fly fishing drift boat

Drift boat length

The long measurement of the boat.

There are two very important "lengths" in hull design; length overall, and length of the waterline. Length Overall is the measurement from the most forward point of the drift boat to the most rearward point. Length of the waterline is the measurement of the most forward point of the drift boat that touches the water and the most rearward point of the boat that touches the water.

Advantages of a longer boat Disadvantages of a longer boat
Less effort to hold position (faster) Slower to spin
Can step across larger waves Pushed by current when sideways
Can carry a heavier load Adds additional weight