Drift boat advice

[Belasko]

Between myself and my friends we've tested a lot of different boats the last few years. The wooden ones look pretty. However I find they are heavy and therefore a little slower to move on the water, not much though. However there is the issue of upkeep. For the high density polyethylene boats the issue of durability has been brought up. Basically they have a fairly thin layer of fiberglass on either side of the foam. I've heard stories of rocks punching through the outer layer on moderate impacts, although I have not seen the results myself. As for the local dealers, I would go entirely for a clacka. My brother in law had a Hyde a few years ago, and it was a beautiful boat! Awesome layout, stellar handling, even had a propane heater! Then he hit a few rocks. Almost everyone of them left chips. He was told he could buy a cover for the bottom of the boat for over a $1000 that would protect it. He asked why they didn't make a boat that could handle it in the first place. He didn't get an answer. At least if you buy the boat from them they will repair it free every year if needed. Two of my buddies have clacka's and love them. Cost a little more than the hyde, but they have taken good impacts and show only mild scuffs. They also will warranty the boat and repair it here in town if you buy from them. The way they skate across the water is also incredible. This would be my choice living here in I.F. . The other make that I would highly recommend is Lavro. My brother in law now has one, beats the crap out of it, and considering that it's an early 80's model, it looks awesome. It is light, maneuvers incredibly, and is just a good all around boat. I would buy from them, except that they are out in Oregon. Wouldn't want to ship it for their warranty repairs, if ever needed. As for aluminum I just don't like that it can dent and it's not known for sliding across rocks when it's shallow. Overall, I would recomend in this order... Clackacraft, Lavro, Hyde
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