Drift Boats – The Complete Guide

One of the best ways to fly fish rivers is from a drift boat. Recently, I have been fishing the Green River and have been jealous of all the fly fishermen who were fishing from a drift boat, so I decided to do some research and put together a helpful guide on drift boats.

This is a complete guide to drift boats – in this guide you will learn:

What is a drift boat and how is it used
How much do drift boats cost
How do you fly fish with a drift boat
Do’s and Don’ts of a drift boat

Let’s get started.

What is a Drift Boat?

Drift boats are a unique fishing boat that is made specifically for rivers. These boats have a wide, flat bottom, with flared sides, a flat bow, and a pointed stern. This design helps anglers easily navigate and maneuver through rapids as they float down rivers and allows them to quietly sneak up on the fish.

Although all types of anglers and hunters use drift boats for their outdoor adventures, they are most common among fly fishermen. Drift boats are an ideal fit for anyone that is seeking unlimited river access and prefers the easy launching, handling, and overall design of a solid drift boat.

How Much Does a Drift Boat Cost?

One of the first question asked by those that are looking for a drift boat is, ‘how much do drift boats cost?’ Although the price can range immensely, you can purchase a drift boat from anywhere between $3500 to $25,000+ depending on if its new or used, the accessories, size, and what kind of condition it is in.

There are many options on the market and each day different brands and models of drift boats are introduced. Before making any big purchases make sure to do you research and shop around to get the best deal.

Here are a few examples to help you get a better idea for price points for both used and new boats. (This is only a general list to be used as a starting point)

New Drift Boats

Here are some examples of new drift boats so that you can get an idea of what kind of prices you can expect to pay for a brand-new drift boat. Keep in mind these examples are for your basic drift boat and much of the cost will depend on the model, size, accessories etc.

PAVATI WARRIOR™ DRIFT BOAT $19,999
PAVATI LEGACY™ DRIFT BOAT $17,999
PAVATI HELIUM™ LOW PROFILE DRIFT BOAT $16,599
16′ X 55″ PAVATI DRIFT BOAT $11,999

Used Drift Boats

Here are some examples of used drift boats so that you can get an idea of the cost for what you are getting. Keep in mind these are just examples and prices may vary depending on the accessories and model types.

2019 Hyde Drift Boat XL Low Profile $8,495
2017 Hyde Drift Boat XL Low Profile $7,495
2016 Hyde Drift Boat Montana Skiff $6,995
2016- 19 x 66 Willie Drift Boat $12,500
2016 17X54 Willie Drift Boat $9,000
2014 Hyde Drift Boat Power Drifter $18,995
2013 Hyde Drift Boat 14.6′ Low Profile $6,495
2013 Hyde Drift Boat XL Low Profile $7,49
2009 Hyde Drift Boat 16.8′ High Side $6,495
2006 Hyde Drift Boat 16.8′ High Side $6,495
2006 RO High Side $4,995
2005 17X60 Willie Drift Boat $9,500
2004 Hyde Drift Boat 14.6′ Low Profile $5,495
1984 16+4X52 Willie Drift Boat $4,800

What to Look for When Buying a Drift Boat

When you are thinking about buying a drift boat you should decide where you are going to be using it and how many people you will be fishing with. Here are some options to consider when looking at both new and used drift boats.

High Side – Lows sides have become popular over the last decade and are great when fishing in big rivers that are calm. However, if you plan on fishing heavy rapids a high side boat will be the way to go. The last thing you want to worry about is sinking your vessel if you make a mistake.

Rows and Tracks Well – You’ll also want to make sure that you find a drift boat that will row and track well in the water. Some drift boats tend to be heavy and sluggish making it difficult to navigate. If you can, take the drift boat out for a test run and see how it handles and maneuvers on the water.

Storage – Having dry storage often gets overlooked but it’s something that is really nice to have. You’ll want a place that you can store a first aid kit, your lunch, and whatever else you may need on your fishing trip.

Fiberglass – I’d recommend going with a drift boat that is made of fiber glass. They are stable, comfortable, row well, and are currently the industry standard. Aluminum boats hold up extremely well, but they are very noisy and tend to get hung up on rocks. Wood is great and is super easy to row, but it requires a lot of maintenance.

Check for Dents & Cracks – If you are planning on buying a used drift boat it’s important that you examine the condition before buying. Flip it upside down and check for dents, cracks, or things that have been repaired – this will help you weed out junkers.

Pay Attention to the Trailer – One thing that potential buyers often overlook is the trailer. Make sure to check out the lights and wheel bearings to ensure they are working properly. To check the bearings, simply jack up the trailer and check for noise and play.

Row it First – Take it out on the river and see out it handles in different situations. You’ll be able to tell right away if its sluggish or isn’t handling right. Make sure it rows right and is in good shape before you pull the trigger.

Best Drift Boats

Buying a drift boat from a reputable brand will ensure you get a quality river boat that will hold up overtime. Here are some of the top drift boat companies that all have a solid reputation for building high quality drift boats.

Pros and Cons of Fishing in a Drift Boat

In most fly-fishing anglers’ minds, fishing from a drift boat is the best and most effective way to fly fish; however, there are some drawbacks as well. Here is a list of some of the pros and cons of using a drift boat to fish with.

Pros

Can fish a lot of rivers not accessible from the bank
Can quickly cover water
Explore deeper water
You can take more gear
Allows you to quietly sneak up on the fish

Cons

Impossible to fish with by yourself
Expensive
Only work in larger rivers and lakes (for the most part)
Need a vehicle to haul it
Need two vehicles most of the time (Once you’ve floated down the river you need a way to get back up)
Some require a lot of maintenance

When deciding whether to spend the day out on a drift boat or wading from shore from the bank, chose whatever method you find most enjoyable. Here is an article that compares the two methods if you have more questions about the differences.

Drift Boat Safety

Here are some things not to do on a drift boat to make sure you stay safe:

Never anchor in deep swift water
Don’t cut your oars too deep when rowing
Never let go of your oars
Never allow passengers to stand up while maneuver in white water
Always wear and carry life jackets

How Do You Fly Fish with a Drift Boat?

Fly fishing from a drift boat can be a bit of a challenge if you haven’t done it before. In most cases you’ll need to have at least two people in the drift boat. It’s best to rotate between who is fishing and who is navigating the boat, it’s pretty much impossible to fish in a drift boat by yourself.

You’ll also need to adjust the way that you cast and anticipate cast as you drift down the river. Orvis has put together some helpful tips on how to fly fish from a drift boat. You can check out their article here.

Drift Boat Accessories

When you first buy a drift boat it might not come with all the accessories and bells and whistles and there are also some standard items you should always have with you. Here is a list of some of the things every person should have or consider adding to their drift boat.

Hand Bilge Pump
Spare Anchor
Tongue Lock
Spare Ores
Cup Holders
Boat Cover
Anchor System
Fix Box
Rod Rack
Filet Knife
Bottle Opener
Bait Cooler
Landing Net
Life Jackets
Floating Cushion
First Aid Kit
Rope
Horn
Shop Rags
Extra Plug
Dry Bags

Final Thoughts

A drift boat is the ultimate watercraft for fly fishing. They are designed to easily drift and navigate the river when in the hands of a rower or guide controlling the speed and direction.

Nowadays anywhere you find big rivers that hold fish you’ll find anglers using some type of watercraft and a drift boat is the only way to go. I hope the information in this guide has been helpful to you and that get the chance to go out and fish on drift boat, you’ll have a great time.