I'm going to buy a new driftboat (Fiberglass) it's between Clackacraft and Lavro, I like the thicker chimes of the Lavro but the Lavro only comes in a 50 inch bottom. The clackacraft comes with the 57 inch bottom with the tunnel and divit system. I'm 50/50 between side drifting and pulling plugs.

I mainly float the Sol duc, Humptulips, Queets and the Wynoochee. Just not sure which direction to lean could I get a little help thanks..

So...this might burst the bubble of all the "drift boat makin' cumpnees..."...but they all work just fine, depends more on who's rowin' then who made the boat.

I've rowed a few Lavros, and I think they're just fine...I've rowed a few Crackacrafts, and not surprisingly, they're just fine, too...

Fish on...

Todd

I have a Lavro 16-foot OD model and think it is great. I like the water tight hatches/compartments in the bow and stern. The only thing that I would change on my boat is the front seat. I have the roped seat with seat backs and would much rather have the buckent seats in the front. The seat backs are unsafe in technical water because you can crack you knucks on them and if for some reason you lost your grip on an oar it could get pinned in front of the seat back. I have been by Lavro a couple of times to get spares parts and seen how theey build their boats. Definately quality built boats. Not a lot of knolwedge on the Clacks.

how is it pulling plugs

I have owned two Clackacrafts, one 57" low side and one 50" standard height, I will be getting the 50" back in the coming weeks... The wide bottom was nice layout and adjustability wise but for technical rowing the 50" is hands down preferred. (Wider model better for plug pulling.)

Good Luck.

I've used several models of both brands. Mostly low siders while flyfishing. Jusy my personal preference, but I like the Clack better. Both will get the job done.
Brian

When it comes to pulling plugs they flat out SUCK

A Lavro will pull plugs just fine. Like mentioned above, it just depends on who is on the sticks. After a little practice you won't be sliding around at all. The sides on the more common models of Lavros are kinda high but Ron does make a low profile boat. On the rivers and the techniques mentioned in the opening of this tread the high sides shouldn't be a problem unless your taking a bunch of grannys fishing.


Why not buy from a local boat builder.
Beezer

57" Clack.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE


P.S. Willie "Simply The Best"

If you hafta have a glass boat. Take a look at a Hyde.

If you hafta have a glass boat. Take a look at a Hyde.

"Simply The Best"

Both good choices. Like Beezer said, with practice they will plug fine. I have a Lavro and I have never worried about the durability of the glass.

Take her down the Duc a few dozen times and if it's still floating roll it over and look at the bottom.

http://www.willieboats.com/Inline%20Drifter%20Package.pdf


Now I am no expert, but this is what I want.

Like I believe Todd said, Its the guy on the sticks. For resale I think the "Simply the Best" sums it up

sorry people but alumaweld is "simply the best"

Saying it doesn't make it true.

i guess if you never rowed anything else this may be true. all i have ever rowed is a alumaweld,so i think it is great.i maybe wrong but i will never know until i row something else

you know what they say about opinions...

They are heavy and unresponsive compared to a Willie or a Hyde. Glass boat are light so they are the easiest to row, but like mentioned above they are unstable compared to a heavier aluminum boat, and while they might be fine in Montana or on rivers like the Skagit, they don't take the punishment some of our rivers dish out.