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!

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Permalink Reply by David Jensen on January 31, 2016 at 8:56am

I can boat Wednesdays or Thursdays most weeks.  Probably the best scenario is to wait a bit for rivers to drop.  By that time it is also good flyfishing on the lower McKenzie.  As for the boat festival, Saturday is the big day.  There is an optional float in, the boat displays, food, beer, wine, and lots of people who will share ideas/advice.  You can contact me at djensen@jeslaw.com.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on January 31, 2016 at 9:53am

More details will soon be published on the annual McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival. You can photos of many of the festivals on my page, look for the photo albums.

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Dylan on February 8, 2016 at 10:01am

I got out out on the North Santiam yesterday, Greens Bridge to Jefferson for a quick float.  The weather said it was supposed to be sunny, but the fog never burned off.  At this level (5.1 ft @ Mehama) there were a lot of root wads and logs, but plenty of space to maneuver around.  There were a number of turns in the river where I was a little afraid when I first saw them, but after setting up early it was pretty easy.  I did get a little stuck and spun around on some real hard eddy lines, but I think thats better than hitting the outside bank...

I got the OK from my fiancé about coming for the wooden boat festival, we should be there!

Permalink Reply by Dylan on March 16, 2016 at 6:23pm

Ive been out on my boat a few times.  Someone stopped me in Jefferson the other day and told me my boat was built by a builder that starts with an "O".. I was tired and can't remember.  Any ideas?

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on March 17, 2016 at 12:06pm

My guess would be an Ostrum.

Mike

Permalink Reply by Dylan on March 18, 2016 at 12:11pm

Yes Mike, that would be it.  Is there any way to tell if that is in fact who built my boat?

Permalink Reply by Dylan on March 21, 2016 at 11:06am

I did a little searching on the forum.  Apparently the Ostroms have half lapped frames, mine does not.  

It does have a 10th frame/rib under the fly deck in front.

There is also a removable transom piece with a motor mount below it.

I think the boat is homebuilt.  I would say its pretty well built/cared for since it is almost 40 years old

Permalink Reply by Paul Price on March 17, 2016 at 12:52pm

Hello Dylan.  Congrats on getting your wooden boat. Every wooden boat is like a woman. None the same but all are beautiful.

You mentioned some beginner runs to take, like the lower Clackamas. From Barton to Carver is a fairly easy drift. The only tricky place in that drift is the left turn just up from the Carver take out. Don't do the lower part, say from Carver to Clackamette park because the river at High Rocks is treacherous. You'd better know your boat pretty well when you take on that part of the Clack. The Sandy River from Oxbow to Day Break or Lewis and Clark is pretty mellow and is safe and easy.  I mainly fish the North coast rivers.  The Wilson River is my favorite.  From Mills Bridge to Sollie Smith is some times referred to as "Dream River", as it is an easy put in and drift. The take out at Sollie Smith is kind of tricky because the ramp is next to a bridge and the current is swift with only room for one or two boats to wait to take out. The Trask River, from Loren's Drift to the 101 take out is the best, especially chasing steelies, with an easy put in and easy take out.

Once you become familiar with your boat, practice turning your boat with minimal thrust on the oars by pushing with one oar and pulling with the other. These boats can turn on a dime.  No need to ROW a whole lot. It's a drift boat, not a row boat. Let the current be your friend. It's also a bit unnerving when you point your boat exactly at that big rock where you "DON'T" want to go.  Makes your passengers in the front a little nervous, but after a while it'll come to you.

You are going to catch more fish, but more importantly it gives others the chance to see and admire your boat.  Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?

Permalink Reply by Dylan on March 18, 2016 at 12:17pm

Hey Paul,

Thanks for the advice.  I have run Greens bridge to Jefferson on the N. Santiam 5 times so far.  Each time I am getting better at letting the river do most of the work.    I went out on a buddy's jet sled to check out the river above Greens Bridge;  All reports are accurate of that being a serious boat eater. 

I have been told the Trask is for "experts only", is that lower drift less difficult?  I get comments on my boat every time someone sees it, that is pretty fun too.

Dylan

Permalink Reply by Paul Price on March 20, 2016 at 10:21am

The upper Trask would be more for "experts".  I don't go there.  That's probably why my boat is still in one piece after 23 years.  The lower drift of the Trask is indeed easier.

You are in the right place to find help about your "new" wood boat. The people that are on this forum and those that go the Wooden Boat Festival know boats. If you can make it next month to attend the Festival in Vida, you will find it a very rewarding experience.

Permalink Reply by Dylan on March 22, 2016 at 9:34am

Hey Paul, What is a good level to float the lower section of the Trask?

Permalink Reply by Paul Price on March 22, 2016 at 10:08am

I use the Wilson River's water level to determine the Trask's level as NOAA doesn't have a gauge on the Trask.  When the Wilson is between 4 and 6 feet the Trask fishes the best. If you do decide to do this drift, put in at Loren's Drift.  The 101 take out is just past the old railroad bridge on the left.  It's kind of easy to miss.  I did that the first time I drifted that stretch. Makes for a lot of extra work when you miss the take out.  Here's the link to the Wilson's NOAA site:

Wilson River NOAA.

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