Hello everyone! I am a first timer on the board and just want to say, man this is great. Especially since i just moved here from Montana, and steelhead and salmon are foreign language in that state. I have found that this site has provided me with the most information out of the many that i have visited, and i just want to say thanks!

I do have a question---- Since moving here i have been in the market to buy a driftboat. I figured that I could get some good advice here. I have seen that some of the DB's have motors, what size motor works well and do all rivers allow motors? What would be a good size and make for quality handling and manuverability<sp>? And if any one has one for sale please post or send me an email. Thanks in advance and FISH ON!

Just sold my Fishrite....sorry. Got a new Willie boat on the way. A good all around size would be a 16' boat, preferably with the wide bottom....the boat will float higher and you'll have more room. Some guys run motors on there boats, personally I like to run an electric on my boat. I have a 70 pound thrust Minn Kota that I use....it can be handy at times, I always bring it when I float the Cowlitz. Most rivers allow motors but you should check the reg's before heading out to be sure.

'nooked,

Like Jigman said, look for a 16x54 model boat, I'd recommend an aluminum boat, but there are nice glass boats too. If you're shopping on a budget, don't get fooled into thinking you need all the amenities. They're nice, but not necessary. Boats start around 1500 (used)and go upwards of 6 G's (new).

I've never had a motor on mine (a 16' Wooldridge) but it would be nice to have from time to time.

Once you settle on a boat, get yourself good composite oars for it. Cataract oars are top shelf. Oars will set you back $3-500, but a good set of sticks is mandatory.

Good luck in your pursuits, I think you'll agree that steelhead are tough to beat, even by a fat Montana trout

Hi Chinooked.

I'm a native of Missoula, Montana and live out here in the NW for most of my life. I still make it back to MT fairly often and love it there. ...

I would add that you might want to get the opinions of guys that have the 17' driftboats. I've heard they run shallower because of more displacement, thus are easier to row with 3 guys in them and you have more room. For the same larger bottom area reason, I think they may work better with an outboard motor too. Most use 6 to 10 hp. I would prefer a long shaft 9.9 hp Yamaha OB.

I agree about a 16 footer about 54" wide as an all-around choice for Washington and Oregon. At about 250 pounds they trailer easily and float high. You can go solo or float 1 or 2 others. I don't use a motor but if you do, check into this month's newest technology in electric motors: Navy R&D has resulted in a new electric motor wherein the brushes are under water and the motor is stronger, more efficient and overall much better. I totally agree about Cataract oars, they are strong, light and the tips float.
I keep my boat light, no extras and a simple anchor system. Think about all the junk that could hang you up on if it goes over! Aluminum is bulletproof, glass is easy to fix and is quiet. Wood is classic but a maintenance headache. Zoom Zoom, CT

I appreciate your guy’s comments, I am still debating whether I should go alum. or fiberglass? For those of you with a preference I would love to hear what it is and why?
From what I hear one of the most important things in fishing out here is being able to read the water (also what to use). There are big differences in reading trout water and steelhead water, right? Once I get a boat I think I may have to take a guided trip to learn how to read slots and tailouts. I was also wondering if anyone could recommend a guide that really enjoys taking guys out and showing them the river and giving good explanations on how and why the fish are where they are. This to me is some of the most exciting parts about fishing is reading the water and getting that fishy feeling then bamm, fish on. Or if someone ever has an open spot in their boat and would enjoy someone new to tag along, I just moved here and am having a hard time finding guys that love to fish as much as I do. I have guided deer hunting trips for the last few years in Montana and have some great areas that I can tip some people off on (its even public land, wow) in exchange for some good information.

Hey RT, I am going to Missoula in mid June to catch the salmon fly hatch on Rock Creek, I am sure you have fished it and know how much fun that can be. I am sorry to hear that you will not be moderating the board anymore, but its for good reasons, and have enjoyed everything that you have posted!

I would go with a aluminum 16' 54" bottom.
As far as a motor I would try to avoid it,but if ya can't then I'd lean towards a
6 horse long shaft or a 50lb thrust minn kota.It seems to me, any ways that a larger horse powered out board will troll way to fast when behind a drift boat.I'm not much into
dragging sea socks or buckets around.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Go with an aluminum boat I've rowed both alot and there is no comparison as far as I'm concerned. Durability, stability and options wise. Alot of fiber boats don't have the balancing capability as the seats and boxes some times are molded right in, no adjustment. Keep in mind that sliding seats are a must as its very seldom that the two guys up front weigh the same.

I bought a Willie after rowing them and rowing Alumaweld,Lavro, clacacraft and fishrite. I think Wille is the best all around boat.

Well my .02 Cents. Look into a Koffler I have rowed a bunch. They in Eugene Or. I have the wide guide model. Under 300 lb's. I would say give them a call. Just one more option. You will end up liking any one you get. Good Luck.