Hog Island

[Mike Hill]

Thanks to RacerX, I got to see my first Hog Island Drifter.  Apart from the Stealth Bomber Gray color, that boat sure looks interesting and might have a number of advantages.  I couldn't imagine what a plastic drifter could offer, but I was surprised! 

[Curtis Martin]

What did you think about the cross section of the material the boat is built out of? Bullet proof and stealth along with the smooth ride and quietness comes to mind for me.

[Mike Hill]

When, I first heard of them, I heard plastic.  I thought they had to be roto-cast, but did not know they could do the skins filled with the other stuff.  I knew it had to be tough, I've seen a lot of kayakers, "play" in some serious water with their plastic boats.  But I thought the plastic might not be rigid enough for a much bigger boat.  Didn't get to ride in it, but it certainly doesn't have the thumping that the fiberglass drifters do - certainly seems much quieter when you slap it around a little while it is still on it's trailer.  But battleship gray?

[Racer X]

But battleship gray?

To each his own.  You're the first person that doesn't like the color.   The most solid drift boat on the water, most room, almost literally bullet proof, quiet,  and coast guard rated.  It's a whitewater fishing boat, not a poser.  I've got over 20 trips on that boat and have had several people think it was new, up at the Virgina show and this past weekend at the Troutfest.  I was throwing big rocks at it down at the North Georgia Trout Online Fall fling last November.   No marks and no one paying attention. 

[Steve H]

Rusty, I am just the opposite of Mike H, I think I would like the subdued gray. Cooler in the heat of summer and blends in more with the environment.

Do you have any pics of your boat you could share?

[GT]

Being an ex Navy man, I like the haze gray color!  The interior color also cuts down on glare coming from the underside of your polarized glasses, which is something I have noticed in all the white fiberglass drifters I've been in.  I've floated with RacerX in the HI a few times and it is a very smooth, quiet boat and after all the trips it has been on this spring, it still looks new.

[Mike Hill]

You've got 20 trips on that boat?  It looked nice enough to be brand new.  That's impressive!  Had to razz ya about the color a little.  You didn't have your tip jar out!  I will refrain from calling it battleship gray and call it STATELY gray.    It seemed wider than other drifters or is it just lower sides?  It looks like it is very stable.

[Racer X]

Here's a few pics of the boat and pics with bits of the boat in it.  Mike, I'll take battleship gray any day of the week.  This boat is a battleship.  Other drifters fear it. 

[Curtis Martin]

The color takes some getting used to. It doesn't fade like red, green, and blue does. I personally like it. As already mentioned, it doesn't reflect alot of light. I was trying to think of something negative to say about it but I can't think of anything I don't like. It's almost perfect. There are a few changes I would make. but dang near perfect.

[grumpy]

I for one am not sold on the boat, i'm waiting for someone to float me down the Caney in one to make up my mind
In my years of sitting on the oars, Clacka still has the best rowing boat, Hyde is probably the best laid out with storage, Don Hills are bombproof despite being fiberglass & lacking some features, RO'S are pretty nice, aluminum is solid, sweaty & loud, Yellowstone  drifters seem like Hyde's, i believe that's bout all the ones i've been in & i still haven't found the perfect boat

Grumpy

[Steve H]

Rusty, that is a nice looking boat for sure!

[Racer X]

I for one am not sold on the boat, i'm waiting for someone to float me down the Caney in one to make up my mind

Grumpy

Grumpy, it's not a good flat water boat but it's perfect for the waters around here.   The sides are high and it catches wind.  It rows slower than glass boats but it doesn't bother me.   I think it handles good.  The trade off is worth it.  There are three things that it needs...  the front pedestal is too close to the brace,  it's too confining.  This is something a machinist could fix with an offset plate for the pedestal.  The second thing is the front knee brace is a little high.  Again, easy fix.  The third isn't an easy fix but it's not a huge deal.  John has installed three plug holes in the hull.  Two in the front and one in the rear.   It doesn't drain like a Clacka or Hyde, the two spaces (front and rear) are not joined.  They're separated by the rowing bench.  It just makes clean up a little more of a hassle.  I like the way Boulder did their drainage, the holes are in the bottom of the boat.

I've had 4 Clacka's, one Boulder, and one Hyde.  The Hyde was the quickest but it was a 15ft LP.  I love Clacka's but I no longer like their attitude.   I refuse to do business with a company that rests on it's laurels.

Grumpy, come over this way and do some fishing with me.  I noticed on another thread that you have some time off.  Are you still off?  Want to camp and fish the Cumberland for a couple of days?  Let me know.

[jarrod white]

I see nothing wrong with the boat. I think all the companys basically build a pretty good boat, I did a lot of research when I was in the market. I bought the Hyde because I got a bargain on the boat. I am still breaking it in, but so far I like it a lot.


                     Jarrod

[MikeA]

Nice boat Rusty. What are the white rod holder things in this pic. Are they custom made or can I get some somewhere?

[Racer X]

I'm not sure, Mike.  When I talk to John I'll ask about them.