I know this questions has been asked before, but I can't find the post. I'm looking at getting a drift boat. I will be mostly fishing rivers the size of the Kalama, EF Lewis and lakes. Does anyone have any suggestions. Right now I'm considering Hyde and Lavro/Lazy-drifter.

Take a short drive down to Clackamas, Oregon and go look at the Clackacraft Drift Boats. Their new Tunnel Hull design is great. It's a super easy boat to row in the current, and tracks beautifully. Going south on I-205, take exit 12A, head east about 3 miles and it's on your left. Bruce Bell is the owner and one heck of a nice guy. Take a look at their website:
http://www.clackacraft.com

I would also suggest Clackacraft, I've rowed wood, fiberglass and Aluminum and my Clack. was easily the nicest rowing, and best handling of the bunch. My boat was a standard hull, 16'x54", wish I still had it.

If you decide to go fiberglass, stick with Lavro. There is a reason they give a lifetime warranty.
www.lavroboats.com

Talk to Mike or Dean at Thorbuilt boats, I have had 3 of there driftboats and they are simply awesome !!!!
360-864-8900

Peace Superfly

Superfly says simply awesome...

I say "Simply the Best" Willie Boats

I own a Lavro/Lazy Drifter and love it. You get a lot more fiberglass in the critical areas, espically the chines where all the abuse occurs. I have ridden in a Hyde and they have lower sides which makes it easier for kids and grannys to get in and out of the boat. Maybe the rivers/lakes your going to fish won't require a more duriable boat but for a few extra dollars I wouldn't skimp.

Beezer

Feel Free To Shop All you want . WHEN YOUR READY FOR THE BEST DEAL ON A QUALITY DRIFTER CALL DOUGS FOR A DIAMOND BACK DRIFTER> ALL WELDED< BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK> (800)215-DOUG

Grass Hopper you were not kidding about a good deal, talk about a loaded package for a good price! I have it narrowed down to a D-Back and Lavro/Lazy-Drifter. I'm leaning towards the Lazy-drifter mostly because of the price. It's a no thrills quality boat with out a lot of options, but it fits in my price range. Thanks for everyones input.

I have the Lavro...can't go wrong!

FJ...out.

Lavro all the way...

I have floated in one several times and will be getting mine very soon.

If you decide on a metal boat, GO WHITH THE BEST...THOR!!!

If you decide on a fiberglass boat, GO WITH THE BEST....LAVRO!!! They are silent running, warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.

"I LOVE MY LAVRO"

Cigar

In my opinion, with a topic like this,fishers will recommend what they own, or what they fish in. In fact, most builders put out a very good product. I would focus on where you are fishing and what you want your boat to do. On the E. Lewis, Kalama and Washougal, you can be dealing with skinny water and rocks everywhere, but not much serious white water. A 14' x 48" boat is nice if you fish solo or with 1 other person and at about 240 pounds, you have options to put in and take out at unimproved places. A larger boat, 16' x 54 or so is probably better if you fish 3 persons, and even with 1 or 2, you will draw less water and hit fewer rocks. Also, the longer waterline length rows faster and easier. Glass is much quieter but aluminum is maintenance proof. Also in my opinion, the fewer options you have, the better. Light boats handle better and simple/clean hulls row better and are much safer in event of an accident. As for brand names, all the majors are fine. Look for someone near you that can do the occasional chine repair, etc. Hope this helps.

i just purchased hyde driftboat i truly believe its the nicest boat out there i do both fly fishing and steelhead and salmon its made more for fly fishing with the stand brace in the front and back but it works great for both good luck

I agree with TH, go with the Willie and get the wide bottom and a set of Cataract oars. The boat will last forever, rows great and has great resale value.

Question for the Lavro owners, or any other glass owners with boats with rounded chines....do you feel the boat tracks OK at anchor when plugging, or when drifting in a cross wind? That's been one of my concerns, based mostly on what people have said in this and other forums.

Skywalker, on anchor the rounded chines will allow the boat to swing but its only really noticeable in heavy current. You can solve this problem with a set of oar rites. Most use the oar rites only when anchored to keep the boat from swinging then turn the oars over 180 degrees when rowing to eliminate the knob on the oar rites. This allows you to be more versatile when actively rowing. As far as wind goes, a standard Lavro like most of us use around here are high sided and will catch wind. I haven't noticed too much problem with cross winds cuz you can fight that with your downwind oar, the problem is with headwind like on the Snohomish or tailwind like on the upper Skykomish, that's a bugger! This might be more of a rocker problem then high side problem and I have noticed all makes of boats handling badly trying to plug in heavy head/tale winds. Lavro does make some low sided boats; however for salmon/steelhead fishing in western WA, unless you have a self-bailing boat, I would prefer to have high sides to keep the water out in the rough water sections. Sinking or trying to row a boat half full of water can ruin a trip.

Beezer