I wandered around the variety of drift boats displayed at a recent sporting exposition and was initially shocked by the prices. However, I was also impressed by the quality of the boats and their available options, such as a “food warmer/pizza oven.”
While larger drift boats are available, those measuring between 16 and 16.5 feet in length typically have a centerline of about 14 to 7 feet. These boats are regarded as the most versatile, with a floor width of 48 to 54 inches.
Despite minor differences among manufacturers, the standard 16-foot, 48- to 54-inch wide drift boat remains largely unchanged. It features a pointed bow design that became popular around 90 years ago.
A brief history of drift boats
Until the mid-1960s, nearly all drift boats were crafted from wood in small workshops along the McKenzie River Valley. Modern engineering skills and tools have advanced the craft, allowing for continued innovation while respecting traditional designs. Initially, these boats were designed as tools for fishermen, enabling them to catch the abundant trout and salmon that return to the McKenzie River each spring.
Even today, many anglers transition into the roles of “boatmen” and “boatwomen.” That’s how I became a boatman and ultimately a full-time river guide. In 1982, I transformed a hobby into a career and have never looked back.
‘A sport for everyone’ … who can afford it
Learning to navigate a drift boat is well within the physical capabilities of nearly everyone, and women adapt to drift boating just as easily as men.
However, spending around $10,000 on a new drift boat can be a tough sell for anyone, especially those unsure if the sport suits them and their families.
Let me share an alternative for your consideration. The basic design of most boats has remained consistent since their inception on the McKenzie River.
While there are minor differences among major manufacturers, the standard 16-foot, 48 to 54-inch wide boat with a pointed bow has changed little over the years.
In the used market, a well-maintained 20-year-old aluminum hull boat can sell for approximately the same price it did when it was new, although it’s typically about a third of the cost of a brand-new drift boat.
One common drawback of purchasing a used aluminum drift boat is that many were built with plywood flooring that runs the boat’s length. After a few years, this plywood can become waterlogged, adding 75 to 100 pounds to the boat’s weight.
I recommend replacing the plywood with diamond plate aluminum.
Fiberglass drift boats are becoming increasingly popular due to the design advancements made by a single manufacturer in Clackamas, Ore., who has focused on fiberglass construction for the past 40 years.
Having owned a couple of fiberglass boats, I can affirm that they are a pleasure to row. They are quiet, glide smoothly over shallow areas, and are virtually puncture-proof.
Although they experience some depreciation on the used market, they still represent one of the better values available.
The timelessness of wood boats
Wooden drift boats have always been my favorite to row, and I have consistently owned one. These boats are lightweight, possess innate buoyancy, and ride high in the water, making them the most maneuverable on the river. They easily handle challenging whitewater and are more durable than expected.
However, they require proper care when not in use. Storing them in a dry place is essential for their longevity, and there are still excellent examples of wooden boats that are over 40 years old and still on the water today.
Wood boats are relatively easy to restore and repair. It can be advantageous to have basic woodworking tools, skills, and dedication.
However, be cautious – some wood boats are not worth restoring, so you’ll need to sift through several to find a worthwhile candidate. The effort often pays off.
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