Building a drift boat

[bugchuker]

Anyone here ever done it? thinkng about it? I've been thinking about it lately and tring to decide if I were to build a boat, probably a Mckenzie river type, which method would be the best, with a frame or stitch and glue. It might be more trouoble than its worth but could be pretty rewarding too.

[bugchuker]

I guess I should have done a search before posting, I found a few threads on the subject.

[Spartagain]

If I had the time and the means to devote to building a woodie. I would in a heart beat. When you see a good looking wood boat going down the river it just looks like it belongs there. I don't know any details about the building of them. But when you talk about building a drift boat. If it is for fly fishing do the Mckenzie river style. And also make sure you get the instructions for level casting floors at least in the front. And knee locks. Makes fly fishing out of them ten times better. And lastly if you are going to go through the effort of building a boat. Protect your investment by learning how to row like a champ. Nothing will break your heart like cracking the hull of a boat you have put that much time into on a rock. And from what I understand Woodies row a little more slugishly than even metal. A bit of advice, make sure you put support on both sides of the chine. And learn your angles when you are rowing it saves your ass. One thing to think about as well is that with a woody you have to sand and re-laquer it every couple of years unless you use it a lot and then you are going to want to do it every year.

[Cary]

. And from what I understand Woodies row a little more slugishly than even metal. .


Oh, I don't know about that. One day on the oars in can o worms, or there-abouts, I had time to take a phone call, have a conversation, and row out of trouble before the boat's owner figured out what was going on.

I'm sure he'll chime in on this thread, but I'll steal his line anyway. Woodies are the sports cars of the drift boat world.

[Stoney Clarke]

Oh, I don't know about that. One day on the oars in can o worms, or there-abouts, I had time to take a phone call, have a conversation, and row out of trouble before the boat's owner figured out what was going on.

I'm sure he'll chime in on this thread, but I'll steal his line anyway. Woodies are the sports cars of the drift boat world.Yes that was my boat and yes Cary was at the stix, beside from a lapse in concentration he handled the situation like a pro, and yes a properly built wooden boat, with a good oarsman will out manuever and hold better than any Hyde, Clacka, Ro or any metal boat on the market. If you decide to build one it will also cost approx. half the price of a 'glass or aluminum boat. Mine is a framed boat built from a by Greg Tatman. There is also a company out of the NW called Ray's that provides great kits. Montana Riverboats and Montana Driftboats provide kits and plans to build stich and glue wooden boats. These are beautiful wooden non frame boats that are wrapped in fiberglass. Personally I don't look at them as a true wooden boat the way Woody Hindman built them in the mid 20th century. What ever you choose it will take you between 3-12 months to build it depending on your free time and space. Mine took 3 months to the day when the kit arrived. Total cost was $3,300 in 2001. That included the trailer, oars etc... If you are serious about building one and want more info contact me at gmaddock@hotmail.com I'd be happy to help you out in any way.

SC

[lewie]

Be sure that you have the tools and patience before you start to invest. Lots of compound angles in the one I owned, and you can't do it well with a skil-saw or sabre-saw. You need to have a dedicated space to do the job as well. It isn't a week-end project.

[Marty]

Metal sucks, glass is OK, wood rocks, just like fishing cane but better. I have three glass boats and they do me just fine but I will have a wood one some day before I die. I build a cedar strip canoe for lake fishing and it was quite rewarding. Tatman would be my choice. I have been in a few and they are classics.

[Spartagain]

I row a clack, and I truly love it. I am still waiting for the day to go down with Dougie Burton and row the fun hog. But I can't wait to buy another metal boat. I think it will be a Willie this time. I love the way metal rows. It's a trip to get used to, but man once you learn how to work the chine. Metal is the way to go for slower rivers.

[Stoney Clarke]

Sparto,

I think his question was "Anyone here ever done it? thinkng about it? I've been thinking about it lately and tring to decide if I were to build a boat...." Not about your love a aluminum.

If you have the patience, time and a garage to store it go with wood. If you are handy around the house with tools you can build a boat from a kit. it is not that difficult. Just remember to measure twice and cut once.

SC

[Danny]

If you are seriously looking for information check out this forum. Best information on the web about building woodies:

http://montana-riverboats.com/boat-building.php

There are both framed guys and stitch-and-glue guys who frequent the site and have tons of information.

I built one 8 or so years ago. One of the most rewarding projects of a lifetime. I love my boat. I did not go with a kit and built mine from scratch. Took more time than a kit would have, but honestly is not a super technical project. I wasn't in a hurry and enjoyed every minute of the project. You do need access to some tools but the list probably is not as extensive as one might expect. (get a kit and even fewer tools are needed.)

Learn all you can about the difference between framed and stitch and glue before you start and make sure you get what you really want. (pros and cons both ways)

here are a few pick of my boat in action:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=hc9tfip.2gkq8729&x=0&y=kio72p

[lewie]

here are a few pick of my boat in action

Cool pics. I like the seat for the front man. In mine, if you wanted to sit, you sat on the deck. Good quality pics as well.

[royalwulff]

Greg Tatman...springfield oregon. He is the best, makes kits and is one very nice fellow.

http://www.gregboats.com/

[raynanwalt]

When I saw Lewie's advice to Bugchuker about complicated compound saw cuts needed when assembling a wooden drift boat, it reminded me of the very nice, essentially new DeWalt compound miter saw that I am tripping over in my work area and have made about ten cuts with. I'd make a person a fine deal if there was an interest from someone in buying it.
Ray (Isaak) Walton

[raposaNegra]

a bunch of fancy tools for a stitch and glue boat. Skil-saw, jig saw, sander, and a hand plane will get you through it.

[bugchuker]

Thanks guys, I have some tools, a little time, alot of wood working experience (16 years as a carpenter), next to no money, and until the summer, no space, but... there is always hope. I appreciate your input and when the time comes I'll probably be asking a few more questions. One more problem I have is after I build the damn thing I have to learn to drive it. BTW that is a sweet ride Danny

[Danny]

One more problem I have is after I build the damn thing I have to learn to drive it.

I had been in Drift boats before I made mine, but had never rowed one. Take it easy and slow and it really isn't a big deal.