I have just about got the wife talked into a drift boat. When she gives me the go, what shall it be, aluminum or fiberglass, new or used, model, manufacturer? Will be fishing everything I can from the Skagit and Skykomish to the Hoh, Nooch and Sol Duc on the Oly Pen, to the Ronde in NE Oregon. Need some input. Thanks

Justin, you've been in my fishcatcher, so you already know the basics! When are you getting back in country?

I'd have Ron at Lavro in Monroe build you a new one. Twenty something layers of fiberglass and matt hand laid at the chines can handle anything to OP rivers will give you. Skips like a dream over skinny water and the rounded chines, although a little harder to track when plugging, allow you to "sh!t and git" across the river much easier than square chined boats when rowing in technical waters. Much quieter and warmer than tin boats too.

Beezer

I thought we already covered this subject. There is only one that is "Simply The Best" Willies Boats. Let me know when you figure it out with the misses and I will see what kind of a deal I can get you on one.

Please let me know how you talked your wife into a drift boat? Are you getting her diamonds for Valentines Day or what? I need to talk my wife into a drift boat.

Get any drift boat you want but there is one thing that you can not forget. TWO HEATERS one for you and one for the wife. This will make her happy when she is in the boat with you and you will like it also. I carry a 2.5 tank and it will last 40 to 60 hr's. Good luck on the type of boat there are many to choose from. All good in there own way.

Steelheadman: Join the army, get deployed to Kosovo for 6 months after being married just 3 weeks, and your wife feels sorry for you, that's how to do it. Also, 3,300 diamond ring helps out.

Pat, thanks for the info, and I was leaning towards a Willie anyway, and the Missus said around the end of July for the boat.

I did what beezer suggested, only 18 years ago, and I'm still fishin with the same boat today. There's not a bad boat out there as far as I can tell, too many excellant choices to be had. Fiberglass appealed to me for the reasons stated above. If I guided I might have gone the other way. However, I would invest in the best trailer you can buy. Its worth it and they won't last as long as the boats. Whatever you get your'e going to love it.

I got a Willie because I know for me the benefits of aluminium outweigh the plusses of 'glass. One thing I have learned about major purchases is to get the best you can with all the options you want so you don't end up dissatisfied in the long run for saving a few bucks. Whether you go with aluminium or glass, purchase from an industry leader and you won't regret your decision. Quality holds its value. Hope to see you on the water.