OzarkChronicles wrote:
Here is a picture of Scott Branyon (Ozark Fly Flinger) and Brent McClane after a trip in 2004. I think Scott has built a new boat since this one, but not sure.
image

Indeed. That was Stability, which I have just begun to refurbish. I am currently using Progress built in 2005-2006. Thanks for the memory, Matt. It's a nice drift boat essay.

As for fishing out of drift boats by yourself, the square stern McKenzie (Rapid Roberts) tracks better with its longer, straighter chines than do the double enders which pivot more quickly for white water situations. On the White River tailwaters, the square stern boats are more ideal--tracking longer and floating higher in shallow water situations. If you are a pretty good oarsman, know the water, and can multi-task (avoid obstacles, fish and row), it's very doable, especially at low flows of a unit or so. You just have to pick your water and conditions. The more you row and gain experience in your boat, the more comfortable you will be trying it. There are no shortcuts.

If you've got wood working skills and like to maintain wood, you can get into a wooden kit Mac for less than or about the same as a low end Hyde or Clacka.

Scott Branyan
Ozark Fly Flinger
www.flyflinger.com