The McKenzie River Drift boat is a very popular design built from wood, fiberglass, and aluminum in both 14ft and 16ft lengths and seen on many NorthWest rivers and lakes. Its unique rocker bottom and long, 9 ft oars give it extraordinary maneuverability when transiting from still to swift water. It also makes it easy to row.
The anchor system out the back allows the oarsman to slow the boat in the river’s current which then allows the fisherman to get a proper drift of his lure or bait relative to the boat. The knee braces fwd. allow the fisherman to lock his knees for a stable and accurate cast. The adjustable, laced seat gives comfort and support for vigorous rowing and allows rainwater to run freely to the bilge. The front seat has one or two seat backs to support one or two persons. It also slides forward to balance the boat or raise the bow for rapids. The ample foredeck accommodates your gear and is self-draining. There is a dry storage shelf beneath. The oarsman’s seat has two self-draining gear pockets also. Of interest are two frames fwd. that were left full length above the double gunnels. This is where you lay the tip of your rod when letting a lure out in front of the boat. This is basically trolling. No rod holders required.
The floorboards are covered with carpet to reduce slippage and give an even surface to walk on. There is a scuff plate on the bottom, easily replaced if you should whack a rock really hard. The oar locks are cast bronze and fitted to oak block receivers.
The boat was restored in 2016 with all new paint, gunnel fasteners and steam-bent double gunnels made of beautiful Merante purchased from Edensaw and milled to fit. The mahogany side panels were removed, refinished, and reinstalled with silicon bronze screws. The original copper nails were removed.
The trailer is homemade and has new tires and rims with a spare.
I have floated many NW rivers including the Cowlitz, Toutle, Bogachiel, Calawa, Satsop, Humptulips, and the upper Quinault. Steelhead to 20 lbs. have been landed.