What kind of drift boat do you row? Why?

[CallMeAl]

I am in the market for a drift boat and am looking for some input from someplace other than the guys I work with. This will be my first year guiding and also my first boat. It'll be used on the Upper Madison (relatively shallow, rocky) and also on the Yellowstone (biggish, but not huge when/where I'll be on it). I'd say both rivers have >10mph winds just as often as not. I already have a 13' NRS Otter for whitewater and really skinny stuff, and am just looking for something to run standard float trips with.

I've already ruled wood and aluminum boats out, but I'd love to hear some thoughts on plastic boats vs. glass boats from somebody who has rowed both, as well as thoughts on Hyde vs. Clacka vs. RO vs. whatever else is out there. Any insight will be much appreciated!

[adipose]

I am in the market for a drift boat and am looking for some input from someplace other than the guys I work with. This will be my first year guiding and also my first boat. It'll be used on the Upper Madison (relatively shallow, rocky) and also on the Yellowstone (biggish, but not huge when/where I'll be on it). I'd say both rivers have >10mph winds just as often as not. I already have a 13' NRS Otter for whitewater and really skinny stuff, and am just looking for something to run standard float trips with.

I've already ruled wood and aluminum boats out, but I'd love to hear some thoughts on plastic boats vs. glass boats from somebody who has rowed both, as well as thoughts on Hyde vs. Clacka vs. RO vs. whatever else is out there. Any insight will be much appreciated!

http://www.boulderboatworks.com/

[TNKen]

I don't drift, but when I think about drifting...

http://www.fish-rite.com/power-drifter.html

[snapt]

Can't go wrong with a Clacka or Hyde. Although I really enjoyed the time I've spent in some Adipose skiffs. A friend dragged one back here to NorCal and uses it on the Lower Sac etc so it's pretty versatile, very easy to row and really nice to fish out of.

[CallMeAl]

Can't go wrong with a Clacka or Hyde. Although I really enjoyed the time I've spent in some Adipose skiffs. A friend dragged one back here to NorCal and uses it on the Lower Sac etc so it's pretty versatile, very easy to row and really nice to fish out of.

My friend on the S. Fork/ H. Fork swears by his skiff, and was actually just trying to talk me into getting one last night. Any other thoughts on WF vs LP vs skiff?

[igBand]

I certainly don't spend much time in them so I might be off-base here, but although those Adipose look pretty hot, I'd be pretty scared to get into a skiff on bigger water with a large or inexperienced client.

I am sure they work great with clients on water like the Mo', but when the upper Maddy is high in the spring, and especially early summer water on the Yellowstone, I'd rather be in a LP drift boat than in a skiff.

But then again, if your raft is set up for angling, you might have all the bases covered.

[neckdeep]

I'd look for a gently used 16 LP clacka and just accept the inevitable beating that the Madison dishes out. Say no to the 15 footers; they are just too cramped and I also think they too easily rock side to side on their beam (primary stabilty is mediocre compared with the 16s). The durability of the rotomolded hull used by Boulder is intriguing but I'm not thrilled with the design of the rod racks (I wouldn't call them a rod "holder"). The rods look rather vulnerable out there in a rack hanging off the inside of the hull. I can easily see a noob client putting his foot up on the rod tips or falling into the rods or dogs and kids might stomp the rods when jumping over the side or gear bags could shift and fall on them etc. You will get handed some out of shape and/or inexperienced clients who cannot even be trusted to get in and out of a boat on ther own. Really. I saw a 300lb guy step out of the front of an anchored boat into swift, green water. He ended up hanging off the boat with one leg flailing around inside and a whiteknuckle hand on the gunnel. We had to pull the anchor and swing the boat around to get him safely out of the water.

[schwerty]

I've rowed all types of boats. The clack 16' LP is great for guiding and those rivers. I row a 16' Stealthcraft . It is an amazing boat! Can't say enough about it. Plascore core and glass on the exterior. Pretty big boat for the Maddy though. They have lots of other boats...

Those adipose skiffs are very well made too.

[snapt]

I certainly don't spend much time in them so I might be off-base here, but although those Adipose look pretty hot, I'd be pretty scared to get into a skiff on bigger water with a large or inexperienced client.

I am sure they work great with clients on water like the Mo', but when the upper Maddy is high in the spring, and especially early summer water on the Yellowstone, I'd rather be in a LP drift boat than in a skiff.

But then again, if your raft is set up for angling, you might have all the bases covered.

I had the same reservations but my buddy is super stoked on his on the lower sac, trinity, klamath as well as the s fork snake which surprised me quite a bit. Like mentioned you can't go wrong with a 16 Clacka.

[CallMeAl]

Thanks all, these insights are really helpful. Those Stealthcrafts look/sound awesome. How does it do in the wind?

Everyone at my shop also has been recommending a 16' Clacka or RO. I've e-mailed each co to see what kind of pro deals they can offer this winter, hoping I can get a good deal on an LP from either.

[schwerty]

Thanks all, these insights are really helpful. Those Stealthcrafts look/sound awesome. How does it do in the wind?

Everyone at my shop also has been recommending a 16' Clacka or RO. I've e-mailed each co to see what kind of pro deals they can offer this winter, hoping I can get a good deal on an LP from either.

The 16" Stealthcraft rows fine in the wind. Due to the rather large rocker in the bow, it isn't as good as a clack lp and not nearly as nice a a low riding skiff in the wind . But, I can row class III+ without worrying about loosing my boat. My boat is kind of a split btwn a low profile and a traditional boat. Super roomy....great for guiding and family trips. If I was guiding on the Jellystone, the 16" Stealthcraft would be my first choice. The Maddy....prolly the 15' Stealthcraft or a skiff from adipose. The 15' Stealthcraft is more in line with the 16' lp clack but with a little more interior space. Clicks are great too. Different materials but still solid amid good rowing.

The RO guys seem to be gaining presence too. Their Guide boat is not a low profile boat....I'd take a Stealthcraft ay day over it. Their other trad shape is thin and seems very unstable. Very nice boats tho.

Stealthcraft's guide price is about the same, possible a few bucks less than clack. Call Mike at Stealthcraft if you wanna rap about those things and if you find yourself in the Tetons, you're welcome to check mine out.

[lifelinksplit]

I row a '83 yellowstone drifter, cuz i'm broke

Lots of good advice. I have mostly rowed/fished out of RO because that's what all my friends have(bozeman) and one of them still builds boats for RO. I can't comment on the upper mad much, but I prefer rowing the deville over the guide model especially on windy days,( is there even such a thing as a non-windy day on the yellowstone?). however the guide seems more "roomy", but definitely grabs more wind. You're close enough that you should just stop by the RO shop and talk to them/check out what they have right now. oh and I have heard nothing but good things about the adipose skiffs but I really only see the Mo guys using them.

Good luck with your new boat and profession..........SET!!!

[CallMeAl]

One of the guys I work with has a Yellowstone Drifter from the 80s, the thing seems indestructible. I've spent many summer evenings booze cruising down the Gallatin on the trusty Green Machine.

Float-wading on the G is probably the only scenario where I intend to use my raft commercially, so I'm going to shy away from an Adipose for the sake of being comfortable in bigger water throughout the early season. I'm heading down to Bozeman tomorrow, I'll swing into RO to do some fondling on my way in. Maybe I can snag a deal on something used...

[concretejungle]

Prefaced with the fact that I know nothing about drift boats there is a used Ro at the nu2u thrift shop on 7th in BZN.

[yabyum]

One of the guys I work with has a Yellowstone Drifter from the 80s, the thing seems indestructible. I've spent many summer evenings booze cruising down the Gallatin on the trusty Green Machine.

Float-wading on the G is probably the only scenario where I intend to use my raft commercially, so I'm going to shy away from an Adipose for the sake of being comfortable in bigger water throughout the early season. I'm heading down to Bozeman tomorrow, I'll swing into RO to do some fondling on my way in. Maybe I can snag a deal on something used...

I have a '80's yellowstone drifter and I love the boat, it is small, bur I only float with one other person. I also picked up a hyde skiff on a great deal....perfect for solo and small cricks.