Not a stoopid idea down here in OR, anyway. Lots of drifters with kickers. Up in Wa seems like the motor on a db is frowned upon?

My vote for you is a little used sled with a life left in it jet pump. I don't like to shuttle as I fish by myself sometimes and don't want to leave the boat and gear unattended for unsavory folks to pick over. I can launch and return to the ramp in my sled. Drifters with a kicker can do the same depending on rapids and flows in your river. I had a chance to fish the Nooch this winter and saw lots of db's and sleds running it, so there are plenty of options for you.

Some people are afraid of getting into powerboats, but it's a good way to fish in many situations.

Best,

most of my good fishing buddies only have days off that line up with mine once in a blue moon these days, so a drift boat would mostly sit in my yard growing moss.

seems like any more everyone overlooks the "small sled" option, and goes for the 24' 250hp end-all that can fish 8 people and go out in the ocean. i can tell you that my 14 footer has never cost me more than $25 in gas in a day, i can pull it with my 4 cylinder toyota, and i'm not saddled down with a mortgage to pay for it.

i would really like to pick up a cheap db or pontoon for a couple rivers that would be too small to run my jet boat up, but for the most part i can wade them, so it remains a thought...for now.

If you get a drift boat-get a good rower


then you will be able to fish

Or get a good fisherman up front--nothing worse than rowin someones arse into Holy Waters and they are not ready to make that perfect cast

Dibs on the front seat!

Oh wait, you said good, not great, exceptional, and awesome!

everyone has there opinion and here is mine I just bought a Sea-Dory last year, made by Alumiweld in 1982 its a drift boat with a flat back and a 40hp jet does me well on the Skagit and like you said takes away the needing a shuttle may not be perfect for all rivers but.......
My 2 cents