In the beginning these river boats were designed and made on two Oregon rivers ... the Mckenzie and the Rogue. I have owned four driftboats, two canoes and two one-man pontoon boats. After a few years of being a fishing guide I settled for the 17 ft. welded aluminum drift boat because of it's toughness and easy maintanance. Most people who own a drift boat use it for fishing. Some people call these drift boats fly fishing boats. If you live in the Northwest you have probably seen these boats on your local rivers. I guide fishermen in and near the Willamette Valley, Oregon.The rivers most popular in the Eugene - Springfield area are the Mckenzie, Willamette, Middle Fork of the Willamette, Siuslaw, Alsea, Umpqua and the North Umpqua.
Many people ask me which boat building material is best. For the Northwest it is welded aluminum. You seldom see an experienced fishing guide on Oregon rivers in a wood or fiberglass drift boat. Twenty years ago you saw more wood drift boats but those days are gone. When I fish in Montana and Idaho I see lots of fiberglass boats but the rivers in that area are not like ours in the Northwest. I can only ask you to take a look on the Mckenzie, Rogue, North Umqpua, Middle Fork of the Willamette and you will see more welded aluminum boats than any other material. The great thing about welded aluminum is you can take it to fish in Montana but if you come to Oregon from Montana with a fiberglass drift boat and float the wild section of the Rogue River ...Look out!
Here is a list of other drift boat manufacturers and their links:
Today I own a Diamond Back Boat built by Doug Camenzind who makes them out of his home shop in Veneta, Oregon just west of Eugene-Springfield. Because he works out of his home shop his overhead is low and his prices are the best around. He makes them one at a time. And why would you want to buy a used drift boat when you can get brand new drift boat for the same price some people are asking?
When we talk of the word "custom" in boat building -- Doug is truly custom and he will work with you to build your boat to your preference. He has his own special designs but will modify his design to suit your taste. For example if you want more slope on the bottom (rocker) he will build you what you prefer. Not all drift boat builders are willing do this.
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