Need help deciding what drift boat to build

I'm located in Alabama and am planning to build a drift boat, but unsure which model or where to get the plans.  I have experience building a couple of small wood boats and am ready to tackle this project.  I won't need anything capable of handling any big water.  Class 2 whitewater would be the max, so I'm thinking something with lower sides.  Also, I only need a boat for 2 people.  Many times I fish solo.  I would love to hear some suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on June 7, 2016 at 2:41pm

If I were going to build any drift boat right now (disclaimer I already have a 17x52 drifter) it would be a Rapid Robert. You can drift it and motor it if needed. What it lacks in sex appeal it more than makes up for in versatility.

my 02.

Permalink Reply by Greg Hall on June 7, 2016 at 5:15pm

A Rapid Robert is a boat I have looked at.  I just received a copy of Mr. Fletchers' book.  Maybe after I read it, I will have better info to make a decision.

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on June 10, 2016 at 7:16am

The ability to motor is what really makes me want one. For those frogwater long haul rowing sessions at dark, lake fishing etc. Motoring a double ender is a serious compromise at best. You also get more room with the square ender.

Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on June 7, 2016 at 3:32pm

Greg,

I lived in Opelika for 11 years and in East Tennessee 14 years before that and have floated just about everything in all sorts of boats. Are you planning on floating Alabama rivers like the Coosa? Are you planning on doing the Hiwassee in East Tennessee? Tocccoa or Nantahala? How many times per year will you use it and where will you store it?

Permalink Reply by Greg Hall on June 7, 2016 at 4:02pm

Caney Fork, Elk, Sipsey Fork, and Hiwassee.  I have a lot of interest in the Collins, Clinch, and South Holston as well, but don't know much about them.  Also will eventually fish Missouri and Arkansas.  I wouldn't ever use it on the Coosa.  I have other small boats more suited to fishing rivers similar to the Coosa.

Permalink Reply by Greg Hall on June 7, 2016 at 5:20pm

These are my current boats.  They work well in a lot of situations, but are not very stable for standing to fly cast.


Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on June 7, 2016 at 8:55pm

Greg,

I have fished and rowed almost every type of wood and fiberglass drift boats on almost the rivers you listed. And guided on some of them. Great waters there.

If you want to build a traditional framed McKenzie boat I would suggest a 16X48 which has a center length of 14' 8". You could build a 14X48 but I think you'd regret it. The only river you mentioned that can give a framed boat trouble is the Hiwassee. It can eat up a wood boat unless you are only going to fish from the power house to Towee Creek or if you are going to float the middle or lower sections. Plan on repairs if you go all the way down to H.O on a regular basis. I guided out of a framed boat for years and I loved it but it was constant repairs to the chines and bottom. But then again I was using it 30 days straight with only a day or two between.

If you want a stitch and glue boat I think the Clark Fork Drifter from Butler Projects would be a dandy one.

Permalink Reply by Greg Hall on June 8, 2016 at 7:19am
In addition to the traditional western styled drift boats, I had also considered something along the lines of the ozark jon boats used on the White River, or the Ausable river boats. Given what you know about the TN tailwaters and rivers I mentioned, what are your thoughts on these or other designs? I looked at a Towee Rivermaster skiff that a guide was using with 2 clients the other day on the Caney Fork. He had a 20hp 4-stroke on it which made a pretty versatile boat for the Caney. It got me thinking a little about other designs for a wood boat.
Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on June 8, 2016 at 8:00am

I have fished out of and operated the White River boats but not more than a dozen times. You may already know this but they serve a different purpose from McKenzie-styled boats. McK boats are designed for shallow draft, great maneuverability and can be navigated around obstacles. Generally they float from point A to point B. (Not motored back upstream.) The White River boats are much less maneuverable but still have a shallow draft and are designed for an outboard. They are great boats in flatter water with gentle shoals and cobble bottoms. They offer the convenience of being able to motor back up to the ramp (no shuttle necessary) and to drift/motor/drift/motor the same stretch several times. That is something you don't get in a McK boat. The White River style would be fine on the Caney, Clinch, S. Holston, etc. It would not be a boat you could use on the Hiwassee.

For me, the McK boat is the better choice because I love the lines, the history, quietness, rowing, etc. and the ease of maintenance (no motor and associated headaches/expense).You can fish all of those rivers you mentioned in a McK boat if you can get a shuttle. 

Permalink Reply by Greg Hall on June 8, 2016 at 7:41pm

I'm leaning heavily towards a 16 x 48 Mckenzie.  Not sure which plans to build and I understand folks might not want to recommend one over another on an open forum.  I'm currently looking at Don Hill, Roger Fletcher, & Sandy Pittendrigh plan options.  Are there other plans for a 16 x 48 Mckenzie w/transom that I am overlooking?  Also, does anyone know the status of Don Hills' business since his passing?  Does Mike Baker have plans for a 16 x 48? or just the 17 x 52?

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on June 9, 2016 at 6:04am

Hey Greg,

I only have the 17x54 right now. I have all the data for the 16x48 but have not put into plan form yet.

Mike Baker

Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on June 9, 2016 at 9:03pm

Mike, are you selling kits?

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