I am getting ready to purchase my first DB, an aluminum one. Being new to this type of boat and not knowing anyone that owns one I was hoping to get some advice from board members here. What should I be looking for, both good and bad? I'm leaning towards either a 16ft. Willie or an Alumaweld. Are there other alum. boats that I should consider?

Any advice will be appreciated...

Know that I would be more than happy to be a guest on your new boat...let me know when you get broke in on the sticks!

I own a Lavro...so I can't help you with suggestions on an aluminum boat but will be more than happy to point out a few good starter rivers for you.

Taking it easy until you get familiar with your new boat is something that I and I'm sure others would highly recommend. In time build your confidence to a higher level by gradually exploring more difficult water. Good luck and most of all be safe. When in doubt it never hurts to wait for someone else to lead the way first or simply beach it and walk it around if possible.

While learning your boat..in favorable water...work your oars to see how your boat reacts to certain maneuvers. In time you will be amazed by what moves you can make once you feel more at ease on them!

FJ...out.

I would look at the bottom to see what condition the gluvit (the coating on the bottom that helps the boat slide over the rocks) is in. While you are down there I would also look at the bottom and make sure that the bottom is still flat. Many times boats that have been used on rivers with alot of rapids will be bent, or tunneled in the middle. Check the chines for dents, and cracks in the welds. I would also check around the anchor bracket for cracks.

If the boat comes with wood oars check the tips of the blades. Many times they will put rubber tip protectors on them. This is a great place for rot to hide. I would also look at the oar locks just to make sure they still fit tightly into the polyehtelene blocks.

Hope this helps.

I have had five drift boats, all of which were purchased used. I agree with the previous reply that the bottom of the boat will show any prior damage and dents will effect tracking and drag. The coating itself is cheap, easy to replace and should be replaced every one or two years anyways. Check the welds on the inside of the boat and the added components. Anchor pulleys/ locks, anchor rope, oar wrappings/ blades etc. Aluminum is impervious to weatherization so if the style of boat suits you other than the condition of the interior/ exterior paint there isn't much to see. I would check out the trailer more thoroughly though. Logging roads take their toll on trailers and that is a third of the value of the package. Does the trailer have a spare? Tires in good shape? Winch? Rear roller?
For the record, I have owned two Alumawelds and one Willies. There is no comparison in my mind, Willies perform much better! Good luck.

Personally I found my Willie rowed good when it was flat. It rowed worse after a few dents in the bottom. Once the bottom finally tunneled out It rowed and tracked very very well in fact better than new. I even got under their and helped it once I started to notice the tunnel effect was making life easier. Also your Coat-it and Gluv-it will stay on much easier once the Aluminium gets to the point it is not flexing as much from new dents.

I wouldn't put much emphasis into the bottom unless their was never any coat-it on their and it looked really bad. I would be wondering how much aluminum would be left. Personally I won't buy a new boat again unless I was getting a uhmw bottom. waiting for my boat to tunel out took way to long.

All the above have great suggestions, especially looking at the trailer. Shuttle drivers and gravle roads can be *ell on trailers. My main suggestion would be to look at a 17' instead of a 16'. Sure you may spend a few more $$$, but in the end you will be much happier. More room (for all the friends you are bound to make ) and will row easier for you. Just a thought.

You can't go wrong with a good aluminum drift boat. The Willie and Alumiweld that you are interested in are among the best. If taken good care of those boats can last a lifetime. I would also look for any tiny cracks in the welds especially along the chine where dents have occured. Make sure the transom is in good condition and stick a 10 horse kicker on there.

Wider is better. I have a 17' Koffler with a 54" bottom. I received input from many friends before I bought this boat. There is a lot more room in a 54" bottom than the 48" bottom. It is also much more stable. I wouldn't be extremely concerned with getting a 17' vs 16' but I would definately look for the wide bottom boats.

I bought a used boat, so I could learn the sticks, without worrying about putting in the first dent. Couldn't be happier with my choice.