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drift boats

5K views 12 replies 13 participants last post by  mlwebb 
#1 ·
Hi Guys

Im interested in building a drift boat so I was wondering if any of you out there have any tips, suggestions, or plans for a boat around 12-14 feet (big enough for two people).

TL
 
#2 ·
At 12' I'd consider a drift "pram" style. Boats built that short in classic style have bad lines IMO and end up being less practical than the pram style. Check Montana boatbuilders site for examples. The 12' has the advantage of sliding into a pickup bed and not having to be trailered.

The 14' has more all around versitility and requires a trailer.

This from one who doesn't have a drift boat, but rides in other's drift boats, and has elected to keep rafts, Watermasters, canoes, and a river sled in my fleet.

Sg
 
#3 ·
Highly recommend joining woodenboatpeople.com and taking a look at the Montana boat builders forum. Great information on both sites. Also, get a copy of Rodger Fletcher's Driftboats and River Dories: Their History, Design, Construction and Use as many consider this book 'essential'.
 
#4 ·
I just got that book and read it cover to cover and really liked it. You may borrow if you like.

I have always wanted to build my own boat but just have not pulled the trigger, or found someone stupid enough to join in the fun!:chuckle:

It would be cool to see a progress report if this happens.

My offer still stands on borrowing the book.:D

Borderfly
 
#5 ·
What medium?

Are you building out of aluminum? Or plywood and West epoxy?
You can get plans from Don Hill in Oregon for starters. That would be an excellent start.
If you have the time, I'm lofting out a 12 ft high sided pram right now in alum - expect to start welding in the next coming weeks. Fire over your email with questions if you want.
Salmo is right about 12 ft drift boats. A lot is lost in the bow area. Willie Boats in Medford, Oregon has a sweet design if that's what you have to have.
Another site that will give you some ideas might be Koffler Boats. Their whiter water prams are a good example of a drift boat that has had the wasted space up front eliminated.
 
#7 ·
I like Ken Hankinson 12 footer. It's a modern plywood design which is easy and simple to build and doesn't use a lot of frames. I like this design better than the designs in the drift boat book. When Ken retired he sold his designs to www.glen-l.com Be sure to click on the Hankinson link because glen-l drift boats are of different designs. As you may know most wooden drift boat length is a measurement along the gunwale. So a 14' boat is only 13' something length over all. Hankinson however uses length over all. Anyway this is the smallest true drift boat I've found. I've purchased the plans but not built one yet. You might find some help over on the wooden boat magazine forum.
Ken
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
Check out raysriverdories.com

I've built a 14' Mackenzie style wooden drift boat with Ray's designs and materials. He uses top notch materials, lots of options and they are gorgeous. He has a number of different styles and lengths. I would highly reccommend them. He uses epoxy, includes all the hardware and it is all well thought out and easy to follow. I believe he supplied a boat or two to the Smithsonian as well.
Hamish
 
#9 ·
back in the old days...

built a shell of an old yellowstone drifter. stitch and glue method. took the measurements and got at it. used west systems epoxy. a buddie ended up finishing it. turned out pretty sweet. wood boats need alot of TLC. good luck with it. pm if you want more info, I think I still have the plans kickin around somewhere. cheap way to go.
 
#10 ·
Are you only planning to fish areas where motors are prohibited? I ask this because I have experience with Drift Boats, large pontoon rafts, and Jet Sleds. I love float trips when they last a week but for daily use the Jet is the ticket.

Ard
 
#11 ·
Assuming your running modest rivers most the time but may venture to some that have class 4 water I would go with a 14x48. I have owned one (aluminum) it was awesome with just me or bringing a buddy. If your building a wood one you should go with a late 1940's style double ender 14’er just because they look so good!

If your just doing mellow water prams are sweet and the right pram with the right guy can handle bigger water easily. I had a 10’ and fished two guys in class 1-2 water. I rowed it in class 4 rapids when it was unloaded and it was just me. Prams are fun little boats for sure!
 
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