Buying a used drift boat

[Stimey]

I'm looking into buying a drift boat and have found some used that look in ok condition and price, but I have little to no experience with boats (have always been a wade fisherman). Any suggestions as to what to watch out for if buying a used fiberglass drift boat?

 

[jdaddy]

Any structural issues from prior repairs. Repairs themselves are not an issue as long as they are well done. Frankly, you will rarely find major repairs to a Clackacraft or Hyde due to the construction method and the flex of the bottom of the boat. They are built to bang rocks. Basically just check to make sure everything is structurally sound. It's not like a fiberglass bass boat that could have issues with a 150 hp motor hanging off the back that could break the transom due to structural issues. When in doubt have a dealer check it out. Check the trailer bearing and rebuild if needed. Wiring is always fun to play with on trailers, so you can probably expect some fun there.

 

[sight_nymph_17109]

You could cut a Clackacraft in half and it still floats. You want to make sure the anchor system is in working order, and you are getting good quality oars and oar locks with the boat. If the trailer is included, make sure that's in decent shape too.

I think I did a search 'used drift boats' once and found some decent deals. Most are out west though. If you call some of the guides / shops around the Poconos - Pulaski NY, you might find a good deal. Check Craigslist too or ebay.

 

[Acristickid]

I dont know much about drift boats (or possibly a NRS) but I think they are cool. Would like to think I might own one some day.

However; I think a drift boat is a pretty big investment and then theres whole the dragging it around sucking down gas thing- but that's me talking from western PA trout purgatory.

The Yough,Clarion,Allegheny,Juniata might be prospects but I would be more inlined to seriuosly consider one if I lived very close to "floatable river".

Have you considered a raft? You might be able to purchase a new one for the price of a used drift boat. A place like the Yough a raft might even have more longevity. Some speculation on part there. Definitely there are many places where a raft is a better deal as far as smashing into rocks all day.

This looks pretty nice- but I have not researched them for awhile now.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=11369&pdeptid=1129

I would venture to say that there are alot more used drift boats near the Delaware River in Eastern PA. Some in MI and upstate NY. Certainly out west would be a good place- I mean if something is $1500 less out there it might be worth the drive. Just thoughts of a daydreamer. Good Luck.

 

[HuntinFool]

1500 would be a steal, a very good friend of mine got a good deal on one with a trailer and i think it was 3500 if not more.

its a Upper Delaware master.

 

[jdaddy]

$1500 is a stupid price and I will buy a float worthy drift boat anywhere in the country for $1500. Let me know. My Dad is in Montana right now with is motorhome, a hitch, and 30 years trucking experience to haul it back for me. Let's go, go, go.

Having said that, I think you did not read what he said. He said "1,500 LESS" out west versus east coast. Hell Rod has a nice boat for sell at LLFS.

 

[Stimey]

Looked at the one at LLFS looks like it is in decent condition but needs a little work. Mainly on seats

 

[jdaddy]

Agree, it appears to be in pretty good shape.

 

[sight_nymph_17109]

I've looked and found them as low as $2500-$7000 for a used and new boats from around $5000

 

[SBecker]

Sight, those are out west though correct?

 

[Alpabuck]

Why bother with a drift boat? Get an outcast raft! 5 Grand and you can float any river and hit anything!

 

[jdaddy]

Why bother with a drift boat? Get an outcast raft! 5 Grand and you can float any river and hit anything!

Stability, resell value, maneuverability, no need to inflate, no air chambers to deflate due to heat/sun, no air chambers to burst, no chamber fabric covers to rip, ok . . . tired now will post more if you need it.

 

[bam]

why not just buy both?

 

[Alpabuck]

jdaddy wrote:

Why bother with a drift boat? Get an outcast raft! 5 Grand and you can float any river and hit anything!

Stability, resell value, maneuverability, no need to inflate, no air chambers to deflate due to heat/sun, no air chambers to burst, no chamber fabric covers to rip, ok . . . tired now will post more if you need it.

From that response it's pretty clear that you've never fished in or rowed one of the pac 1400's

Stability........metal standing platforms and no need to remove studds

Resell value.......people who own dont resell them because there the best!

Manerverability......Reallly are you being serious are is that a joke. It's the easiest boat I've ever rowed. Is it a little more vulnerable to the wind? Yes but anybody with a set a balls will be fine. If it's to windy for pac1400 it's to windy for a Hyde.

As far as air Chambers go I've fished them everywhere from the Salmon River to the Colorado River and I've never had to adjust air pressure one time and with temps ranging from 0 to 95 degrees.

You'd have to intentionally try to rip the cover and even then some would stuggle.

Oh yeah and we floated the West Branch of the Delaware at 358cfs at Hale and I only had to push once. Try that will a hard sided boat!

Only Down fall......a 16 ft Hyde or Clack has more space inside the boat. But the pac can handle 3 guys and all the gear no problem.

 

[Alpabuck]

bam wrote:
why not just buy both?

You could do that but you would be wasting alot of money on the hard sided boat!

 

[sight_nymph_17109]

If I had to be which boat is faster in flat water... hull design of a drift boat hull looks better to me. I wonder how they match up in the wind.

 

[Stimey]

All thanks for your input, I've been debating between drift or pontoon but I think I am leaning toward drift (based on some research looks like you could get one used in the 3-4K range with trailer). I think I'm leaning toward drift boat because I also do a lot of Duck Hunting and although I now it would not be ideal I could use the drift boat for that as well (with some camo modification). I guess you could use a pontoon but I think I would be more comfortable with the drift.... can't imagine a pontoon would stand up to well to an accidental 12 guage blast (not that that has ever happened)

 

[bam]

ah... it's only money. The drift boats track much better and there's a lot less oar dipping.

 

[sight_nymph_17109]

It sounds like you've got a little money to play with. If you were going to get a pontoon, the X5 is pretty nice. You can flip it around and use a gas motor like a zodiac. 2k for the boat and 1500 for trailer. Lifetime warranty (I believe they are bladderless pontoons)

If you can get a 14'-18' drift boat in good condition w/ trailer, I might go that way. If not, the pontoon is a good second option.

 

[jdaddy]

PAC 1400's defy the laws of physics. Air in the bladders do not respond to temp changes. I assume you fill them with oxygen right? Or do you use a special gas?