Fishrite "Power Drifter" 16' x 54" w/50/35 jet

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I was just chatting with my mentor Al Perryman who lives up near Medford, OR.

He said the famous custom rod builder, Gary Anderson, just got a new boat for the Rogue River Steelhead fishing.

It is a Fish-Rite "Power Drifter" :

http://www.fishrite.com/power-drifter.html

It is a flat bottom sled that you can jet up river and row down steam through runs with long drift boat oars.

Al said it was 16 feel long and 54 inches wide (bottom) with a flat bottom with a slight tunnel at the rear and powered by a new Etec 50hp/35jet tiller motor.

Maybe Gary can send us some photos?

.

[TaylerW]

I have driven and rowed that model. I would sell my soul for one. Amazing sled

[Big Jim]

Nice looking hull, and I am sure its great under power, but I would hate to try and back-row with a planing hull. The pronounced rocker in a drift boat keeps the wetted surface to a minimum reducing drag and the shape also creates a vortex of sorts - like a pillow or cushion of turbulence- under the bow (or stern) which helps one stay stationary in a moving current.

hell, all boats are compromises, right?

Jim

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

You are right on Big Jim but it is so nice to not have to shuttle.

Gary and Al just use it like a taxi and get out and wade fish swinging flies for Steelhead.

It is one of the best compromises you can find between a drift boat and a jet boat.

[acrods]

Jeff Putnam is doing a 3-D video of my boat this weekend for Fish Rite. He will probably have pictures of it. Every boat is a compromise, I think this boat is a home run!
All Good Things,
Gary

[AndreD]

Rogue Marine was the first manufacturer of this style of boat. I almost bought one. Not sure if they still make them or not but most Oregon boats are pretty much the same.

[Jeff Putnam]

Wonder how this works for fly fishing? Very well in fact! Fish-Rite's Power Drifter Fly Guide Model explained and demonstrated...hold on! JP
http://jpflyfishing.tv/products_in_action/index.htm