My father and I are going to go in together on a new alum drifter. I am sure to get many opinions about this, but more than what your opinion is, I would like to know why. With so many great boats out there,most being in state brands what is the best value, service and performance. We will fish out of it often and will be looking to put a 8hp on it at different times, 16-17' wide bottom. So...
Willie?
NR?
Fishrite?
Motion Marine?
Fishcraft?
Alumaweld?
Diamondback?

Danger

PS feel free to weigh in on a kicker also.

I prefer FG driftboats.

Willies 16' x 54 or willie 17' x 60.Yammie 4 stroke 8 h.p. kicker.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I'm getting Fishcraft, from what I have seen you get wondeful bang for your buck. I think thier Drifter II starts at $3995.00, and its 17ft. As far as price goes thats tough to beat. I should have it around the 20th of Febuaryso if you haven't seen one yet and would like to get a closer look at one let me know Sisters OR is a long way to go.

BR

Fished out of Timber's new 17'x60" Willie 2 weeks ago and it' s sweeet!

Two other buddies bought new 17' North River's last year, they're almost as nice.....If I was to buy one today, it'd be a 17x'60" Willie.....maybe this summer

I would say good luck making your choice. I have a 14 foot Lavro and a 16'x54" wide bottom willie and I would have to say they both have their bright points. If you get a willie don't be shy about getting some accessories such as rear storage and a level front they help quite a bit.

Ive only rowed my 16x54 alumaweld which I really happy with my friends say a willie is a little more responsive. I think either one is a good bet!

*Aluminum = Willie

*Fiberglass = Clakacraft

We bought a 1997 16' Alumaweld Guide this year cause it sat unused after the same owner fished it twice during that time. Ended up getting what was a new boat for about 1/2 the price. Saw it in the tacoma newspaper in November, after looking for about a month at 5-10 other boats up and down I5 from Seattle to Portland (I drive a bit for work). Found a lot of well used and worn boats, and then got lucky on this one. Have now floated the Bogey 5 times this year and it works great, and I suspect our boat will begin to look as worn as the well used models we looked at, but we expected that and thought finding a well maintained used boat was the way to go. If you fish 3 guys a lot, I'd probably look at a bigger boat.

For Aluminum it's Willie. Look long and hard for a used one. If you are lucky and find a non-abused boat for a decent price, act fast. Their re-sale value is very high, and they sell like lightening. You'll see lots of every other brand out there for sale used. Not Willies though. I've been looking for 6 months for a deal on a used one. I finally gave up and ordered a new 17x54 last week. I would have ordered the 17x60 for $200.00 more but the trailer won't fit in my garage. My opinion on the new rear seat option - I don't like it. I use this space for entering and exiting the boat as well as for netting fish. I like it open. Options I have had on my old Willie and ordered on the new one:

Dropped front seat with storage - this helps you see over the passengers shoulders for negotiating rocks and keeps the center of gravity lower.

Fish box

4 pulley anchor system

Coat it on the bottom

Clear Kote the interior - keeps the egg juices from staining

Scrap the Sawyer oars and buy Cataracts

Galvanized Trailer - one trip down a gravel road and the painted trailer will be rusty.

Heat - for passengers, you won't need it rowing.

P.S. I do know where there is an 18x60 Willie absolutely loaded with every available option. Diamond Plate floors, UHMW, etc. For around $5000.00. Too big and heavy for me though.

Hey Kyle what did you have to pay for that with all the options?

My new Willie is sweeeet so I am kinda partial on what to buy WILLIE! it is