Hey everyone,
I'm just starting to look into buying a drift boat and was curious if any of you drift boat fisherman have strong opinions about the different companies out there. I almost exclusively fly fish during the summer and need a boat that can handle a variety of rivers and even some stillwaters on occasion. I've always wanted a Clackacraft but have seen a few other companies popping up that look interesting. Also, is fiberglass the way to go, or are some of the other materials worth looking at? Any information is greatly appreciated!
Cole
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Fiberglass is the way to go. Less maintenance, durable, and slippery (on the wet side). You can't lose with a Hyde or Clacka. Either of them would likely let you take one for a "test drive" as well. There's other companies out there with good boats too, so its kinda lile shopping for anything else (car, motorboat, float tube, etc), it will come down to personal preference and how many dollars you want to spend.
If you can, go visit Hyde and Clacka in Idaho Falls. See 'em all. Negotiate. Watch the used market, although that's better in the fall than in the spring. Often though, there are guides trading-in for new boats at this time of year.
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I fish a fiberglass low-side Hyde. I like it because the wind has less effect, and it rows like a dream, really fast reacting. I have fished wood and aluminum boats in the past, the light boats are so much nicer. I don't have a company prefference, but it is nice to have Hyde right in town if you need some work done. I had the chines fixed a couple years ago and having the factory so close was really nice.
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Thanks for the info guys! I do like the low profile models and it would be nice to have a shop close by.
Has anyone rowed or know someone that has one of these high density polyethylene boats? They look interesting but have never been in or even seen one in person. Hog island boat works is one of the outfits that I have looked at.
Tight lines,
Cole
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Between myself and my friends we've tested a lot of different boats the last few years. The wooden ones look pretty. However I find they are heavy and therefore a little slower to move on the water, not much though. However there is the issue of upkeep. For the high density polyethylene boats the issue of durability has been brought up. Basically they have a fairly thin layer of fiberglass on either side of the foam. I've heard stories of rocks punching through the outer layer on moderate impacts, although I have not seen the results myself. As for the local dealers, I would go entirely for a clacka. My brother in law had a Hyde a few years ago, and it was a beautiful boat! Awesome layout, stellar handling, even had a propane heater! Then he hit a few rocks. Almost everyone of them left chips. He was told he could buy a cover for the bottom of the boat for over a $1000 that would protect it. He asked why they didn't make a boat that could handle it in the first place. He didn't get an answer. At least if you buy the boat from them they will repair it free every year if needed. Two of my buddies have clacka's and love them. Cost a little more than the hyde, but they have taken good impacts and show only mild scuffs. They also will warranty the boat and repair it here in town if you buy from them. The way they skate across the water is also incredible. This would be my choice living here in I.F. . The other make that I would highly recommend is Lavro. My brother in law now has one, beats the crap out of it, and considering that it's an early 80's model, it looks awesome. It is light, maneuvers incredibly, and is just a good all around boat. I would buy from them, except that they are out in Oregon. Wouldn't want to ship it for their warranty repairs, if ever needed. As for aluminum I just don't like that it can dent and it's not known for sliding across rocks when it's shallow. Overall, I would recomend in this order... Clackacraft, Lavro, Hyde
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I have never rowed any thing but a clackacraft so I cant comment on any others but I love my clackacraft. I would recommend that you look at there used boats some times they have smoken deals on them. I bought mine used 5 years ago they gave me new oars, trailer, anchor & rope and even the same warranty as a new boat.
Jim
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