Sniggler, the rope seats are fine for an all day ride, even in the summer; lets your primary contact with the boat breathe if you know what I mean. As far as drift boat designs go, most boats look somewhat the same from a distance however almost every manufacturer has a different cantor and different amount of freeboard. Lavro has more freeboard than a Hyde for instance and each has its advantages and disadvantages; just depends on what type of water you'll mostly be fishing in. A lot of freeboard catches more wind but keeps out more white water.

Beezer