Features you've liked in a drift boat?

[s2ary]

I’m kind of exploring the market of drift boats, and I was wondering what some of the features that other people like in a drift boat.

Storage, cooler space, etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Geoff

[Steamtrain]

my favorite feature of a drift boat is someone to row it. :shock:

i'd have petegas installed on my drift boat if i were purchasing a new one :wink:

good luck
mike

[Jammin' Salmon]

Having guided out of several boats I would strongly recommend that the boat have plenty of storage space, especially for rods. I always preferred the low profile for ease of getting in and out of, and they track better if there is any wind.

Having said the above some of the features you will need will be determined by the river you fish. I concentrated on the Androscoggin/Pemi and found the water levels to fluctuate so much that I have opted to go the route of a fishing raft. They draw less water and are far more forgiving. You might take a look at the Vanguard series as I have fished/rowed these in several Montana rivers on extended weeklong trips with great success. They are quieter than a drift boat and they are very stable. They are also less expensive (more money for equipment :lol: ).

Just a thought.

[s2ary]

What is a petgas option running these days and is he high maintenance? :lol: :lol:

I think I want to stick with a high sider, I've got some up and coming fishers to keep in the boat. :) Dealing with wind a waves is just part of the deal.

[Steamtrain]

What is a petgas option running these days and is he high maintenance? :lol: :lol:


petegas is very affordable, 20-30 PBR's
and very low maintenance :D

[petegas]

What is a petgas option running these days and is he high maintenance? :lol: :lol:


petegas is very affordable, 20-30 PBR's
and very low maintenance :D

yup. will work for beer, maybe throw in a cigar or some pipe tobacco. as far as maintenance goes, its pretty low, personal hygiene is pretty low on the list when im out fishing.

anyway, s2ary-
i would recommend a hyde if you are going with high profile boats. i've mainly worked with hydes, and a few clackacraft, but clacka's are the way to go if you want a low profile.
a few features which i've found hepful, its nice if the front and back chairs are stand alone, and not mounted in a bench style manner. plus you can get a closable storage area under the chairs. you'll want a bench style chair for the captains chair. its nice to have stuff spread out on either side of you when you are rowing for easy access. try to get a closable storage area under the front leg locks rather than an open area.

also, some come with rod holders along the gunnels so you can store a couple stung up rods out of the way, really nice for quickly changing from nymphing to dry rigs.

thats all i can think of right now.

[s2ary]

Well that's a deal... :lol:

I'm a big fan of the Drew Estates Line and Long Lady Vanillas. The beer is OK, but when we’re on the water it will have to be small batch bourbon to go with the cigars. :D

It sounds like storage is a gig issue in a drift boat.

[petegas]

It sounds like storage is a gig issue in a drift boat.
you can usually fit a lot of junk into a drift boat, its just nice to have plenty of places to stash it away so its not getting the way.......


The beer is OK, but when we’re on the water it will have to be small batch bourbon to go with the cigar
beer, burbon, moonshine, or whatever, it makes no difference to me :)

[lowwall]

Don't know how a square tail one would row, If it was Ok this would do it all.

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/view_photos.cgi?ad_id=123691&img=2&count=2

[s2ary]

I'm really leaning towards wood. Something pretty. An aluminum drift boat must be very loud.

besides there is something about a wooden dory that speaks tradition and history. It will make my great grandfather proud. :D