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May/June, 2005
Drift Boat 101
By Drift Boat Jones
The modern drift boat has a very traditional shape and lines, designed for recreational fishing and river travel for most larger rivers in North America. In many western states, drift boats are as common as Chevy pick-up trucks! The modern drift boat takes its lines from the original bateau and Grand Banks Dory, both demonstrating lapstrake construction and high bow and aft lines (or rocker), capable of maneuvering and recovering from aggressive waves and currents.
These early designs were honored for their ability to carry heavy loads and withstand steady abuse from both rivers and rocks. The early bateau designs were constructed by European settlers, which allowed them to explore the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Androscoggin rivers. For these reasons I embrace the early bateau designs for their integrity, practicality, and durability as a capable river-craft. Bateaus generally carried groups upward of 20 passengers, and forded aggressive drops to reach the headwaters of these respective rivers. Without the use of such time-tested designs, many of Maine’s rivers would have gone unexplored for many years to come.
Today, dories and bateaus emerge in their original form as the modern drift boat, utilized by fishing guides and private boaters to maneuver and access the varied waters of our beloved state. The modern drift boat is generally designed between 14’-16’ in length, and suited to carry three passengers in total, rowed from the center position.
Modern drift boat hulls are constructed of varying materials, from wood to fiberglass and aluminum; each having their own inherent benefits of integrity, repair-ability, and overall weight. I prefer fiberglass-hulled drift boats because they optimize strength and overall weight savings, while allowing boat designers to utilize modern hull-shapes, similar to modern playboats (think whitewater kayaks). In the near future, drift boats will have dimples on their hulls, like a golf ball, to reduce frictional drag, as well as concave hulls that allow the hull to track while anchored! (like a concave water ski) Wow, they look like dories, but handle like a Ferrari on a road track.
As a professional guide, I appreciate the original design and shape of the modern drift boat, for they have truly elegant and traditional lines. The modern whitewater raft, rigged with a rowing frame, optimizes the characteristics of stability and width of the drift boat, without the rigid hull construction, allowing these craft to recover from large waves and hard-hits from ledges and rocks. A rigid hull drift boat excels in comparison to an inflatable raft when the angler attempts to cast from a standing position. Drift boats are stable, laterally, and are equipped with knee braces that secure the angler in a standing position.
The transom of a drift boat offers two unique advantages over the inflatable: the ability to attach a motor, as well as the ability to anchor the boat with a multi-pulley anchor system, operated from the center position of the craft. These options allow the angler and guide to remain in the right place, at the right time. This translates to more fishing success, as well as inherent safety features to ensure a safe return to shore with lasting memories of a great outing.
The only perceivable disadvantage to the modern drift boat is that the boat is generally towed behind a vehicle and is incapable of being carried over any distance by human power, and thus must be used in conjunction with a boat ramp or accessible put-in/take-out. Otherwise, drift boats continue to fill a unique niche in Maine outdoor recreation. I expect to see more and more of these boats on
Maine’s rivers as these boats gain the respect they command from the Northeastern boating community!
Drift Boat Jones is a full time professional guide who utilizes modern drift boats to explore the rivers we all share!
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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