[fyshstykr]

Considering selling my Clacka.

Would like to hear from folks who may have a newer Clacka with the "Gulfstream" bottom.
How do you like it? and does it really make much more difference than the "Tunnel Hull"?
Is there enough usable storage in the newer boats?
Likes or dislikes?

Thanks for the info.

[tie one on]

I did tons of research on drift boats prior to purchasing
the one I now own. I was all ready last year (Dec. 06)
to purchase a Clacka, when right before I ordered the boat
the salesman altered the price upward. That resulted in
looking elsewhere & at this point I'm glad I did. I now own
an aluminum Hyde that I absolutely love. I'm sure
you've enjoyed yours & I am in no way trying to say that
they are no good. I might suggest that if you are looking
for a new one give Hyde a look. The one I have has the
special Teflon(?) bottom & glides thru the water like a hot
knife thru butter.

Just some thoughts,

Tie One On

[greenriverflyfisher]

Check out Boulder boat from boulder boat works. These blow anything else out of the water. These boats weigh nothing in comparison to an aluminum and are a lifer for durability. They are a polymer (the same thing they make high performance kayaks out of. With considerable less weight they are much easier to row and easier to avoid rocks. They are also extremely slick. They don't STICK to the rocks like other boats. In fact, they are so slick not even stickers will stay stuck to the hull. Another great thing is they are quiet and beautiful to be in. One of my favorite things about it. At the end of the day when I'm tired, it takes almost no effort to bring it up onto the trailer. The only down side is they are a little more expensive in general if that is an issue for you. If not, it's the best.

[tie one on]

Green River,

I too looked at Boulder Boats Works during my research on
drift boats prior to my purchase of my Hyde. I also, like you
mentioned, noticed that the price tag was a little more $$$.
If you know, what are the "kits" I've seen advertised in my fly
fishing magazines ? Are they the same boat, different ? Also,
does the bottom of the Boulder boats flex like a fiberglass
drift boat ? Can a motor be mounted on them & if so how many
HP can the boat handle ?

The Hyde I have goes off & back onto the trailer with great ease.
Recently, when I've been out after salmon/steelhead I've been out
by myself & it's very little work to do that part of the day.

Like many aspects of flyfishing it comes down to what have you
experienced, or what are your personal preferences. I would like
to someday try out a Boulder boat, but at this point I'm not sure
how that would happen being there are no dealers in Michigan.

If you have a boat enjoy it & best of luck on the water,
Tie One On

[greenriverflyfisher]

Tie one on,
You can mount a motor on a BBW boat. I don't know the max HP as I never have looked into it. Motors are prohibited on are river. As for kits, I have never seen or heard anything about kits from BBW. All the kits I have seen in magazines are wood boats. Many of which turn out really pretty. I have never noticed any flex in the boat upon contact with a rock. The thing about a BBW boat is it is so light and slick I rarely notice contact with rocks. I have rowed clacka's, hyde, and willey. They were a very different experience. I felt every rock I slid over or made contact with. It's so slick it doesn't even leave a scratch. This is by far and away the best handling boat I have ever rowed. I can pull serious white water moves in the BBW that I could never pull off with other drift boats. It is also light enough that it takes a noticeable amount of pressure of my joints.
I don't think you will see any dealers to soon. Each boat is made one at a time by three guys in a shop upon order. They take great pride in each boat and do a great job. I was very impressed when I visited there shop.

I agree with the preference thing, but if you get the chance to row one, they are amazing boats. Worth the extra $$$ if your going to use it a lot.

[fyshstykr]

Green,
My ol Clacka from 94" has a smooth bottom(relatively), and I have not been able to row the newer Clackas with the "Gulf stream" bottom yet, was going to this Fall but didn't hook up.

Do you have any experience with them? or with the Tunnel hull?

Would there be any chance of rowing yours to get a feel for it?
I live only a few hours away, and really am curious.

After peeking at the website, they are a nice looking boat.
And as far as h.p on a boat motor, I would bet they can go with a 5, like the Clackas.

[greenriverflyfisher]

fishstryker,
I will be out of town, (skiing and fishing in south america), until the first of march. If you can wait that long, I am more than happy to let you test my BBW. It would have to be mid week, I usually work the weekends in march and a few days during the week.

[fyshstykr]

Thanks GRF,
I would like that, I'll try to remember at the Mid-March time frame and talk to you about it again.

I gotta start stashing my pennies.

[fyshstykr]

Well we ended up buying another used boat(5yrs old). It's a Clacka with the "Tunnel Hull", it was such a good deal that we could not pass it up. I really do like the Tunnel Hull option, and this boat has a little better storage also.
Davo spent some time behind the oars and seemed to like it also.


So if any of you are looking for a good used Clacka that has alot of good fish karma in it, let me know as I have one for sale.

[Frank Whiton]

He fysh, are you in the Boat a Year club?

Frank