Drift boats with a transom
A double ended drift boat with a transom in action. This design from as early as 1950 has become the most popular drift boat design in America.
Some folks claim that the flattened end of the the double enders was first introduced to attach an outboard motor. Perhaps it was influence from the Rogue River where motors on drift boats was much more common. Many of the early Mckenzie River boats spent hours on the Rogue as well. The wider end facing up river also allowed for a bit higher ride or the ability to carry a heaver load, while the downriver stem kept the water in the river and off of the passangers lap.
What ever the reason there is no doubt that the transom became a very popular feature that is used today as a place to attach all manner of extras that make the boat more verstile. This flat end on the "bow" of the boat can handle anchor pulleys and electric motors to small outboards and is a feature that is a requirement for most white water boaters today.
