Don Hill 17ff vs Baker Wood 17

Hey all,

I am planning on building a drift boat this fall, and have narrowed down my two choices to either the Don Hill 17ff, or the 17 foot plans by Baker Wood, and subsequently have a few questions on the boats. I live on the southern part of the Olympic Peninsula, and the boat will spend most of its time on the local rivers. 

I have heard that the Don hill has a flat area on the hull, while the Baker wood has a 'flatish' spot and a wider transom. Does this hull difference affect how the boat handles, and how much it will draft? 

I'll be glassing the bottom, but would only do the sides if i go with Doug fir. How much epoxy would it take to build a 17 footer? (either with glass on the sides, or without)

My last question is, are there any notable differences between the boats, that would make you chose one over the other?

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Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on July 27, 2016 at 11:05pm

Hey Luke, I just got my plywood today to start on my Baker 17 54.  Per his instructions I've read them through a number of times and everytime I have a question I re read the book and the answer shows up.  I haven't had to contact him yet but I know I can if I run into a real stumper.  From what I've heard about the don hill drift boats is that they're more assembly instructions for the kit they sell.  This is simply what I've heard and why I went with the Baker plans because he is a live person who is available on this site.  Good luck with your boat, I've got a few hours of scarfing to do in a 90 degree warehouse after work, thank the lord you live in the PNW.

Ps. According to mikes plans it takes a gallon and a half of epoxy for his 17x54 with glass on the sides and bottom.(ill check in the am but correct me anyone if Im wrong)

Permalink Reply by James Prepura on August 1, 2016 at 4:43pm

hey Luke

very new to the forum it was your question that got me to sign up.

Last summer I had bought the 16 foot plans from Don Hill boats got it in the mail along with  a number to access the video build through drop box. the front half of the plans are in great detail on how to layout and cut the ribs, transom, and bow (down to angles and pitch) how to mark one board to get both sides of a rib, how to layout and cut chines, Battens ,seats, sides, oar blocks an floor board an has a complete list of all stainless hardware and quantity again very detailed I was very pleased I had contacted them through e-mail once or twice and was answered either by phone or e-mail.

The back half of the plans are his step by step instructions on assemble either way you go good luck on you build

the second have of the plans

Permalink Reply by David Witton on July 30, 2016 at 6:24am

I'll second Bennett's comment about Mike's availability - I built a boat from plans in Roger Fletcher's Book and Mike helped me with questions - it wasn't even his boat I was building. Great guy, excellent woodworker. 

Permalink Reply by Luke o on July 30, 2016 at 11:52am

That's good to hear on his availability, and the good instructions. Those two things seem important to me. Most likely will be going with his plans!

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