Wooden Boat People
By McKenzieDriftBoat.com
New drift boat owner!
I have been considering building a drift boat for a few years now. Lacking time and space, I bought a late 70's homebuilt boat here in Salem, OR. I was told that I am the third owner and it was built in 1978 in Sweethome.
It is a 16x48 and appears to be hard clear finish (varnish?) with a UHMW bottom.
The finish is cracking a bit, and the trailer needs some love but I am thinking it will serve me well.
I am excited to get it out on the water, but i only have limited experience on an oar raft.
I will probably take it out on a lake first, but what stretch of river is good for a beginner? I have heard Stayton to Shelburn on the North Santiam is very mellow. I have also heard the lowest stretch of the Clackamas is a great first run.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Views: 1207
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on
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Do you have any friends with drift boats that are experienced and safe operators? grab one of them and have them go with you on moving water. Or go to a lake to understand what happens when you pull on the ars, how to turn the boat, how to row facing backwards and crossing the lake in a straight line.
Figure out where your passengers and gear will be carried so as to keep the boat level when loaded. Neither bow heavy nor stern heavy.
There are a few books out on running drift boats and rafts in whitewater. There wasn't any youtube when I started (1966) so I don't know if there are any good you tube videos that promote safe boating / drift boating.
There are many ways to get in trouble and good ways to stay safe.
Rick N
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Permalink Reply by Dylan on
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Thanks. Unfortunately I recently moved to the state and don't know anyone. Maybe I will stop in the Albany and Corvallis fly shops and ask around.
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You can always attend the upcoming McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival april 29 and 30 in Vida, OR. Plenty of folks there to meet. Rob Grubb and his Dad teach drift boating skills. Send him a message here on the site. Robb is based in the Bend area. Here's a link to their web site.
http://www.rivertraining.net/privatetraining.html
Rick N
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Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on
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Hey Rick,
Is that the definate date on the show? Seems like it is usually the third Sat.
Mike
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Yes, I confirmed it with Randy a few weeks ago. When is the general fishing season opener in Oregon? Usually they occur at the same time don't they?
I have been happy to see that you have been following your dream to get drift boat plans and kits out there!
I plan on being there and floating.
Rick
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Thats what I was thinking. The opener is April22.
Yes the dream is alive :)
Mike
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This is the festival we are talking about correct? The date says it is April 23rd.
Planning on being there so I want to make sure!
http://eaglerocklodge.com/2015/12/31/2016-wooden-boat-festival/
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The Lodge used to be owned by Randy Dersham and his wife until sometime in 2015. The new owners are not apparently having the night before picnic we used to have at the Lodge so everything will occur on the 23rd. Perhaps we can put together a gathering somewhere on the 22nd for interested parties. Several people like myself travel in from other states and camp out at nearby campgrounds. Stay tuned.
Rick Newman
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Permalink Reply by Robb Grubb on
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Dylan,
There are usually two types of students that come to us; the first one is the proactive type that understands the importance of learning something right the first time; and the second one is the do it your selfer that shows up with a soccer ball sized hole in the front left chine of their brand new boat and fresh ink on divorce papers because they scared the crap out of their wife!
No matter how you go about learning to row drift boats; spending a bunch of money with an instructor or trial and error on your own, be sure to go slow, be cautious, break down the elements of rowing and maneuvering to form a good foundation of habits and techniques. I am happy to help you in your adventures if needed.
Safe Boating, Robb Grubb
P.S. - Thanks for the props Rick!
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There is no better place to go in my opinion. Will we see you on April 22, 23, and 24? some time we really should organize a float during that time period!
Rick
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Permalink Reply by David Jensen on
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Dylan,
Welcome to Oregon and woodies! Do check the flyshops for a stretch of the Santiam. I used to boat there more; it is very mellow down low in the Jefferson area. But there are some difficult areas up higher, especially in summer flows. If you are ever in Lane County, I can loan you a laminated map I have for about 10 rivers which show the boat landings and levels of difficulty. If you do think it worth while to come to Eugene/Springfield/ Willamette and McKenzie rivers, I'd be willing to show you a float or two. As Rick wrote, you definitely should attend the Wooden Boat Festival here in April.
David Jensen
McKenzie River, Oregon
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Hey David,
I would be thrilled to come down to Eugene and get a few river miles on the oars. I would like to attend the wooden boat festival as well. I work weekends but I may be able to get the time off. Is it something where I can come for only one day?
My new oars should be here early this week. Don't know how much of a football fan you are, but if the weather holds up I would like to get out on Feb 7th - Super Bowl Sunday... it looks like the Mckenzie may be driftable then? Otherwise I am pretty much limited to Wednesdays and Thursdays (my days off).
Thanks
Dylan
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