I am about to purchase a new drift boat and would like any input you may have. I have narrowed it down to either a 16' Willie (aluminum) or Clackacraft (fiberglass). I have gone to the archives which helped a lot. Both boats are the "package deal" offered by each company. By the time coat it, storage boxes and gunwale guard are added to the Willie, they price about the same. I chose these companies based on reputation, word of mouth, and location of the companies if service is needed. Thanks.

Lots a things you need to put into consideration when buying your first drift boat. Are you going to fish mainly low volumn or higher flowing rivers? Are you going to pull plugs or do alot of side casting (drift fishing)?
Regular flowing rivers go with the Willie It is the best I have ever owned.
If you are going to fish shallow river where you need to drag the boat a bit go with the Clacker. On the Clacker go with the low sided one. The high side boat are very poor for plugging and windy conditions. I have owned 5 Clackers. I see used Clackers in the papers every once in a while and seems like they go for 22-2500. Also I wouldn't go for to many compartments, seems like they are just in the way and collect stuff you don't need to take on a day trip.
If I was to buy a boat today I would go with the Willie or Wildhair. I fished out of Bob's and it is a nice boat. fp

clackacraft. I am getting one in May.

Clackacraft is brand X Willie is the best. I.ve rowed them all in all kinds if water and conditions willie is thre best.

One draw back with many fiber boats is the ballance. the seats just don't adjust to balance your boat. Willie ofers many more otions there

my $0.02

Talk to Jim or Steve at Willie Boats. They are real straight shooters. I've owned Alumaweld (aluma-smelled), I've rowed a Clackacraft (crap-a-craft).
Now I own a Willie. Jim at Willie will tell you what the real difference is. Tell him "T. K." sent you.
Good Luck-- just my $0.02

I owned a clack for ten years. Last year I bought a new Willie...I dont know why I diddent do it sooner! Its my 4th boat and is the best handling boat Ive ever rowed! It has a UHMW bottom and you wouldent believe how it slides. This is the best Ive ever seen on a driftbot bottom. You cant believe how slick it is. The clack was a good boat but the rounded chines suck. They dont track that great. After you row a clack for ten years and jump in a Willie its like heaven on earth!

Bob D

WILLLIE!!!!!!!!!!! WILLIE!!!!!!!! I got the 17' with step through seat in front. those are my 3 bits. I like the 17' it doesn't handle any diffderent than the 16' but it will handle better when you have 3 guys and all their gear. the step through seat in front is the only way to go. it is a bit more$$ but I will never have another without it. and Willie because they are "SIMPLY THE BEST"


dcrzfitter

I too have a 17' Willie with a UHMW bottom. The bottom ads some $$ and some weight but gives you the advantage of a good tracking alum boat and the sliding advantages of a glass boat. Yes you can sometimes have your cake and eat it too. When I went to buy a new boat I looked at what the guides were using and most of them had a Willie boat. Another nice part about Willie boats is that if you decide that you need a goodie for your boat later on it is usually easily added.

I've floated over a lot of barely flowing tailouts in Bob D's Willie with the UHMW bottom and can vouch that it slides like no other boat, even fiberglass. Super quiet and slick. On the very few occassions that he's actually let me on the oars the difference between the Willie and his old Clack is like night and day.

B. Gray

Thank you for all the responses. I purchased the 16' Wille Guide model today from South River Marine in Corvallis. Dave there was very helpful. He didn't try to sell me every option (keeping it lite), but did recommend the Baker trailer and coat it for the bottom, both of which I opted for. I really enjoy having a place to ask different opinions on subjects from fishing to politics. The political subjects are a little to combative to join in on, but fun to read! I just know that from reading posts you sure don't want to get on "thisbudforu"'s bad side. Just kidding thisbud. Thanks again for the input.

Well gee. It looked like my one vote for Clackacraft wasn't enough. It is cool. Have fun with the Willie that is my second choice.
Ct

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release all native steelhead and salmon

Good choice.Goodluck, STRIKE ZONE