Maiden voyage, homebuilt drift boat

mlw · Mar 28, 2011

Took my driftboat that I have been building from scratch out for it's maiden voyage Saturday, drifting the Mckenzie from Armitage down to the Willamette. It is based on the Trapper from Roger Fletcher's book "Drift boats and River Dories, stretched 6" (12' long overall). The original was built in the 30's for Prince Helfrich to run trap lines in the off season from guiding (nov-mar), from Vida to Peoria on the Willamette.
The seats, flydeck, etc are of my own devising.
Michael

n8r1 · Mar 28, 2011

That is AWESOME!!!!

Building a driftboat is something I would love to do, but don't have the time, space, and most importantly, the "skills"

Enjoy!

ChezJfrey · Mar 28, 2011

n8r1 said:
That is AWESOME!!!!

x2! Seriously sweet!

Irishrover · Mar 28, 2011

Michael you are an artist! Nice boat. I like that anchor set up.

Hawk · Mar 28, 2011

You did a very Beautiful job, Bro.:clap::clap::clap:

One time i made a breakfast nook in mill & cabinet shop, that looked like it had the same wood grain. It was made of Birch, lumber core 3/4" ply.:lol::lol:

nwkiller · Mar 28, 2011

wow, that is beauty!!!!!!

TTFishon · Mar 28, 2011

Sweet!!! How was the float?

GungasUncle · Mar 28, 2011

Just curious - is this boat meant for running with the transom pointed downstream? I ask because it looks like the leg braces, and passenger seats face rearward, and you've got the anchor run off the bow - which is a little unusual for a drifter. Gorgeous boat. I love wooden boats. How'd she handle?

eggs · Mar 28, 2011

Damn that is a beautiful boat.. well done!

mlw · Mar 28, 2011

re float: nice most of the time (caught some rain/hail). River was a bit high, keep an eye out for trees/debris in the river. Quite a few march browns out, but the trout weren't looking up. My friend got a nice fish on a posse bugger, we each had a few ldr's. Ramp at crossroads (Christensen Landing) has quite a bit of debris at the entrance - lower water or deeper drafting boats may be better off at Hayes lane across the river.

GungasUncle - Yes, for drifting it runs transom downstream. I added a removable transom piece to accommodate an electric motor for stillwater/tidewater use, in which case it will run bow forward (haven't tried that yet- have to save my pennies for a while). The seat backs are reversable, removable or stow inverted

The anchor system worked fine - never quite sure until you try it. Drifting it handled well - didn't push water, rowed easy.

Michael

GungasUncle · Mar 28, 2011

Sweet

I kind of figured it was something along those lines. I've been looking at boat building websites for a couple years (I want to build myself a drifter or a scaled down pacific power dory if I ever get the funds at the same time I have the time). I've noticed that a few drift boat builders have started putting out white water skiffs - that have a wider "bow" and a narrow "transom" (would totally work as a standard boat if you put the motor on the wide end and called that the transom) - so I thought that's something similar to how you were setup. Neat idea with the reversible seats.

Really cool boat, Michael

Amberjack · Mar 28, 2011

Nice job, must be some pride in the build/actually float... Beautiful boat.

gonagin · Jul 12, 2011

Does your wife know you've been tossing her fine furniture in the river to go fishing? I'm getting ready to build a heavy "sharpie" and you've given me inspiration and a lot of good ideas. One of the nicest boats I've ever seen. Kudos to you sir!!! Well done.

GDBrown · Jul 12, 2011

You have done a remarkable job with the boat you have built! I love the look of wood that has a natural finish to it. I rebuilt a fiberglass drifter by replacing all the bright work on it and know the satisfaction it brings. I was so disappointed after I sold it I bought another drift boat. Both are in the 12 ft class.

GD