Drift Boat Plans

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Years of research and refinement have gone into developing
our boat plans to ensure that you get beautiful results.

A complete set of orthographic drawings showing every detail to build a McKenzie River Drift Boat. These plans show every dimension, angle, materials and all hardware needed for the boat builder. Detailed layouts of all parts, bolt and screw sizes and patterns. With each set of plans we include an assembly manual and video, which Don narrates, to aide in forming the constructed pieces into the final boat.

The boats are built the traditional way entirely with wood, no fiberglass is used unless you want to cover the bottom and/or sides. No strong back or any sort of form is needed, only the usual wood working tools.

Over 40 years of research, design and testing and thousands of dollars have gone into the development of the Boat Plans and assembly manuals. There are no finer or more complete Drift Boat Plans available anywhere in the world today at any price.

For big savings and a rewarding experience build your own McKenzie River Drift Boat.

Specifications

18FF

18'

16'1"

84"

55"

40"

27"

23"

375

1200

17FF

17'

15'10"

82"

54"

36"

27"

24"

350

1050

16HS

16'

14'8"

75.5"

48"

39"

24.5"

27"

270

850

16ST

16'

14'8"

73"

48"

37"

21.5"

24"

225

800

14ST

14'

12'10"

67"

48"

32.5"

20"

22"

180

650

10MD

10'

9'6"

62"

47"

27"

22"

19"

135

350

18 Foot Fly Fisherman - Model 18FF

This boat is designed by Don Hill for fly fishing the Deschutes and South Fork of the Snake Rivers. This is a big water craft with the unique design of carrying two passengers up front, one in the rear, as well as the oarsman. With a 1200 pound carrying capacity, there isn't much you'll have to leave behind on those drifts. With the big surface 4 1/2 foot wide bottom and low sides, the craft rides higher in the water and is highly maneuverable. The Don Hill Fly Fisherman model is built with the guide and river tested construction techniques of Don Hill.

17 Foot Fly Fisherman - Model 17FF

This is the perfect size boat for guides or people who fish or take back country trips with one or two and gear. Specially designed for the fly fisherman with low sides, low bow, adjustable front and row seats, rear seat and wide bottom for more stability and to fit Don's big butt

16 Foot Standard Guide - Model 16ST

The 16 foot Standard Guide Model is the good old workhorse of boats. Don Hill has guided the Deschutes, the Rogue, and all coastal rivers in this model and he feels that it is the best all-round boat. The hull is constructed of a single piece of 1/4 inch marine plywood with a one piece 1/2 inch marine plywood bottom, standard. Other bottoms are optional. Built with removable front deck and knee brace, 1/2 inch floorboards and sliding front seat for load balance. Chines, battens, stem and handrails are of the finest grade oak available, ribs and seats are of clear vertical grain fir. Available finished or ready to finish. (Pictured at top)

16 Foot High Side Guide - Model 16HS

Our 16 foot High Side Guide's Model has been specially designed for a heavier load while still retaining the strong, rugged construction features of the 16 foot Standard. Stacking bunks are standard on the 16 foot High Side Guide's Model.

14 Foot Standard - Model 14ST

This lightweight and compact 14 foot Standard Model was custom designed by Don Hill. It's designed to be a highly controllable and maneuverable craft due mainly to the large surface area under the passenger seat. The bed of a full-size pickup will carry your 14 foot Standard where you want to go.

10 Foot Mini Drifter Model 10MD

The 10 foot mini drifter has so many advantages, it's hard to list them all. It's the perfect one-man fishing boat, but two adults can comfortably stand and fish from the Mini Drifter. It's lightweight and easy to row, making it and ideal boat for beginners and an excellent boat for low water conditions. The Mini Drifter fits in the bed of a pickup or even inside a standard size van, so you won't need a boat trailer.

Boat Finishes, Sealers & Repair Materials

Helmsman Marine
Spar Urethane

DHBA 5010

$50 gal.

Coat-It Epoxy Seal
(Super hard coating for bottoms)
Contains Ceramic & Graphite
Great for Bottoms
quart
gallon

DHBA 5060
DHBA 5055

$31
$95

Minwax Stain

DHBA 5015

$35 gal.

3-M 5200 Caulking
(Crates tuff flexible seal)
Great for chines, battons,
bow stem & transom

$28

760 Marine Epoxy
Great for pre-finish

DHBA 5025

$125.00 gal.

Boat Life Caulking tube

DHBA 4320

$15

Wood Tex Putty
pint
quart

DHBA 5035
DHBA 5040

$15
$32

Marine Tex Putty
1/2 pt.
pint

DHBA 5045
DHBA 5050

$15
$25

Don Hill River Boats
P. O. Box CC • Springfield, OR 97477 • Send email
Created & Maintained by riverbird