Northwest Fishing Reports

I'm thinking about buying a drift boat with a buddy of mine. For those who own one, what advice do you have for first time buyers? What makes/models do you suggest for the PNW. Things to look for in used models? Accessories? Any information helps. Thanks in advance.

Must haves: heater, dry storage and cover.

What do you mean by "Cover?" Just available storage hatches?
I've never seen a Bimini on a drift boat. I just figured any drift boat would have storage features at some level.

Aluminum or fiberglass? I suppose thats like saying spinning gear or baitcaster.

A boat cover, that is trailerable to protect it from rocks and keep your gear clean from mud and dirt. At least you need a drift boat bra, to prevent rocks from chewing up the bow. It makes a huge difference. I didn't get one for my boat when I first got it, but after a couple of trips I soon realized the necessity of it. You can also lock them down, so you can leave your gear in the boat over night without as much fear of it being stolen.

I don't like the way that fiberglass ages. I also don't like the way a lot of fiberglass boats look on the inside. But yes, it's like baitcast or spinning, if someone has a clack, they're never going back to aluminum.

If you look back in the archives, when I was shopping for a drift boat, I made a similar thread that got a lot of good advice put in it.

I have a 1991 16' Fish Rite that I love. I had to do some searching and waiting on craigslist to find just what I was looking for with a budget of $3k. I talked the guy down a bit and got it for $2,500. What I was looking for was a boat that had lots of storage that could still fish 3 guys comfortably. I have a rear seat with dry storage, rowers seat with 3 dry storage compartments, large dry storage under the front seats and also under bow storage. I love it.

As far as what kind you should get??????????? Ask 100 different guys and you will get just as many different answers. Best thing I can tell you is try and find one to row first to see if the whole rowing thing is even for you. I have seen guys make the purchase and have no clue how to row, not pick it up and turn around and sell it. Also think about logistics ie. how do you plan on doing your turns? With the friend? Use a turn service? All things to consider.

BTW, when researching a db purchase don't buy into the complete bs that the fiberglass guys say about glass being warmer in the winter, not true. You are in an open boat exposed to the elements. If its cold out...........its cold for everyone.

there are ups and downs to both aluminum and fiberglass. I like my fiberglass boat over Aluminum for a few major reasons. Semi-flexible bottoms don't stick on rocks like aluminum You accidentally get stuck on a rock? (hasnt happened to me but eventually will happen to anyone) fiberglass slides off much easier. Aluminum boats stick and can get you in trouble fast if you happen to high center on a rock .Even something as simple as rowing to shore fighting a fish, fiberglass glides over the shallow rocks and gets you closer. Aluminum sticks and is hard to push off getting back in the river. Fiberglass is much lighter. easy to drag up on shore when fishing, easier to load and unload. Aluminum gets FREEZING cold in the winter when steelhead fishing. your entire boat is an ice cube lol. Aluminum is loud and heavier in the river, in my experience more difficult to deal with in shallower technical water.

Aluminum has its up sides as well. More durable, like Nate said. you dont see a lot of 20 yr old glass boats without major rebuilds, but aluminum boats if taken care of can last a lot longer... theres more things too. I went with fiberglass after rowing several boats of both types and liked the way fiberglass rowed much better. Just my opinion. Ford vs Chevy right? good luck on your choice!

Told you. LOL! You'll never see me in a fiberglass boat.

natetreat wrote:Told you. LOL! You'll never see me in a fiberglass boat.

although i prefer fiberglass to aluminum, i DEFINITELY gotta say your pavati is the one aluminum boat i liked and if i ever had to go aluminum i would buy that freakin boat

Yea, you can't really compare mine to to the average aluminum. I will say that the UHMW bottom makes it SUPER slick, so none of that rock grabbing. My boat will belong to my grandchildren.