the job done on our coastal streams. Thanks!!

Can't say I know too much about the smaller Willies but Thor Built is making a new wide-bottom boat that is about 14' long with a ton of fishing space in it. There pretty sweet little boats. E-mail me if you want details. Justin

A good friend of mine has a 14 willie. I rowed it a couple of times and it was great. You can stop the sucker on a dime. It is a little less stable than ny 17 footer, but it sure does stop and turn a lot quicker. Nice boat for 2 guys, espicially if neither is espicially big

I have rowed both- 16' and 14'and I just bought a 14' Willie four weeks ago. Like you it sounded like a good idea, I am always looking for "the bigger and better deal". (the BBD for short) After three drifts, I still like it... However they don't row that much better than a 16'. The overall weight savings is less than 30 pounds. This boat does turn on a dime and plugs well, but with the narrower floor, it draws more water which is painfully obvious in every tailout. The narrow floor also makes the boat prone to list if your passenger isn't centered. Forget putting two up front! The front seating is way too small. Also, the front knee locks are too low to be effective ( they are mid-shin if you are taller than 5'8") and there isn't enough room under the front tray to tuck your boots. I'll keep mine for awhile but would not recommend a 14' to anyone else.

Sorry
JTD

I just sold a 14ft boat. Go for the 16ft. Even if you fish by yourself you will be better off. The 16x54 Willie comes up out of the water so much faster than a 14 it is unbelievable. Much easier to row. Another thing about smaller boats is they require a lot of finesse when pulling plugs because they react much quicker to every oar input. If you're afraid of the weight of launching a 16 by yourself put some UHMW on your trailer bunks and it will launch itself. Re-Sale of a 16ft will be much quicker as well.

I started with a 14 ft aluminum boat, and everything the other guys said is true.
Then I bought a 17'glass boat with a 48" bottom, used, and I still have the same problems with balance and draft. It does hold better, and doesnt react so quickly to the oars, but I'm still not satisfied.
I'm in the market again, this time for a 16' x 54" boat, and I hope that will end the search.

Just another 2cents worth for consideration.

Hey Sauk,

Does thor built have a webpage? or an email contact?

Thanks

Stadle

Stadle I e-mailed you the contact person that Justin turned me onto. His name is Joe and he was very helpful, and quick to respond. Hope this helps....fishaday

fishaday I have rowed many. Now own a 16' wide guide modle made by Koffler very nice boat. I just think you may out grow the 14' real quick. You will be suprised how many friends turn into "fishermen" when you get the new boat. Also the weight differance between the 14' and 16' is not much . Just something to think about.

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dank
Keep The Rivers Clean!