Orvis Drift boat

I was at the Michigan Fly Fishing Expo yesterday and came across this new small wood drift boat. The owner said it had just been picked up by Orvis and was now available.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=8L1T

 

It is built of white cedar from the upper peninsula of Michigan. Strips are glued into panels with fiberglass on both sides. It looks like it has truck bed liner on all the surfaces too. A mixture of woods are used throughout. I like the bent wood oar lock supports.

 

The design is definately for shallow midwestern-style rivers. It has a flat bottom with only the ends upturned. Very little flare as well.

 

It is nice to see that Orvis identifies small local builders to feature in their catalog. The Diablo Chupacabra kayak is featured and that company is run by two guys in Texas.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Dave Z on March 26, 2013 at 10:01am

I think this is making too much about nothing.   "difficult to maintain?"  I don't agree.  What's so hard about a seasonal hose out?

Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on March 26, 2013 at 9:34am

I actually met the guy who builds these at the wooden boat show in Traverse City last July.  This is the first time I've seen it actually advertised, though.  The boat in the pic is exactly the one he had on display.  The way he's designed it is actually pretty bombproof.  Almost too much so for our rivers.  I could have swore he told me it weighs in at more like around 300 lbs if I remember correctly.

 

Permalink Reply by tungsten on March 26, 2013 at 6:21pm

Well I have to be honest and say I don't like it at all.The shape and idea are good but the finishes just don't work.The benches are lacking the modern feel you get with the green S&G interior,no offence but" home made " or" heavy "comes to mind.Whats with that anchor arm? looks like it came from a 40' trawler.

 

Oh opps! Did I say that out loud? 

 

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on March 26, 2013 at 6:57pm

I have to agree with Tungsten. I just don't see any aesthetic beauty in
the thing.  None.

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on March 26, 2013 at 7:36pm

This is what we are talking about, right?

Permalink Reply by tungsten on March 26, 2013 at 8:03pm

Yes Guy that boat,maybe if the hull matched the wood it would be a little more balanced.

Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on March 27, 2013 at 5:32am

This boat, while not pretty definitely is an example of form following function.  Michigan rivers, at least the ones that I've been on, are fairly slow and flat with a lot of sand bars.  Rocker isn't needed and if you can reduce the draft by putting a wide beam and a lot of bottom on the boat so it draws only a couple inches of water...  perfect!   It really shouldn't need to turn on a dime since you almost always have time to put yourself where you need to be.

As for the 'fit and finish', I've seen craftsmanship on this website that far outstrips what this guy has done.

 

Permalink Reply by Don Hanson on March 27, 2013 at 8:18am

  I think the shape is interesting and it should work well.   I like that flatter mid-section, especially for smaller streams.

  My first-ever driftboat  was done using similar materials to this one...I used western red cedar, edge-glued and glassed for the hull.   Mine ended up being built too light, the bottom was somewhat flexy, not really that durable, especially on the Snake and the Madison and the Hoback,  where there are lots of rocks and shallow side channels.  Really pretty though, that type of hull structure.

  Since this is a forum to share boat building ideas and knowledge there are a couple of things this picture shows us. 

  Here's a tip.   Very subtle, but structural members and trim will usually look better on any craft if it is tapered towards the ends.  Someone mentioned the anchor arm looked too big, and to my eye, the ends of this boat look a bit 'heavy'. That look can be  minimized.

If you taper things like the gunwales,  and cross-bracing frames and struts, the resulting boat will look better, lighter, more "right".  It will also perform better..weight in the ends of a boat reduces  it's performance. 

  Yes, it is more work to taper pieces as you build.  House carpenters (remember those?) or dry-land woodworkers aren't  familiar with this kind of 'mind-set'..They tend to think in parallel cuts, square sections, right angles corners.   Try it on your next boat.   Think about the shape of each piece rather than just rip it out on the table saw and fasten it on...You'll be surprised at how, if you take a bit more time, your boat will look more "right".  It's an old boat builder's saying, "If it looks right, it is right"  Think about the loads the piece must withstand, then shape it appropriately.  For instance, try tapering the gunwales on a driftboat.  How about 21/4" at the rowing station down to about 1 1/4" at the bow and stern? Taper it more slowly at the bow.  You'll be surprised at what you 'see'..

   You can get very " too-Gucci " with your boat, too..That is the balance that makes boat building so interesting.  You can spend hours and hours, or just whip it out and go floating.  Personally, I find it desirable to enjoy what I see, every time I walk up to a boat I have built...I like to be proud of it, to enjoy it's look before I climb aboard and enjoy it's function.  within reason.

ciao, Don Hanson

Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on March 27, 2013 at 7:35pm

Guys,

I've been trying to get my head into this post and have not been too successful.  To me it has moved in several directions, but still centered about beauty and function.  So, here's my $.02 worth.

I have met and discussed construction and design characteristics with Phil Croft a couple of years ago at a fly fishing show in Detroit Area.  Some of the ideas for my build were born in the conversations with Phil, he's a good guy with good boat and wood working skills. 

I agree with a couple of you guys on the "beauty" of the Orvis Boat discussed in this thread.  I don't think it's pretty, but!

To quote Phil Croff, he says on his website;     "We have some of the fastest and technical water here in the state, in the Tip of the Mitt (Upper lower Pennsula, Michigan).  I needed to construct a boat that could safely and easily navigate the fast, small rivers where I live, Northern Michigan.  They move through the water with stealth and responsiveness.  The wide footprint enhances their stability, and the smaller size  makes easy to put in and take out anywhere you desire."

He is making the craft, discussed here, on special order only through Orvis.  So we'll see how others with big $ like it.

Don Hanson's last post discussion on the boat being "right" has lots of truth to it. I agree with him a 100%.  As in most things constructed by "Man", the little things make  the difference and in getting it "right".

Dorf.

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on March 30, 2013 at 11:41am

Dorf,

I looked at Phil Croft's website: http://www.croffcraft.com/

I have a little more appreciation for the boat now.  Which is to say that I guess it has it's niche utility as a drift boat.  (But I've never been a fan of Orvis and I remain skeptical.)

Guy

Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on March 30, 2013 at 7:20pm

Guy,

My guess Phil Croff is a heck of a salesman, or he has an Uncle at Orvis.  I haven't been too impressed with Orvis either.  I've been to their Flagship Store in Manchester, VT.  They cater to high rollers, so I assume they feel there's a market for this boat on Mid-Western and Eastern Rivers?????  I can't imagine seeing one on the larger high flow rivers out West.  Must be the Orvis Logo on the floor that they are selling???

Oh, well,

Dorf

 

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