Small Drifts

I wrote a post last week asking for advise on a boat that would best satisfy all my fishing needs (E-side, W-side, Sound and lakes). I got a some great responses (thanks BigShark and Hey Yall Watch This) that are making me rethink my decision. The archieves were real helpful also.(What a website!!)

I was about to get an 11 foot drift pram but now I'm thinking about going for a bigger drift boat for safety and versatility reasons.

Unfortunatly, storage is an issue. The dream boat would be a 16ft DB but I don't have the space or the $ for storage. Also, 90% of the time there will only be two in the boat. So, I got the wife to agree to concrete over some of the lawn to create enough room to store a 12-14ft DB.

Does anybody have any comments on DB in these smaller sizes? Is this an adaquate size for 2 people fly fishing both east and westside rivers? I've got my eye on the Willies and Lavro boats. Does the noisy aluminum really spook fish as some believe? If I'm fishing the east side, all I see is fiberglass; westside is all aluminum. I'd prefer the metal because of its durability to sun, sticks and stones. If any of you got a boat in these sizes, I'd appreciate your comments.

Also, how to I get a look at a Thor or Diamondback boat?

Thanks, SF

Hey Surffish-
Check out an old post dated back to 2-27-01 titled "driftboat question". I have replied to the same post before. Use the search function at the top of the page by date. I think you may find out the answer to your exact question. If you still want to know more email me.

Thanks JTD,

I went back and read the archieve. Very helpful. It seems like most people prefer the 16x54. Unfortunately I do not have the room for one.

It sounds like the 14ft Willies does not perform that well. Also, the knee brace only coming up to mid calf is a big drawback for fly fishing. Is there a manufacture out there that is making a 14ft with a fairly wide bottom for better float and stability? Lavro? Thor? Diamondback? Does anyone have a 14ft boat that has overcome these issues?

SF

Surffish, I see your home 20 is the Seattle area. You owe it to yourself to go out to Monroe and talk to Ron at Lavro. He builds an 11 footer that is as wide as the 14 foot boat. The 11 footer is a hoot to row, talk about a go-cart! It will fish two people but is more comfortable with one. If you move up to a 14 footer, Ron can custom outfit it anyway you want. I have one of his 16 footers and it's seen some serious abuse from some of the OP rivers and the upper Sky above high brige in low water conditions and has held up fine. Call Ron at 360-794-5525 and make an appointment and check it out.

Beezer

Lavro makes one. I have used a 14 ft on the Kalama and Cowlitz and it works just fine with two people.