So I bought a Drift Boat

**Ed Wahl** · 06-27-2024, 09:57 PM

It's an oldie but a classic. A 1969 Wooldridge 17 footer. I'm trying to restore her to close to factory condition. The hull is sound. I removed all the trolling stuff first. That was a pain but she looks so much better now. The frame for the rope seat survived all the years of transferring so after googling what that thing was I re-roped it and it's ready to go back in. Had to order oar locks but once they came in I took her out and found out just how easy it is to row a drift boat. Easy but technical. I've got some practicing to do.

Here's my current dilemma, Glen Wooldridge's name is still on the boat just covered up by a later coat of crappy paint. I would like to strip off the paint but leave Glen's name intact. Any ideas on how to go about this? Also if anyone has a pair of 9.5 or 10ft drift boat oars I'd be interested. It came with 8.5's but I feel a bit longer would be better. Oh, I'm going to refinish and re-rope the 8.5's, if anyone is interested.

Yeah, I got a 6hp outboard with the package but I'm way more excited about the drifting aspect.

The trailer is the real deal, just real old. New carpet and wiring are coming.

**Ed Wahl** · 06-28-2024, 05:12 AM

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The rope seat frame. Had to figure out what it was.

**Ed Wahl** · 06-28-2024, 05:17 AM

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2000 I'll get some on the water pics this weekend.

**Mr T** · 06-28-2024, 05:51 AM

Good one Ed, you will find that rowing a drifter is pretty fun actually, and a good workout to boot- don't get rid of the 8.5's yet, try the other ones but don't be surprised if they feel clunky. I had a 16 Willie years back and tried going longer with bad results- the extra length wore me out and wasn't as easy to work with.

Getting the paint off and saving what's under there might not be possible depending the crappy paint- try a heat gun and go slow?

**Bill Kiene semi-retired** · 06-28-2024, 07:09 AM

Good one Ed,

That will keep you busy for a while. I remember those rope seats.

Drift boats are a special thing because you can row and hold them in one spot easier than any other boat.

If you need any advice Andy Guibord has been rowing a drift boat for a long time.

PS: I think Joe Shirshac's daughter, Skeeter, is still shuttling on the Lower American River.

**BobVP** · 06-28-2024, 04:29 PM

If there is a local sign painter you might ask them how to do that removal and save what is underneath as this is something many of them have to do.

**Ed Wahl** · 06-28-2024, 07:06 PM

Some good sound advice, just what I was looking for.

I'll give the 8.5's some time in the water, maybe borrow some longer ones for a bit to compare.

Bob, that makes sense, I'll do that. Bill, could you pm me Skeeter's contact info?

Any and all advice is appreciated, I've never owned a drift boat, heck, I've only been in one once before. Been attending U Tube University for help also.

Also forgot to add, the most cringy part of that boat photo, the spare tire. I'll haul that in the back of the truck until I come up with a mount. That under frame install will not fly.