Has anyone here ever owned a Don Hill River Boat? http://www.dhdriftboats.com/index4.html

I have come across someone selling a 16' boat that seems to be in nice shape and just wanted to get some feedback. Seems like a good first boat for me to get into for a reasonable price.

any feedback appreciated

Have never heard of them, but was looking at the website you had on your post. They Seem ok to me.

I've always heard good things about don hill drift boats. I've talked to a couple people that have had them (i've never been in one though) and they loved them. they have beautiful lines and are looked up to as far as wood drift boats go. If it's a good price i'd say don't pass it up!
chumsalmon

The Don Hill boats are very nice ... but do keep in mind, especially with your first boat purchase, that wooden boats do have some upkeep to them compared to glass / aluminum, so make sure you keep that in mind when you make your decision! Have fun!

20 years ago, I built a boat from a Don Hill pattern. It was a fine boat. However, it was an old style wooden boat, and was fragile the way all old style wooden boats are fragile. If you want a wooden boat, look up Tracy O'Brians plans, and build from those. Different constrution, using stitch and glue style buildup, and is much more durable and much nicer.

Don lives in Springfield, Or and is a fine builder as well as guide and protector of the McKenzie River. I have owned a 14 footer which he built on the original Slide Rite mold and now have a 16 foot wide bottom. His boats handle very well and he is honest and reputable. Both my boats were glass. I have seen his excellent wood boats but have only rowed one - and it was great.

I have one, it was built in 1988 it is still in excellant shape, when not using it I store mine in my garage. very nice boat they track very well in the water. every summer it gets no expoy to seal it up.

Don Hill boats have a great reputation for design and quality. The only consideration I would have is if it were built from a kit that the build quality was good. A poorly built boat of any kind isn't worth having at any price. Otherwise, if the boat is in great shape for a fair price, I would go for it. I own a Willie but I would really like to have a wood drifter for the quiet, the feel, and the beauty of the wood. I have heard that if you don't seal them up well when you finish/paint them, a wood drift boat can soak up water and get heavy. Good luck!!

Don Hill's are great boats but You would be better off to stick with an aluminum boat for our waters around here.
Peace Superfly

My brother Dad and I built a Don Hill 16' footer like the one you are looking at about 10 years ago. The thing is great and we use it constantly on all the OP rivers. Like Bob and others said, the upkeep on a wood boat something that is not for everyone. I still think you should buy my 14 footer though...... With the 3 trips thrown in of course;)

Neal - throw in a trailer and we may have a deal :p