Drift Boats
.gif)
 |
| The ultimate fly fishing platform
- the drift boat. This is from Riverwood Boats |
Drift boats are truly the ultimate in fly fishing boats. For the angler
who wants a boat that is designed for fly fishing and
that
can
handle
up
to Class
III whitewater, a drift boat is the way to go. Outside of Montana and
other prime Rocky Mountain/Pacific Northwest/Canadian fishing areas drift
boats are rarely seen. And the reason is simple, really. Drift boats
were designed
for
one thing
- fly fishing the big rivers out West.
In terms of pure fly fishing ability, a drift boat is the best boat
an angler can have. A drift boat is extremely maneuverable, roomy and
allows an angler to easily stand while fishing.
Its ability to handle moderate whitewater gives it great flexibility
in what waters it can be used in, something most pontoon
boats lack.
Drift boats are also very expensive. Even a cheap one costs around $2000
and that's without the trailer. They also lack the versatility of their
inflatable counterparts. Still, if an angler wants a boat for one thing
only - fishing the rivers out West - and can live with
the boats drawbacks, a drift boat is the best choice.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Drift Boats
- Fishing: For the dedicated fly fisherman who can
live with its drawbacks, a drift boat is the boat of choice. They are
easy to stand up in. They
can carry lots of gear and/or people. They are also easy to cast from.
Remember, drift boats were designed for fly fishing!
- Paddling: As drift
boats have a V hull, they are very easy to row. Indeed, they are
designed for rowing. They are excellent for rowing over long
stretches of slack water or for maneuvering into position on a river.
- Maneuverability: Due to its excellent paddling abilities,
drift boats are very maneuverable once you get good at paddling.
- Durability:
A good drift boat is made of quality wood and is very
durable. While they may not withstand a sideways, high-speed
collision with a
rock in whitewater, they are almost as durable as a quality raft.
Since these are solid boats (not inflatable), you also do not
have to worry
about leaks. On the other hand, they are not easy to repair,
either, should a crack in the boat develop.
- Portability: Drift boats
can only be portaged by trailer. Drift boats generally are large
and weigh several hundred pounds. If
you don't
have a trailer or don't want to cart around a boat on a trailer,
a drift boat
is not the boat for you.
- Versatility: Drift Boats were designed
for fishing. However, they are also very good boats for recreational
floating in
waters up
to Class
III whitewater. While not as comfortable as a raft or as
fun as a kayak, drift boats still make good boats to just float
down the
river
in. Since
drift boats need a boat ramp of some kind to be easily launched,
they are limited to where they can be put into/taken out
of the water.
- Draft: Drift Boats are not the best boats to use in low
water conditions. They draw more water than a inflatable kayak
or inflatable raft
and are much more susceptible to running aground on a gravel
or sand
bar.
- Affordability: A quality drift boat will run at
least $2000 and will also require a trailer.
Where to Find Drift Boats
You generally just don't "buy" a drift boat online. Instead,
you usually visit the various manufacturers of drift boats or the occasional
retailer
that may happen to re-sell them. Listed below are some drift boat manufacturers
where you can go to get
more
information
about
these
boats. Additionally, it is also possible to just buy the "kit" for
the driftboat, where you assemble the boat yourself. You'll save money
that way but be sure you are a handy person - messing up the building
of a drift boat kit is a sure-fire way to be out mega $$$.
|
Copyright 2002-2008
Big Sky Fishing.Com
|
Top of Page
|
