I have seen comments about older aluminum drift boats being harder to row than some newer ones, specificly older alumawelds I think. Is this just a function of dimensions, or are some boats just built different ? Is there a year or a model # where there is a transition to different materials, or how does a guy know what to look for, and more importantly what to avoid ?

I see that Alumaweld offers different materials in some of their different jet boat models, were some of their drift boats tougher/thicker/heavier than others ?

IF you wanted to buy a used aluminum drift boat to learn white water with what would you buy and why ?

I am going to buy a drift boat, and begin with simple stuff, but intend to run some sporty water as soon as I figure I can do it safely (more or less).

Alot of your older aluminum drift boats only had a 48" bottom vs 54" now on most of the new ones which meant they didn't sit quite so high in the water or handle as heavy a load . They also weren't set up with as many adjustment options such as seats and oarlocks to get your weight balanced right. If I was looking for a good used drift boat to learn on I would buy a 16X54. Probably a willie. At least if you decide down the road you're not a rower you won't have any problem selling it. And if rowing is for you you'll have the boat you would want to wind up with anyway. No use having to buy more than 1 boat. If you shop around you should be able to pick up a decent used willie, especially after winter, for a decent price. Good luck

Lazy D pretty much summed it up in his post.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Thanks for the advice.

I own an early 80's Alumaweld 15'x48" and i love it. The 48" wide bottom makes it considerably lighter weight than the larger 54"'s. It is definitely not as roomy as some of the larger boats but it fishes great with 3 people and it rows like a dream. Plus, when pulling plugs for an 8-9 hour day, the smaller size and lighter weight are a god send. I have two different friends who own boats that are 16'x 54" and when we fish together my boat is always the one we take while leaving their larger boats behind. Just a little food for thought, good luck.

The extra width will be something you will learn to like both in the extra room on the inside, and the way the boat will handle. I've rowed the 15x48" Alumaweld, and would not buy one. In my opinion, they draw to much and do not track well. Lazydrifter has some good advice.
Neal

I started with a 16 by 48 Alumaweld...an older one for sure...1978...loved it dearly and still miss it...caught lots of fish with it....but then I rowed my buddies 16 by 54 and will never ever buy another 48. The 54 tracks better, handles better...and feels lighter as you are rowing. Good luck in your search!