Lookin to buy a DB pretty quick probably a used one and am curious to hear what brand you guys prefer to row? I"ll be doing a lot of plug pullin and sidedriftin thanks in advance

Clakacraft or Willie. I really want to get a willie 17' x 60" only because it wont beable to be stored out of the weather....Ross

Egg,
Used is good with driftboats.
But instead of worring about which brand, 'cause frankly there are too many good ones to list, why not look for the best deal you can find and ask for input on the one you're considering. You'll get tons of feedback without feeling like you're settling for second best. Most of the comments about which boat is best come from those who have never owned one anyway.
My best advice. Get a good trailer. Often times guys are concentrating so much on the boat (used or new) they forget about the trailer. A bad move which I've made too many times myself.

Fiberglass boats like the Clakacraft I have require more care. They should be stored under cover; And Out of the uv rays.

Sorry Fish Hawg, I'm picking up my new Willie 17x60 on Saturday. I too looked at lots of boats but decided I wanted a Willie and couldn't find a used one that was in great enough shape to purchase. Talk to the Boss and thumbs up for a new boat. Got a good one there. If you aren't picky about the brand, there are lots of good boats out there used. I just had my heart set on a Willie. Good luck on your search.

~steelymann~

Well I have been very happy with my Alumaweld, I also spent a lot of time in a Clack Craft and it was a good boat and tracked ok but Alumaweld is a better though, my .02 worth

Steelymann, <Drool >

Thanks for the response guys,
Just saw a 1981 Alumaweld with all the goodies in it for 2,600 and the trailer looked pretty nice. any thoughts as to if this is a good deal or not?

Fish Hawg,
i teach right in Ridgefield. maybe we'll have to give it a spin sometime.

~steelymann~

Just check the bottom and sides for any big gouges. It sounds like a good deal How wide is the bottom?.....Ross

Like Fish Hawg said just look at th e bottom for any major gouges, and remember you can always but new gulvit on if needed, price sounds ok.....good luck

Egg,
AW's are solid boats. I've even heard them lovingly referred to as "the Checker cab of DB's". They can definately take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. Just make sure you don't kiss one when it's freezing out though. Best of luck and lots of fun.

Mr. Hawg,
Thanks for the tip. I hope my old Lavro will not be too unhappy with me for sitting outside for the last 20 years. Maybe I'll clear a spot in the barn for her this week. Better late than never, I suppose.

My old Alumaweld went through hell and is still on the rivers today. Filled solid with ice a couple of times, hit some rocks hard, took it through some big water also. One time on the lower Owyhee river ( 2 day float) we found a spot where a pipe was running out of a hot springs. Pulled the boat up to the pipe, took out the seats, filled it with the hot water and made a hot tub out of it for the night. The new Willies is a real nice boat.. so pretty I decided to put a custom cover on it and keep it that way.

2600 seems a bit high, but in the ballpark. I bought a 1997 16' aw guide edition in 11/03 for $3000 w/pine oars and custom cover, after looking at about 10 in the 2-3k range, much of which were beat up. Saw mine in the Tacoma News Tribune on a Saturday and I was first buyer at the guys house with cash in hand. He gave me the aw invoice for $6k, said he floated it twice before he started going with a neighbor on his sled, showed me the mint db without a scratch on it, and I said deal. Very lucky. Have now fished it about 10 times this winter on bogey and snoqualmie - it's a great boat.

I love my new WILLIE,my 1986 48" fishrite was a good little boat also.But had to up grade to the 54" willie and had it designed the way I wanted it layed out.$2,600.00 seem's a little high for an "81".I'd say more like $2,000.00 to $2,200.00 if in great shape with a good trailer.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE