I've looked at Fish-Rite and Willie for my next drift boat but I'd like you opinions. I'm looking for something responsive and stable ( kind of an oxymoron). I put a kicker on the back when side drifting part of the year.
Heres what I think I know. Willie seems to be more responsive to the oars with the bottom contour they use. Fish-Rite, with its larger "flat spot" on the bottom seems to be more stable and less bow-lift when motoring back up, Fish-Rite drops the rails to lower the front seats where Willie uses a standard drop seat to lower the front seat.
I've only rowed a Fish-Rite for about 10 minutes and it was an 18 foot tank so I can't really say I've rowed either. I'm looking at a 16 x 54 type in either case. Looking for input here. Let me know your opinions...

I think you better row them both in the length
you want. Others opinions are great. But a boat is big bucks and you are the guy who need s to say this out-weighs that. You are almost certain to have trade-offs. A little like chosing a woman.......darn good thing we all have a difference in taste.

I've had both boats and have the Willie's now. The boats are very similar, it's really a toss up.

I have a Fish-rite 16x54 and love it its not as responsive as a Willie but it tracks better and if you get either I would suggest getting a plastic bottom on your boat(HMG) you wont have to mess with Glovit or Coatit and it will slide over the shallow spots as good as a glass boat!!
It slides like a sled on snow!!!

you have to ask???? willie of course.

Neither - buy a Hyde, once you row one it will be all over but writing the check. The difference is that noticable.

Hyde?? Are you stoned or what???

Ive rowed just about everything out there including a Hyde. I like Fish Rite and Willie, they are both good boats and both will work well for what you want to do.

Before you make your final decision go check out a Thor-Built. Im thinking about getting one this spring. I own a Willie right now but Im liking the Thor.

give me a koffler drift boat any day...had mine for 12yrs now and love it