I gotta build one!!!

Hi all, i am new here. What a great site.
I own a 16ft Clackacraft fiberglass drift boat and love it.
I do about 15-20 floats a year and really have a blast with family and friends.
Until recently i didn't care much about the wooden boats. I have always thought they were cool,
but couldn't see myself owning one.

Well, now i gotta have one. For the last month i have been researching building techniques.
I am a very confident woodworker / blacksmith. I know i can build a beauty. I also have the room to build and store a wood boat. I am just so impressed with the craftsmanship i am seeing in the photos of your boats. I live in Wyoming and the winters are long. What a great winter time hobby.
My wife thinks i am nuts, being i already have a great boat. There is something about the wood ones though. I am sure i will be asking alot of questions here, once i get started. Thanks for such a cool site!!

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Permalink Reply by Rick Finnell on November 19, 2009 at 10:16am
WARNING ! It can be addictive .
Permalink Reply by Jayson Hayes on November 19, 2009 at 12:02pm
Addictive can be a understatement, if your not already O.C.D. prepare to start taking medication as you will be developing this disorder...........there is no turning back once you build your first
Permalink Reply by Herb Jacobsen on November 19, 2009 at 12:04pm
Brad,

I too had a Clackacraft but also had two wood boats at the same time. Got too good of a deal on the Clacka and could not pass it up. It was very serviceable but I would get comments from my clients about using it rather than one of the wood boats. I purchased it as it had lower sides and a lot of my clients were older. It meant it would be easier to get in and out of. Little did I know that the guys really liked riding in the wood boat.

Build one, it is a real education. I had little wood working knowledge and even less river knowledge when I built my first boat. I did see that first boat some years later down on the Cowlitz river in Washington. I gave the guys who had it then some of its history.

Have fun.
Herb
Permalink Reply by Jeff Wilson on November 19, 2009 at 7:33pm
you know, as long as you don't build the boat in the living room, and you sell the Clacka, you might have a chance convincing your lady it's ok...
Permalink Reply by David Jensen on November 19, 2009 at 8:51pm
Brad,
Follow your heart, do it. I fished/rowed a Clacky in Montana. It is a functional floating fishing platform. A wood boat handles much better in big water, is warm and inviting for you and your guests, and, like a Labrador, requires attention and responds with rewards. I have a couple of them which I finished/refinished. I do not have the tools or shop to build one like you. I will say that Tatman puts out a great kit to build.
Permalink Reply by Brad Funk on November 20, 2009 at 7:23am
Yeah, i am learning all i can about boat construction.
I will make sure i am plenty comfortable about what i am doing before i dive right in.
I can see how they could be addictive. Thanks for the replies.
Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on November 20, 2009 at 8:05am
You are perfect for the wooden boat disease, in fact I think that you already have a bad case. The only way to reduce the pain from this affliction is to start building wooden drift boats. I suggest a prescription of many hours in your shop with sawdust, epoxy fumes, pine tar, linseed oil and varnish to help. I am almost ready to start on my treatment, I am closer to having a space and somehow I'll find the money for the epoxy and the finishing materials. Unemployment and school threw me a curve ball, but I plan on hitting that ball out of the park.

Something else that Doctor Randy has suggested is the Wooden Boat Festival every spring. It will really help you escape the winter doldrums. Perhaps a visit to Jackson Hole to see the folks up there and to see their festival too.

Good luck with the build, keep us informed!

Rick Newman
Permalink Reply by Roger Graham on November 20, 2009 at 4:21pm
Go for it. If you have the skill, space and the time, it really is a fulfilling experience.

I bought my kit from Don Hill in the mid 80's. It took me about 6 years to finish it. Yeah, I know, that's a long time. Probably a record. I've had some great fun drifting and fishing once it was finished. However, I just looked at the registration on my trailer, and it says 1998. Yes, it's been that long since she was getting wet. A combination of bad weather timing, and well, time. I swear I'll get her back on the water this winter.

My avatar is of me launching her on her maiden voyage.
Permalink Reply by Brad Funk on November 20, 2009 at 4:26pm
I would say i have the disease already.
I have a few projects i need to address before i can start building a boat.
But that time will come, until then i am studying what others have done.
I will not copy any one boat, but take bits pieces from the ones i like.
I can't wait!!!
Permalink Reply by Roger Graham on November 20, 2009 at 4:33pm
One thing you'll have going for you is all the great new products that you can use to build the boat.

I wish the internet was around when I built mine. There were so many questions that I had, but no one to really ask. This site will be very helpful to you.
Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on November 21, 2009 at 8:05am
Do it... absolutely. And follow Jeff's advice about NOT building it in the living room... this site wasn't up and running then or I might've done things differently.

My wife wasn't amused... but it was totally worth it!!!
GH

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