I have a 16' Koffler drift boat with the original centermounted rear anchor system. I have to turn around to engage/disengage it. It is really frustrating. I have seen that most of the newer boats have side mount setups in the back with pulleys going along the side to the front of the rower. Also I use the boat in the Willamette river with a motor so I have to take the anchor system off every time I use the motor. Other drift boats out there also have a pulley on the front for the bigger river anchor setups. Any reommendations? I have heard of a manufacturer called "dierks" or something to that effect. Anybody know how to find these guys? Thanks for any info.

If you contact your nearest driftboat manufacturer I'm sure they would be glad to weld one for you at moderate cost. Most mfrs. have them as options. Another option is to take a picture of a side mount and have any welding/fabricating shop make you one. The side pully's are available at most commercial marine dealers.

I have a Willie with the side system and now I wouln't have it any other way. I also have a cut out for a motor on the tail. My rear pully is mounted on the side right at the tail. At first I wasn't sure about it, maybe it would fishtail or sit a little sideways but it dosen't it is just fine.

Go withe the side pully's there great the rope is easy to grab, it's not under foot, and you can get some back into it without leaving your seat to get right at your oars.

good luck

Call Steve at Willie boats and they can send you up a side pull system to put in, it's not too hard. Be sure to keep the hummer greased or else it can be a royal pain in the !@#. Their number is 1-800-866-7775. One modification that you may want to make is to the jam cleat in the front. Auburn marine makes a flip up type lock that will work much better. The problem with the jam cleat is that you never know when it will decide to wear down to the point where it won't hold the roap any more.