Looking to upgrade into a new drift boat. Which models are a good choice for rowing ease, maneverability, storage, durability, quality of trailer.I've been looking into Clakacrafts, I know there are a lot of opinions out there so let's here them.

I like my Lavro!

FJ...out.

A buddy of mine just got himself a brand new 16' Diamondback that seems pretty nice.

I've owned 2 Clackacrafts and loved them both. I currently have a 16' Willie that I'm storing for a friend, and can use at any time. In comparing the way the boats row, is like night and day diffenent. The Willie rows like a wallowing pig compared to both Clackacrafts I've owned. The new Tunnel Hull design on the new Clackacraft is something I would do some checking into very seriously. The way the boat rows is going to be the most important factor in your happiness with your new boat. Go see Bruce @ Clackacraft and ask for a run down the river, I think you'll be very impressed!!

Chubbytyee, I see your home 20 is Duvall which means your only about 10 minutes from the Lavro shop in Monroe. You owe it to yourself to run up there and check it out. Ron can build you any size drift boat you want from 11 feet to 18 feet, white water self-bailing boats, fly fishing models or the more traditional ones. I bought one seven years ago and love it. Call Ron at 360-794-5525.

I gotta disagree with Drac on this one! I rowed my Clack on the penn since 90, and just bought a new Willie in 2000. It is like night and day! I cant believe I rowed that slug for that long not knowing what I was missing in a Aluminum boat. The Clack rows good but dosent track even close to what the Willie does. And the Willie rows like a dream. Better than the clacl in ALL aspects. If your a big plugger you need to row both before you buy! If you just driftfish and sidedrift then it really dosent matter. I have not tried the tunnel hull though so who knows. And as far as fiberglass being as strong as aluminum...you should see the bottom of my Clack! No leaks!!! There warrenty is awesome though. All these companys will let you row one first. If they dont theres a problem. Dont go off opinions, go row some boats! If a Willie rows like hell there is a set up problem with the boat! Move the seats and find the sweet spot.

Bob D

I have a question.. Although I will only occasionally pull plugs with my boat I am curious what does it mean that a boat "tracks" well?

Drachir21, what do you mean by check out the tunnel hull, is this a good design or something that you are leary of. A friend of mine has ordered one and it should be ready some time in April. I'll be able to check it out then. I've rowed a Lavro many times and know them pretty well. Bob D. since you've had both glass and metal which one is colder, I know sleds can be very cold in the winter months, is this the same for aluminum drift boats.

Fiberglass has a higher R value so its probably beter between you and the water! But on a day were its below freezing, the water is still above freezing and frost will collect on both! The floor in a glass boat is one layer. My Willie has a floorboard setup in it so its warmer on the feet on a cold ass day or any day for that matter! I would amagine though that the metal boat would hold colder temps and radiate them more meaning it would be colder in general. I havent ever noticed it though as I row all the time, have 5 mill neos for winter and 2 heaters in the boat. If your dressed to fish 28 degree weather, your set for 25 probably also. I think sleds are just more boring to fish out of so you get cold! (this is my opinion)...however there a blast to drive! Id never fish though cause I be terror on the water! Its a good thing I dont own one (yet) and go on the nootch. There a absolute hoot!!!

Bob D

my hyde has a raised deck in it,everyone has their favorites(lavro,willie,wild hair,etc), but before you buy take a look at a hyde

If all you are ever going to do is pull plugs in a straight line then buy a boat with square chines like the tin boats or a Hyde. But if you want to expand your piscatorial "whatever", get a boat with rounded chines so you can maneuver better. I have fished my Lavro in really cold weather and it's quiet and warm. That tracking thing just comes with rowing experience. Line up all the competing boats and try to go horizontialy cross the river, WITHOUT LOSING ANY GROUND DOWN STREAM, in moderate/heavy current (like what you have to do in technical water when setting up for the next "saving grace" slot) and lets see what boat you want to be in. Don't buy into that tracking thing. The Lavro boats are as strong as any tin boat. I can't comment on the Clackacrafts. Another thing why not support a company that's your neighbor? Why buy out of State? E-mail me and you can row mine.

I here what your saying Breezer, my old eastside drifter was built about 10 miles from my home and it's capeable of going horizontal on the heavy flow rivers or shall I say this oarsman can take it across. Ive been to Lavro sereral times, I helped a friend get into a top of the line boat from there several years ago. Is what I'm looking for is one that is durable in all type class water in the Northwest area. Not that I'm a thrill seeker but just looking for a well built boat that fits my various fishing styles and be able to get where I want to fish and get back safelty. Great input from all, thanks.

Beezer

I was also thinking of buying a Lavro can I also row, row, row your boat

You will stroke more keeping the boat strait in a plugging situation rowing a rounded chine boat(fiberglass)compared to a tin boat. They plug fine but you will row more.

As far as moving across current easier...I wouldent say they move faster or easier. You just have to be more sideways in a sharp chinned boat. And yes if your in a tight chute and the boat is heading sideways the wrong direction, it will be more difficult to straiten out. But those round chines in a skinny chute dont always keep you in the line you set up for. Thats were I tell the biggest difference!
So they all have the strongs and weaks. Maybe begginers should look to glass and then graduate to Aluminum. All I know is I rowed that clack many hours in the 10 years I owned it and when I got my Willie I couldent believe the difference!!!!

Maybe we should organize a short float on the Sky on easy water with about 5 different manufactures of boats and let people who want to try them show up and row a bit then pull over and change boats ect. If we set it up right (date). I could bring a clack and a Willie and Beezer could bring a Lavro maybe. Might be fun! Oh we could fish too!

When on the river pay attention to the boats going by and how hard or easy the guy is working. Also look at the way the boat sits in the water. Both bow and stern should be close to the same distance from the stern edge and the bow lower point to the water level. Usaully this can be achieved by moving the seats and adjusting the weight. Some mass produced tin boats drag @@s and dont hold well no matter were the seats are.

Bob D

a WILLIE driftboat is your best allaround boat!
GET A WILLIE!! I just did

Chubbytyee,
As far as the new Tunnel Hull Clackacraft goes, I have heard nothing but rave reviews from all who have rowed this boat. I personally have not, but on the close up inspection of the Hull design, I think it should perform beautifully. All you can do is go row some boats, it all comes down to personal preference!!

All this talk about drift boats, has any one heard anything about the hyde boat that is built with aluminum and glass?

When I think fish I think Just give me the most for the least.
In The Diamond back drifter you get a Lifetime warrenty and the durability of aluminum without the expense of the big guys boats. They Market boats and their name. We just sell fishing and fun. Typically over $1500 in savings over willie or alumaweld.
Available @ Dougs in Woodenville @ 8002153684. Will have in stock again in a few weeks. Can't keep them around to show you becuase they sell faster than We can built, but thats how I pass on the savings