What is the best motor for a drift boat?
Boulder Boat Works recommends motors with a maximum thrust of 6 HP, though a 4 HP motor is often ideal for balancing weight, thrust, and portability. A 12′ Jon boat is typically maxed at 15hp by law. The boat should have a tag that tells you how big you can go. Yes going bigger than the recommended HP can and will get you a ticket.
What type of boat is a drift boat?
A Drift Boat is an evolution of the open-water dory, converted for use in rivers. The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, and a pointed stern. Drift primarily results from two natural forces—wind and current—each causing different types of drift that sailors must monitor and manage: Wind Drift (Leeway): When wind pushes against the boat’s side, it causes the boat to drift sideways from its intended course.Drift boats are better fishing platforms, are more durable (if they aren’t wood), are better for young kids, and require less setup for launching. Rafts get blown in the wind less, handle heavy water better, can carry more weight, and can be more compact for long term storage.Drift boats are designed to drift and let the current guide the boat down the river. Boats sometimes come with a small motor, but usually you are letting the current guide you and using the oars to control the boat’s speed and direction. Most drift boats hold three seats in the front, middle, and back.The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, and a pointed stern. Note the words, “evolution” and “open-water. A drift boat is not decked, thus will sink if swamped with enough water, but it is a dory. Not a drift boat, but you can still fish out of it.