Its time, 15 years of use and decided it was time for a new boat. My 16 ft Alumaweld has been a hell of a boat and caught a ton of fish. I plan on keeping it around as a loaner etc. So I ordered a new Willies. Went with the 17 ft model this time. Is there any real difference rowing the longer boat or pretty much the same. I guess the reason for the 17 ft boat was that to get a 16 ft boat with the same options cost more than the 17 ft package deal, that was set up just right.. Can't wait

Hey-
I have some advice, but nothing to do with rowing a sixteen footer versus a seventeen. They have had a lot of new hires in the last six months in the shop. Before you drive all the way down there to pick up your boat, have them email you some pictures of the welds. My first Willies had excellent fit and finish. This boat was rough to say the least. When they told me that they had hired two new apprentices I jokingly suggested that my boat was going to be their first project. I was told no, that all of their laborers are qualified. But after driving from Tacoma for nine hours what was I going to do? Reject the boat?
Good luck.

If it had anything out of the ordinary.. meaning really crappy welds.. I would reject it in a second.

Drove all the way to Idaho falls to look at a Hyde aluminum boat. Everything looked good except the huge dent in the side. You had to look close to see it. Asked if this boat had ever been in the water.. the guy said no. Asked him if the price included the big dent or if that was free. He said that the boat had been ordered by someone and rejected. Was willing to sell it to me without ever mentioning it. It was a manufacturing flaw. Anyone else seen any new Willies with less than stellar construvtion??? I have never seen one that was not close to perfect.. but don't see as many as you west siders.

Only new Willie that I've ever seen was picture purfect but I'm sure that they can make an occasional mistake. But I'll bet they fix any mistakes, fast. My Willie DB is an '89 and it's still a great boat.

D.

A new boat is a huge investment.I would reject one with crappy welds in a heartbeat.Who wants lousy welds splitting or having to take your boat in to have repairs done.
Your paying the big bucks for a quality product.Make sure its just that.

We have two Willie Boats. Had a sled for 10 years and just bought a drift boat. The fit and finish of both our boats is very well done. We have had no problems with any of the welds or paint. We have never had any problems with the constuction of any Willie Boat we have owned or that have been owned by someone we know. Many of the river guides that we know also choose to own Willie Boats above other available brands in our area. My brother also has two Willie Boats (a sled and a driftboat). We have always been treated fairly and respectfully by the employees at Willie Boats.

If anyone doubts me, you are welcome to see for yourself. I don't believe that the concerns are structural at all, but they are more than sloppy. The people at Willies are great and I am still glad that I bought the boat. However, I should have rejected it ( I didn't only because it was the peak of the summer run season, I didn't look at it that closely when I picked it up and I had already sold my other Willies) and I am not willing to drive ten hours each way to address my concerns. Suffice it to say I am just disappointed.
My post was just of caution to inspect the boat closely before you drive away because the problem is current and real. They are still the only manufacturer I would consider- they row the best! I don't think that my problem will affect how the boat rows at all.
Good luck!