Greg,

Thanks for the compliment. I was looking at your pictures yesterday, very nice also. Tatman does a nice job of picking out wood doesn't he? The colors always seem to work well together.

Its hard for me to compare my two driftboats,because they both work very well for what they were designed for, but are both very different. My wood boat doesn't have near the rocker, or bottom width over a longer area as the Willie, which makes it better on flat water and it tracks very well. The Willie with much more rocker and wider bottom makes it spin and turn like nobody's business through rocky rapids, extremely maneuverable, and it will haul two guys plus me easily. I don't fly fish much yet, and use my boats mostly for pulling plugs, and in this category they are almost a tie. It just depends on what type of water I will be running as to what boat I like best. The Rogue is my home river and if I am fishing the top of the river (meaning everything above Graves Creek) with just one passenger the woody gets the nod, but the canyon is aluminum boat territory as far as I am concerned and for good reason as I'm sure you know after running it recently yourself.

Weight wise the wood boat is lighter but not by much. I weighed them both and I cant remember what the difference was, but I was surprised how close they were.

Mike

I built the wood boat first and used it hard for a little over a year until I bought the Willie, now its my main fishing boat and the woodie is more my summer fishing, when the flows are good boat.

What led me to the aluminum boat was one winter fishing trip where I had two over 250 pound apiece friends in the front of the woodie. We went down through a little class2 rapid that I had been down many times before, but this time the boat was drafting more water with the load i it and we hit a submerged rock that you couldn't see at all from the surface dead center under the passenger seat. It sounded like a rifle shot. After we got through the rapid we pulled over and inspected the boat carefully and it didn't puncture the hull but it did break the rib under the seat and fractured the first two plys on the inside of the bottom. We still fished the rest of the day and I was ultra cautious not to hit anything else that day.

I repaired the inside bottom by peeling the plys away and filled it with epoxy, screwed and epoxied the rib back together then fit two more ribs on either side of the cracked one making it triple thick. I talked with Ray Heater about what had happened to the boat and he suggested that I should do the bottom of my boat with one of his glass kits that he sells for his boats. It is a massive piece of S cloth that is coated with multiple coats of epoxy and graphite and seems to be holding up well. Admittedly I haven't hauled as heavy, or hit anything as hard since that day, but it has still taken a good number of shots since then and seems to be holding up well.

So long story longer that is what led me to the Aluminum boat. I love the way my wood boats looks, but for sheer toughness an aluminum boat can not be beat.

Hey Greg,
Thanx for the comment. Yes that is Meranti. Good eyes! those are oarlblocks in the back but they are just for holding spare oarlocks. They make a great place to ship the oars.
The strips are 1/8x1/2x12' aluminum strips. They work good but not as slippery as UHMW.
Mike

Yeah the Illinois is pretty much an experts only river. I felt like I was ready for it last year, but the logistics of running it just never panned out for me till this year.

I was trying to remember when I started all this river running stuff and I think it was in 01 or 02. I really cant remember, so I only have 7 or 8 years experience which is a drop in the bucket compared to some of the guys on this board like the Helfrich's, but I do have a lot of miles piled up in those years.

I have a question for you, have you attended the wood boat show I see advertised on this board before? I knew they had one out of state somewhere like Idaho or something like that, but I didn't know they had one here. I ask because I would be interested in attending, but I would really only do it if they put in and ran part of the McKenzie. Not that I wouldnt like to meet people and see their boats, but the river running part is what would sell me on it.

Mike

Hmm the boat show sounds interesting. I may go if I can get my bow babe(my wife) to go, shes a fair weather boater only though.

What I would be really interested in is getting a bunch of wood boats together for a canyon run though. I am surprised this hasn't been though of yet maybe it has, I haven't been here to long.

Don't let my group scare you off from coming along. As of last night only one of my buddies has confirmed that he and his wife will go so that makes a grand total of two boats going! We started doing this winter trip about three years ago just to ward off cabin fever for me pretty much. And most of the time I am lucky to get any more then this one buddy to go with me. You have to be "die hard" to really enjoy this trip. I like cause there is literally no one else down there. We are lucky to see anybody for the three days we're down there. We stopped into paradise a few years ago for a cup of coffee and the caretaker (I cant remember his name) told us we were the first people he had seen in a month.I also enjoy seeing the canyon in its different phases and its really unique in the winter. But I am kinda of wierdo and I like camping any time of the year, but I have all the gear for it too.

I was looking at the flows today and they will most likely be somewhere around 5000 when we head down maybe higher, this should make for very little flat water pushing and cover all the rocks in blossom besides the horn rock and volkswagen. I think it was the year before last we ran the right side of blossom believe it or not. Was very exciting to say the least, huge hole right beside the top horn rock but other then that just big standing waves and pretty much a straight shot down to the eddy at the bottom.

Anyways it up to you obviously and we would be willing to help you do the lining and show ya the ropes down the rest of the river, but if you want to wait thats cool too. Mark your calendar for the may 8-10th cause that will be the next for sure Rogue trip for us.

Mike

Greg,

Well I'm leaving for Christmas for the next four days but when I get back maybe I'll throw a thread about a canyon trip up early and see what everybody thinks.

Most of the time the only problem with trying to organize a trip like this is just picking a day that will work for most people, but if I get it up there soon it might give people more time to re-organize there schedule to make things work.

If a trip like this happens it needs to be after or before permit season. Personally I would like to see it happen before, reason being there is usually more water in May, and IMO the river is more forgiving when there is more water then less, to a point.

Anyways we'll see whats consensus is.

Mike

Mad scramble, but the results are great, She rows as good as anything yet! Options were taken off the table before I got in on it so..... Black and tan is it.
I went places on the Deschutes I've never been and I've been around on that creek more than most. I'm stoked!!!

Thanks for chatten at me, I'll have to get some pictures uploaded.

Greg,
The new album you added was really fun to look at. That looks INTENSE!
Thanks for sharing!

-jk-

Did you even know that I had wooden boat fantasies? I guess because it seems so naughty for a cranker/metal john boater to venture into the land of the real fishermen and wooden boaters.

Thanks for the welcome Greg. I am at the glue up stage and the weather is not cooperating. As soon as it warms up in my garage I will glue the scarfs and pray for a rapid curing. Stitching the parts together is next and I feel fairly confident except for bending the bottom 1/4" plywood. The bottom needs to deflect 18" in 36". Not sure it can be done without Kerfing. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the welcome. I live right on the middle Rogue at the Griffin park section. There is a good drift here from Whitehorse to Hog Creek Also live about 5 miles from where the Applegate crosses the redwood hwy.. Would be happy to help out with any cane rod questions you might have. Looking at building a tateman for the river.

Greg
Just looked at your pics of you running the graves creek/blossom bar sec of the river. Man that's nuts, let alone in a wood boat. We had 3 people drown in that section last year.

Yep, North Carolina. Currently in Asheboro (between Charlotte. and Greensboro). I'm here just thru the spring as I build my first drifter. Actually this first one is a stitch and glue, but I plan a wooden boat next year. You're right about Charlotte, no hunting or fishing at all; but plenty of traffic! I'm headed back out west next summer. Wy, Mt, and Idaho. I've got a friend in Seattle so I might get to Washington and who knows even Oregon. Y'all have got some great rivers out there! Scary though. I'm not ready for that. I saw the pics of your float on the Rouge. well, off to work on the boat. No glue today as it's 28 now with a high of 39. Damn cold for this part of the world.

Greg we have had as many as 24 boats show up. The fishing on the Snake will be poor due to runoff but the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon in Yellowstone Park ussually fish well. They open on the 23rd of May. The Henry's Fork in Idaho also opens on this day. Fishing on the lakes in Jackson Hole is very good at this time. Call me anytime to chat about this.

AJ

Hi Greg,
thanks for the welcome note.

Hope to be around for AJ's party/show this May. You should try and get up here if the weather is nice.
Cheers,
Jeff in Jackson

Greg,
Thanks for the note. I am glad to have found this forum. I look forward to the comments and pictures.

Regards,
Herb

Greg,
Thanks for the welcome! I went to last years fest a usual annual trip. I was happy to see the drift boat confab. As an un-seasoned fly fisherman I had pondered building a drift boat; really got encouraged by Fletcher's Drift Boats and River Dories. Right now my affliction is a Sam Devlin Egret and a William Garden Eel. I'll submit photos soon!

Thanks for the greeting. It's good to be hear and I love the boat chatter, it's become some what of an obsession.

Thanks for the welcome. It is nice to find that I am not the only one crazy about wooden drift boats.

Hey Greg,
I just bought my boat this summer and it had some leaking along the chine. I have it torn down to the plywood having removing the chine cap. Believe it or not but whoever built it used drywall screws and ringshank nails for the plastic bottom. Seriously.
Anyway, thanks for the welcome. My favorite floats are the lower Willamette and Leaburg down to Hendricks. Tight Lines.

It was great meeting you. I love the images; especially 45.

Chet

Thanks Greg. I'll keep looking. Do you know if he is going to post pictures here?

Excellent! Would it be afixed or would it swivel down and snap into place? How would it be attached? Did you source a rail?

BTW: Laid up cane the past two days. Should have enough to do 10 blanks in 2 or 3 piece configurations in about 5 weeks. Ferruled up a 7'9" 3 piece 2 tip rod for a 5 DT tonigt to be wrapped over the weekend. I've got two on the disabled list right now, flu. Geez.

This is an abreviated message from one I apparently mis-posted: Al Bellinger and his son Jeff are doing the reels together until age or Jeff's liver gives out, which ever comes first. At that time the reels business will come to me. Until then we're going to play more of a role in promoting, assembling and servicing the reels.

cc

Thanks for your welcome Greg!
I too hope to see some lively answers on my post regarding S&G vs. framed construction. This is a great site!
You have a beautiful boat and your photos are awesome!!

Thanks Greg. I've been checking out some random profiles and where people are. It's been pretty cool to see some of the different drifters in use.

The offer is great, it is the finances that are the question right now. I got the invite from Randy today. I really want to be there, time will tell.

Rick Newman

Greg
I will be checking my calendar. Sounds like fun.
Kenny

Greg,
I hope to have the outside of my boat finished in the next two weeks. 'Hope' being the operative word:) It would be great to bring my boat up for the float/festivities on the 25th of April. However, my career tends to send me to random areas with short notice. A project in Elko, Nevada has my name written all over it in the next couple of weeks. I believe I will be back in time and hope to have her fishable again by then. We will see.
Pictures of your boat have me seriously considering building a 17' Inline kit from Sandy and Randy up the road. What can I say....I now have the bug. Im certain I have put more time into my project than I have ever needed to but it has been a solid learning experience and I cant wait to build one! Thanks for the motivation!!
-Tight Lines

Greg,
I am driving from Portland that morning; so not sure I can get there in time and still be organized for the show. I will be letting you know. I am staying at Randy's Saturday night and floating Sunday. How about a Sunday float?
Tip Up and a Tight Line

Greg,
I would love to join your group but I will be in Portland to attend a wedding of two folks I don't know. You know the drill. My wife's friend of a friend...

Greg,
Looking forward to the show and comradeship (great name for a boat!).
Will be discussing more float details later.
Go to go; fish on!
D

I kept seeing everyone's custom pages and had to figure out how they did it. So I clicked a few buttons and there it was. Today is the last day of a ten year job. Hadn't planned on this so things will be tenative for a while. However desire is strong, Craigslist has helped me sell quite a few things that I don't use or need so I'll continue the process to raise travel funds.
Rick

I'll be there as long as the boat is finished! All signs are pointing to yes! See you then...

We're considering it! FIngers crossed that all will work out and we can fly in for the show again.

it is on the calendar. perhaps only 50/50 at this time. Both my kids go to U of O so it is a good excuse to come down. But the Columbia R. has been kicking out a few springers for me and the season is very short this year with Sat. my only day to fish that the river is open. The boat is in steelhead shape right now....blood in the bottom, axle grease on the outside....but I guess it gives me an excuse to clean her up.

Greg,

Yes, I'm going to make it to the show though I'm a bit shy thinking of being in the company of boat builders. Though I try and follow most threads on this site, I understand only a small fraction.

I'd also like to bring the boat and float. The boat has been used very hard all fall and winter and I won't be giving it a rest until late spring or early summer. She's looking tired but with a little tlc will as always, make a comeback.

This June's sanding and varnishing will hopefully look better than the last. I'm pretty sure the folks at the show won't hold that against me. Will they?

I'm looking foward to seeing soooo many wood boats and meeting you all.

Greg,

A lot depends on the wife and kid. The kid just turned 15 and I don't like who she's "dating". I would like to come with the wife, but we will see. I have several thinges to get done on the boat, too. I bought an anchor system from Tatman and I am halfway done putting it in the boat. The other is the addition of some folding seats for passengers. My boat is extremely rough compared to some I see on this site, but I'm not worried about that. If we did make it, it would be the first drift in this boat, or any boat for that matter. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay back east, so I am familiar with rowing, just not on a moving river.

So, I guess that's a firm maybe on being there for the parade.

Regards,
John

Hi Greg,
Thanks for reiterating the invitation. I am waffling about bringing my boat. Although I think it looks OK, it is after all a working boat. It has lots of fishing tackle, salmon roe residue and sand shrimp parts lurking in crevices and of course it smells like a cannery. I've been using it a lot lately going for steelies. Perhaps it will make all of the other boats there look good?
(Grin...)

Hey Greg, Not sure about my schedule. I might be coming down with my brother and another guy with an extreme interest in wooden boats. I'll have to see how it all pans out. How about a fish this weekend? Perhaps Sunday? Is Matty up for it?

c

Hey Greg,
I am very much thinking of doing the float as I was coming to the show anyway. What is the float on that section like? And are there any camping options if I wanted to come over Friday night?

Greg -
I am planning on going to the Wooden Boat show but have donated a guide trip to the MGRA Radio Auction for opening day of trout season (supports the life jacket & stocking program). If I am not guiding I will be participating in the float - see you at Eagle Rock sometime that day. George

Thanx for the info Greg

Greg,

After reading others comments on attending the boat show I see a few common threads. We use our boats and our boats look tired. I say good! That's why we drift em, to use them.

I'm more committed to attending the show than I was a day ago. Were all in the same boat ;-) more or less and it's all good.

So again, I'll be there and so will the boat. Goofy varnish job and egg snew. Washed up the steelhead blood last weekend, so it's good to go.

Hi Greg,
I'm doing my best to be there. I think you can count on me for both the boat parade as well as the show.
I'm going tosend you a friend invite. Anyone who can use the word "schtank" so eloquently is all right by me...
;o)

BTW - I understand the drift is about an hour long. Any obstacles or surprises along the way???

TJ

Greg,

I would love to come "over the hill", regardless of how big it is. Alas, I am stuck in corporate America and up against to large obstacles, I am running out of time, and I am supposed to be traveling for work that weekend. Man I need a new job. Anyway, I am still hoping that I can work something out. We'll see.... :D!

Cheers,

Jesse

Hi Greg,
Thanks for the note. So in saying "guides", are people fishing on this "parade" or are these just rowers taking folks on a boat ride?
I don't really plan on fishing, just thought I'd ask. (If I started fishing I'd probably miss the whole show...)

Thanks!
TJ

Hi Greg,
I would love to row in the parade, though at this writing My boat is not ready for the river. I've been working too much lately and haven't been able to spend much time till this week on her. I did manage to get the bottom on yesterday. Tomorrow, I'll turn her over and finish stripping the gunnels and topside in preperation for glass and paint.
If I can get it done in time I definitely be there.

BTW - your rowers bar is really classy, nice job. I was wondering what those little "keys" are where your frames meet the chine log. The reason I ask is that for some reason when I replaced my chine log it fits tight at some frames but not others. I'm left with a weird gap and was thinking about covering it. Yours looks nice an there is no crevice for dirt and crude to lodge. I'll post more pictures of my progress tomorrow.

Brian

Greg,

I like to follow the river flow gauges that I'm planning to drift. Can you tell me what cfs and height is key when doing the Rock Creek to Eagle Creek?

If the Mckenzie is acting anything like Siletz is this week, it's ripping along. Vida gauge?