DanO, in a head on hit with a rock a glass boat is as strong a aluminum. Also Lavro will repair anything you do to one of his boats for the life of the boat. You know anyone else that will do that?

Verle's Sports Center and Marine in Shelton sells Alumaweld drift boats. They also have a decent selection of used boats of all types, even some drift boats once in a while.

You can reach them at (360) 426-0933 or look them up on the net at www.verles.com
Good luck - Mark.

DanO,

Not only does a fiberglass take a hit (and scrape) as well as a metal boat, but you don't hit near as many rocks because you aren't riding as low. Last time we floated the Sauk in a metal boat, I thought I was going to lose a few teeth along the way as our guide did a Titanic impression with his boat.

Kevin

BW, If you own a lavro, I would ask them if their warrantee covers delamination, and gelcoat replacement. Your chines are probably the first place you will have a problem. If it was me, I would check and repair problems, at least once a season, more if you fish a lot , or see damage. TV HOST how high a driftboat floats is determined by the beam of the boat, and the weight in it, and how well it is balanced. Since fibreglass is almost TWICE as heavy as aluminum, you can't blame the low float on the material. If fibreglass takes a hit and scrape as well as aluminum, why then do you not see glass jetsleds anywhere?????

I have owned both and now row an alumaweld. Both have their pros and cons. I wouldn't take my old glass boat down some of the [Bleeeeep!] the aluminum can handle. There is only really a couple rivers that it applies to though. Calawah, Duc, upper upper sky. Its really not a chevy/ford debate rather what and where you plan to fish. What fits your personal fishing style? I like the metal but yes its colder and louder.....Buy a heater and tell the guys up front to not bang around! I do think aluminum tracks better when pullin' plugs. Plus when your droppin' into some real hairy [Bleeeeep!], its nice to know your boat is metal! On the other hand glass slides over bars a lot easier. Just my two cent.

DanO,

I guess you don't see glass jetsleds because they aren't as effective as running driftboaters over? Just kidding, but there are a lot of fiberglass cruisers so they are obviously rugged. I don't know the technical or design aspects of building a driftboat..I just know that I personally prefer fiberglass to metal anytime. Agree to disagree?

Kevin

I HAVE BEEN ON THE STICKS OF ALL THE BRANDS OF BOATS FROM CLACKERCRAFT,SLIDERITE,EASTSIDE LAVRO,AND WILLIE,ALUMAWELD,FISHRITE,WILDHAIR
THEY ALL TRACK DIFFERENT BUT THE THING THAT YOU WANT TO LOOK AT IS THE PRICE AND WEIGHT OF THE BOAT,GLASS IS A BIT HEAVYER BUT SLIDES BETTER OVER ROCKS EXCEPT IF THE BOTTOM OF THE ALUMINUM BOAT HAS A PLASTIC BOTTOM ON IT,IT WILL ADD SOME WEIGHT BUT IT SLIDES EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS GLASS SO HANG ON WHEN YOU PUSH IT OFF THE TRAILER (IT WILL SLIDE LIKE A SLED ON SNOW).

SAUKitman(lol), Im definetely looking for a 14ft drifter, because of just that - Easier to Row/control. I went down and looked at the Lavro's, and i love the 14 footer. The 16's would kill my back and arms at days end. I also want to get one that i can put a small trolling motor on to fish the Snohomish for salmon. Does anybody have any do's/donts too putting a motor on a drift boat in a river like the Snohomish??

Believe in your Loomie and they will come! lol

- BW

Cam,
Whats new? I was looking in the paper yesterday and there is a 16 ft cala-craft with a complete ancor system, 3 oars, 2 seats and more. It was $1800. Thought that I would help out. I will send you the number if your interested.

Chris