I've owned 4 Clacks and have one now. I've rowed and owned most makes and models of boats in the 40 years I've been rowing rivers. There are no perfect boats, but don't be frightened away from glass boats. The 16 Clack is the best rowing driftboat out there. I bought the 18 Clackamax because I like the extra room and also load it with camping gear for the Deschutes, John Day, etc.

The standard sided Clack has slightly lower sides than most aluminum boats and it's really easy to get in and out of. It is VERY capable indesign and function of the OP rivers. If you're young and don't mind the higher sides and might want to use your new boat on the Deschutes, you might consider the Clack high side boat.

The (somewhat) new bottom design of the Clackacrafts moved it into an equal of the metal boats for tracking, rowing, etc. But the low water capabilities of glass boats far exceeds the aluminum boats. Lavros are well built, but don't row as well as a Clack. Older Clacks - pre dimpled bottom/tunnel hull - frankly don't row very well.