I have never rowed a HYDE but they seem to be very well built.
I have been looking at the 16.8 aluminum pro model.
Is this a boat anybody could recommend?
If so, what options are a must?

Any other brands better for the dollar?

Any info would really help.
Thanks ,
Nut

I just ordered the same boat you were looking at. I get to pick mine up the end of the month!!!

I added a UHMW bottom, I'm told it is something like a plastic breadoard-like material which will keep the aluminum from sticking to rocks.

The hull is lifetime warranteed, even if it is punctured. I think the warranty may also be transferrable if you decide to see it but you better check. I upgraded the oars to be counter balanced.

Although I'm new to drift boating, I've had friend who owned them and they were very happy.

Give John Nolan at Hyde a call : (800) 444-4933

Twig

I have fished and rowed Hyde (alum), Fish-Rite, Willie (3 diff bottom models), as well as Alumaweld, and a couple of others.
IMO, the Hyde is the best rowing boat of all, hands down. In simpler terms it rows like it has a much lighter load in it because they ride higher than the others. Row another boat with one passenger instead of two, and you get the idea.

Looks like nobody out there wants another boat on the river.

I was looking at this boat and after checking it, I found the bottom is bent bad!

A rep at HYDE said it came from the Olypen.
I was hoping this guide was stress testing this product for the company.

Does www.hydeboats.com have a good strong boat for our rivers? I hope so.

What else is out there?

God Bless our soldiers!!

Nut