I run two Wild Hair driftboats .. a 20+ x 72 and a 16 x 54.

I'd like to be able to get another form them, but the owners' (primary builder) health has been poor and things are still in hiatus there.

Frankly, for me aside from an overall well-built boat, the biggest factors in choosing boats from him were not only the promo deal I had with him while building but his willingness to listen to the input of those that rowed them and no whiny "Why do you want that?" when you ask for something other than std.

There are a number of good manufacturers out there. Personally, when I buy again and Wild Hair is not an option, I'll likely look at a Hyde or of course a Willie. Both are nice boats ... the Willie's perhaps more durable, but both charge an arm and a leg by the time you get all the extras that I like to have in my boats.

I'd myself not go with a Fish-Rite, Koffler, Diamandback, Thor-Built, or Alumaweld for my WA boat as I feel they are too sluggish in the waters I row. NOt syaing they're a bad boat, just not my needs.

There's another smaller company that just contacted me that I might look at ... but that'll be another thread