Originally Posted by
Dragking
I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on a drift boat, and I am between Clack's WF and Eddy. (I might consider the RO analog to those models, but, for purposes of keeping this thread focused, let's assume I'm getting a Clack.)
As far as experience, I have never owned a drift boat, but I have a 12 ft, two man pontoon boat with a fishing frame that I have been rowing for a couple years now. I have had it out (without incident) on the American, Feather, Yuba, Lower Sac, Trinity and SF Eel Rivers. Assume that I would be based out of Redding, primarily fishing the aforementioned rivers (especially the Lower Sac and Trinity) and branching out to other rivers to the North (both in California and Southern Oregon).
I understand the fundamental difference between the two boats (namely, performance in the wind/rowing performance vs. added safety). However, I've heard different opinions about the practical differences between these boats. For example, one guide I trust (who rows an Eddy) talked about the Eddy's great performance in the wind, but cited the added safety of the higher-sided WF. Another guide I trust (who rows a WF) talked about the advantages of an Eddy in the wind and insisted that if you put yourself in a situation where water in coming over the side of an Eddy, water also would likely be coming over the edge of a WF in that situation. Obviously, I intend to ease my way in and get experience on mellow stretches first, but I'm interested to hear your thoughts.
Thanks in advance!
Let me start by saying that had you asked this question about 3 weeks ago, you could have taken out my former boat (16 ft. Low Profile Clack). I had it for the past 4 years and put about 100 days on it. Live in Davis as well (will be speaking at the FFOD meeting as the May speaker so if you want to chat in person feel free to meet me then). I also rowed a Koffler prior to that for some years, and have fished out of RO's, Hyde, and Clacks of various types and models from the Eddy to the WF.
Let me redirect this topic a bit, and ask a question I think you really need to answer before you pull the trigger on the purchase. And that is, "how many fishing buddies do you really have?" And of those that are regular fishing "buddies," how many can "row?" I mean really row...or like to row, or are willing to row a lot? Like how many know how to position the boat properly, how to anticipate where you want to slow down your drift, are able to back-row etc, and understand the nuances of fly fishing with a drift boat? If the answer is less than probably 4 (all of whom should be able to at a moments notice drop everything to fish), then you should probably reconsider the drift boat purchase. Because, you will find with time that you do all the rowing, and NONE of the fishing. Which is great if you like exercise, but not so much if you want to fish regularly.
I know exactly where you are coming from in thinking that the amortized cost of a drift boat is cheaper than to constantly obtain a guide. And yes, its totally worth having the drift boat so that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. BUT........You wont be fishing any more than you do now, and probably less, if you purchase a driftboat, that's the cold hard truth. And unless you plan to guide, which there does not seem to be any shortage of at the moment, you are likely better off letting them be your water taxi. Now this is not an endorsements of guides, and I'm not suggesting that having the boat isn't great, but unless you're able to answer the above question(s) your with a resounding YES, then it won't yield much benefit over your pontoon.
As to your original question. The answer to that is get the WF; no question. 4 inches doesn't seem like much, but it can mean the difference in certain situations. Better safe than sorry. (Not sure what your experience rowing is like....) Having that extra margin of safety is crucial on certain coastal rivers, or rock gardens where you will inevitably hit, regardless of skill. The wind issue is somewhat moot here, in that you likely won't be fishing if its gusting like crazy. And if it is windy, its going to suck rowing regardless of whether you are in a WF or a LP. Having higher sides is also nice if you eventually go for a motor, or have kids in the boat, or worry about stuff falling out. You get so much less chop over the sides. And yes I've floated all of the rivers you've mentioned, save Oregon in my LP Clack regularly without huge issues, but you never know. Had I had a choice in boat purchases (I bought used/good deal) I would have chosen a WF/FFB/Steelhead Model.
P.S. The shoal cut blades IMO aren't a huge advantage. Many a great rower don't use the shoal cut dynalites (although yes dynalites are nice and light, and I would get the regular long shaft dynalites if given a choice), but the shoal's don't allow you to feather as easily, or pull as much water, or allow you to stand push row backwards. Just some advice.
Lastly, if you purchase new and are choosing a color you might want something neutral like white as opposed to all those fancy stripes, because when you scratch it I guarantee you it will look better against a white background.
This coming from someone who's on the fence about getting a new driftboat (to eventually fish with my sons), but using the funds freed from the old one to do some travel and actual fishing time for oneself... Just a thought.
Last edited by Tfisher; 05-07-2014 at 11:24 PM.
Carpe Piscis!
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