Probably the most popular boat here is a 13 NRS Otter or an Aire Puma. If you're interested in purchasing the larger Clearwater Drifter, we can order that for you right now. It is way better to row and fish out of than a raft. It would seem that due to the inflatable aspect of this boat that it would draw slightly less than a more typical drift boat, and the photos you have provided would seem to confirm this. It is absolutely silent. Includes 3 Cataract oars. Essentially a smaller version of the NRS Clearwater Drifter (which claimed the "Best in Show" title at the 2012 International Fly Tackle Dealer trade expo), the 14' Freestone can be disassembled, making it easy to transport. They were pulled from use at the beginning of 2022 as to not increase any wear and tear. The Clearwater stows readily in a garage, car or small aircraft, or you can ship it UPS to your next fishing destination. It really is a hard boat when inflated. I think it will be fine in whitewater to class III, especially if its quick plunge type stuff. Weight (hull only): 110 lbs Are you still outfitting these boats with 9 footers and how is that working out? Weight: 320 lbs Buy the gift thats always welcome and always fits. Includes cataract oars [], BOTE recently posted a blog entry looking at some of the differences between their inflatable LONO kayak and rotomolded boats, read it here. Sutherlin, OR. Retail $6k+. A high rocker in the bow and stern shorten the waterline to help you track fish, anchor the boat, and ride over waves. We dont use drift boats here at all because they would beat you to death. bozeman boats - by owner - craigslist. If you live in the west, you probably first saw the uber-cool Diablo Chupacabra SOT/SUP at Headhunters. Includes cataract oars w/ magnum blades, spare oar, repair kit, anchor rope, 30lb anchor, nrs shelf attachment and rod holders, and pump. The PAC 136DD "double-diminished" boat is made to be a maneuverable, high-performance raft for extended fishing trips. Casting stations in the bow and stern feature swiveling Angler Seats, diamond plate decks and Thigh Hooks with Stripping Baskets for secure, comfortable casting in smooth or rough water. It's perfect for those technical streams where the fishing's great but a rigid hull isn't practical. It still has a raft frame inside. no favorites. If you're a river fisherman looking for an edge, you need to consider the NRS Clearwater Drifter. The NRS Clearwater Drifter combines the time-tested design of drift boats with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft to give you the best performance and convenience for fishing in rivers. 3 stainless steel D-rings at the bow provide handy tie-off points and let you winch the Freestone onto a trailer. You can easily disassemble the modular frame and roll up the deflated hull for convenient transport and storage. Warranty: 5 Years Retail, 3 Years Commercial, 2017 HEADHUNTERS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5 Tips for Late Summer Fly Fishing Success, Get your NRS Freestone this Fall @ Headhunters Fly Shop, NRS Freestone and Diablo Kayaks. Oarlocks Behind the boat ramp, the Freestone-Drifter-ditch-boot man rips a twenty-inch brown out of the eddy on his thirteen-year-old Le Croix his dad gave him. And its pretty cool. $18,000. If youre interested in purchasing the larger Clearwater Drifter, we can order that for you right now. Center Line Length: 14 This dry fly can be tied to match any mayfly. 2021 Sports Gear Deals. Get smart with the Thesis WordPress Theme from DIYthemes. We love the NRS Freestone for when we get out of the tailwater mind set and look for moving waters! NRS already brought out the Clearwater Drifter this year. NRS Slipstream 96 Fishing Raft Packages $3,495.00-$4,495.00 Compare NRS Slipstream 120 Fishing Raft Packages $4,495.00-$5,495.00 Compare NRS Slipstream 139 Fishing Raft Packages $4,995.00-$5,995.00 Compare STAR Lightning Bug Self-Bailing Raft $2,695.00 Compare STAR Wonder Bug Self-Bailing Raft $2,995.00 Compare STAR Super Bug Self-Bailing Raft When we saw it last year we told NRS its cool, but too big. NRS Rep Jim Macallister hauled the Freestone over to Craig last week to let us test drive it before it goes into production. Boat windsheild (real glass!) If you can keep the weight down below 900 pounds, one advantage is the massive amount of room inside vs. a comparable sized raft (126-13 x 6). It's an NRS Clearwater Drifter. While most glass boats have a smooth, flat bottom, Clackacraft's Tunnel Hull has a large funnel that starts at the stern of the boat and tapers to a smaller diameter as the tunnel moves forward. Beam: 70 The IDB has also been sitting in front of Headhunters every evening, and many passing anglers and guides have had a chance to take a look at it. High pressure pump High sides and light weight mean youre going to get blown around on rivers like the Missouri. And, a few of our gang will be rowing the IDB. The 14' Freestone's smaller size and lower hull height make it highly maneuverable in technical water and capable in windy conditions. Product Details The NRS Freestone Drifter Boat is the smaller cousin of the Clearwater Drifter. Can a trolling motor be mounted to take it out on a lake? NRS Clearwater Drifter Inflatable Drift Boat Raft With Tilt Trailer - $4000 (Gunnison) View larger image Ad id: 2910196913425231 Views: 593 Price: $4,000.00 Selling my NRS inflatable drift boat. no hidden. Weve been watching folks redesign raft frames for years. That's how Bo and Luke Duke (The Dukes of Hazard) used to do it, but when you are getting up there in years, it's nice to have a working door. Also, regarding oar length, NRS is now recommending 10 footers. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. We love this boat! It's perfect for those technical streams where the fishing's great but a rigid hull isn't practical. Ron, yes sorry missed that comment. For most Montana anglers who use a raft for fly fishing on typical Montana waters this is a no-brainer. Simms Gear Tackle Bags, Challenger, Dry Creek Boat Luggage & Duffel Bags Rod and Reel Cases . Even though it has a constant rocker, it is designed to support weight in the rear as well as the front. You can stand on the gunnels, and the floor is what I would call stiff. A perfect imitation of the ubiquitous dragonfly built with a compelling yet simple approach. Just awesome. It has 3 semi-permanent aluminum thwarts that stay in. The NRS Freestone Drifter/ inflatable drift boat is here. A heavy-duty rub rail on the gunwales protects high-wear areas. For us, the Clearwater Drifter was a bit too big. Cant imagine youd be taking it down much, but the ability for seasonal storage would be nice. Now that you have been running these boats for several years how durable have they proven to be? 900 pounds of people and gear. The problem with rubber based boats is that they do not slide over rocks like hard sided boats. Everyone from Headhunters who had a chance to try it out loved it. boulderboatworks.com, What's different about Clackacraft fiberglass drift boats? 5 Year retail warranty, 3 year commercial. We run 8.5 oars in this boat. Type of Material: PVC Drop-Stitch For most Montana anglers stealth is a priority, and they like their boats on the small side. The NRS Freestone Drifter Boat is the smaller cousin of the Clearwater Drifter. The self-bailing inflatable hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft while tracking as stealthily as a traditional drift boat. Riddle, OR. Boats For Sale. Length: 15'10" Clearwater Drifter Assembly Video (7:04), NRS Clearwater Drifter: Chuckin' Line for Chrome (1:47), RiverMaps Colorado River in the Grand Canyon 8th Edition Guide Book. Hate to sell but we're moving and need to make room. The Clearwater is a much larger design, reminding us more of a high sided Willie. 1997 Tige 2150. From the why the hell didnt I think of that file, urethane paints for urethane-encapsulated rafts via Angling Trade. Call NRS in Idaho and they will give you the skinny. For fishing, NRS equipped the Clearwater Drifter with two casting stations in the bow and stern. A heavy-duty rub rail on the gunwales protects high-wear areas. 2 Angler Swivel Seats by owner + . This product is no longer available, but weve got more options for you: The NRS Freestone Drifter Boat is the smaller cousin of the Clearwater Drifter. When the company first produced polymer boats, they had wood detailing that thwarted the low-maintenance of the rest of the boat, so Boulder Boats Works created the Convertible River Taxi (CRT) an all-polymer boat that's also available with built-in Yeti coolers under the seats. Im selling our inflatable drift boat. Copyright 2023 SportsGearNetwork.com. The NRS Freestone Drifter. But, in certain situations, the Freestone out performs all three of its . The NRS Clearwater Drifter combines the time-tested design of drift boats with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft to give you the best performance and convenience for fishing in rivers. 3 people and gear, probably not, at least on a river with heavy currents and strong eddy lines. How to Mend, Set the Hook, and Strip Line, Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Costa Films Presents Hooked On: Bonefish, Pharmaceutical Pollution Threatens Florida's Shallow-Water Fish. The Legacy comes standard with a motor-ready transom for big West Coast steelhead rivers, and has rod tubes that can hold 14' Spey rods without breaking them down. If you're a river fisherman looking for. The 6" diameter ports have a removable screw-on cover that lets you operate the boat as a non-bailer. Excellent condition. An integrated pulley system lets the oarsman operate the anchor from the rowing seat. The Drifter also comes with a repair kit, a protective wrap, and a high-pressure pump to get you ready for any river fishing trip coming your way. The rivers see some class 3 whitewater but more importantly they are full of shallow riffles full of boulders. 3" stainless steel D-rings at the bow provide handy tie-off points and let you winch the Freestone onto a trailer. Friend of ChiWulff Blake Merwin of the Gig Harbor Fly Shop is selling his NRS Clearwater Drifter. High rocker in the bow and stern shorten the waterline for superior tracking and anchoring while helping the boat ride over waves. Other than that, we think its possibly the perfect boat for the angler who fishes everywhere in Montana, from little creeks on the eastside, to big rivers in the west. Includes cataract oars w/ magnum blades, spare oar, repair kit, anchor rope, 30lb anchor, nrs "shelf" attachment and rod holders, and pump. Do you think this boat would be a viable alternative to a raft? The NRS Inflatable Drift Boat Freestone Drifter model will be available at Headhunters next spring for $5495.00. 2 Thigh Hooks You can easily disassemble the modular frame and roll up the deflated hull for convenient transport and storage. Through tagging and conservation efforts, the quality of many historic bonefish fisheries is improving, as is our understanding of the species' movements and patterns. There are two drain ports in the drop-stitch floor; one in the center and one near the stern. Stay up to date on new arrivals, email exclusives, sales and more. Hate to sell but were moving and need to make room. Self-bailing. Dont knowwill know soon when we get them in stock Monday! So when I walked into the ICAST/IFTD show in Vegas last month and saw the new low sided, sexy looking Freestone I was pretty excited. 1,000 pounds of people and gear. Exceeding this will interfere with the self-bailing feature. By providing this information, you are opting to receive email communications from nrs.com and agreeing that you have read our privacy & cookie policies. It's perfect for those technical streams where the fishing's great but a rigid drift boat hull isn't practical. What are your thoughts about this? Phasellus viverra augue non diam ultrices fermentum. From low water Smith trips to the kitchen sink on the Beartrap this boat does it all.Hate to get rid of this boat but no room to store it. Its not a walk through design like an Adipose. Collin probably doesnt get looks as strange as we did rowing our red wooden drifter around East Texas lakes a couple of decades back. The 14' Freestone's smaller size and lower hull height make it highly maneuverable in technical water and capable in windy conditions. Fishing Streamers From a Drift Boat (and Reading Water), BOTE Lono + Apex Drive Giveaway Closes 21 May, BOTE BugSlinger Board and Fishing Package Give Away Closes April 7, Boat Bargain: NRS Clearwater Drifter for Sale (WA), Drifters in the News: An Unlikely Minnesota Drifter, Overview of the Hobie Pro Angler 14 Mirage 360 Pedal Drive Kayak, Wooden Boat Shop 9 August: On the Big Blackfoot, Overview of 2019 Hobie Fishing Kayaks from GHFS, Were Chasing Some Bigger Fish for a While, Damn: Water Flow Issues on the Upper Madison, Nifty Monday Read: Six Weights and Saltines from Winston, Musings from Jess at Jess McGlothlin Media, So You Want to Be a Fishing Photographer or Writer. Our tester rowed the new Eddy 16 in low water on the Madison and said 'the boat is nimble and maneuverable in skinny water. Retail $6k+. The metabolically flexible fly fisher and hunter can go places and do things no mere mortal would even ponder. Would it be reasonable to expect it to float an inch or even two inches higher in the water? The inflatable, self-bailing hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft, but it still tracks fish like a stealthy drift boat. NRS came out with the Clearwater Drifter a few years back. Image via the linked AT post. Protective boat wrap Ive also used 9 footers. Throw it on a bed rack or use a lightweight flatbed trailer and go anywhere. The self-bailing inflatable hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft while tracking as stealthily as a traditional drift boat. Unlike a raft, the floor isnt squishy. NRS built the 17-foot Clearwater Drifter out of tough drop-stitch PVC material that can inflate to a rigid 9 psi, and you can inflate the floor up to 15 psi when you're nearing the thousand-pound limit over rougher waters. It rows like a drift boat, making small maneuvers and moving against the current with ease. Casting stations in the bow and stern feature swiveling Angler Seats, diamond plate decks and Thigh Hooks with Stripping Baskets for secure, comfortable casting in smooth or rough water. 2017 NRS Clearwater Drifter. We are specifically thinking about this boat for the upper Madison River as being a bit more forgiving when encountering the ever-present rocks, as well as something that would potentially float over more of the rocks and into shallower areas than our early-90s low-side Clackacraft. This product is no longer available, but weve got more options for you: If you're a river fisherman looking for an edge, you need to consider the NRS Clearwater Drifter. Line catchers do exist. The Silver Shadow. If theres a negative weve found that the boats weight limit of 900lbs is accurate, and control in high water can be an issue if you overload the boat. Landon Mayer | Illustrations by Joe Mahler. The Freestone inflatable drift boat stows readily in a garage, car or small aircraft, or you can ship it UPS to your next fishing destination. Inflatable Drift Boat. Weight when assembled? If you were regularly going to use it on heavy western freestones at higher flows with 3 people and gear, I would have to recommend the much larger and taller Clearwater drifter. If you're spending your recreational time in the boat (all day for weeks every season) it should be both comfortable and appropriate for the water types and the seasons you prefer to fish in. Clackacraft's newest boat the Eddy also has Clackacraft's GulfStream hull, with dimples like those on a golf ball. It's perfect for those technical streams where the fishing's great but a rigid hull isn't practical. It really is as advertised. A nice build taking a break on the Big Blackfoot; via Wooden Boat People. I personally was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the Clearwater Drifter's super . boats. About the same as a Cat with a full gear frame. Watch and wade with us as we chase bonefish on the sand flats of the Bahamas and tag them on the grass flats of the Keys. nrsweb.com, Would you buy a car where you have to jump in through the windows? Load Capacity: 900 pounds of people and gear. Self-bailing. You can inflate the floor up to 15 psi for the best performance with heavier loads in rough water. | This product is no longer available, but weve got more options for you: The 14' NRS Freestone Drifter is inflatable and includes a break-down frame system. The perfect gear hauler for your next multi-day trip. The NRS Freestone Drifter Boat is the smaller cousin of the Clearwater Drifter. Day 2, guide Ben Hardy used it to guide on the Blackfoot River. One of the things I like about a raft is that I can take it fishing or I can take it for a 3 day tip with a few friends. It does draft less water than your typical hard sided drifter. 5 Year retail warranty, 3 year commercial. Folded Boat Dimensions: 46L x 26 W x 14 T The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Dr. Ross Boucek explains what pharmaceutical and chemical runoff and pollution could mean for Florida's shallow-saltwater gamefish. Would prefer to keep the trailer but will sell if needed. But with all of the same advantages of a raft. Unlike a raft, it is super easy to get in and out of. For fishing, NRS equipped the Clearwater Drifter with two casting stations in the bow and stern. The IDB also performed excellent with improper loads. Its perfect for those technical streams where the fishings great but a rigid hull isnt practical. A rigid transom in the stern allows you to attach a small outboard motor. Check out the full of story of Sage Indendi Johnson's journey from a path towards professional basketball to guiding in Alaska. The Drifter also comes with a repair kit, a protective wrap, and a high-pressure pump to get you ready for any river fishing trip coming your way. Frame parts are easy to customize or change, and everyone prefers something a little different when it comes to raft frames. Retail $6k+. The self-bailing inflatable hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft while tracking as stealthily as a traditional drift boat. It occurred to me that Headhunters is kind of like the Area 51 of human powered river boats. 2 Aluminum diamond-plate casting platforms, Anchor System (line & anchor not included). You can even ship it if you're flying to your next fishing hole. The Clearwater Drifter ( $5995 MSRP) is made of drop-stitch PVC, can be inflated to around 9 psi, which creates a rigid, framed dory that offers the ability to bounce off rocks like a rubber raft, yet track quietly and silently like a drift boat. The Clearwater Drifter is a hybrid drift boat/self-bailing raft that is one of the best inflatable fishing boats for rivers. I like the 12 6 length for a nimble fishing raft or the 14-foot model for a more hefty, big water . According to general manager Steve Ehredt, the hulls are stronger than fiberglass, and quieter than aluminum, which also sticks on rocks. Day 3, Julie, Adair and I took it over to the Blackfoot as well. But we do love it so. SPECS Ehredt says the polymer hulls are virtually indestructible and that while Boulder Boat Works has a lifetime guarantee on the hull, they've never actually had to repair a hull due to regular river use. Gunwale Length: 15 Sit on the front porch at Headhunters and youll see all manner of strange watercraft go by. An integrated pulley system allows the oarsmen to release the anchor from the middle of the boat. Thoughts on transport, and set up/take down? Or as you said a raft. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Beam: 78" Beam: 61" You row from a High-Back Padded Seat on our Flip Seat Mount that rests on the dry box. The metabolically flexible fly fisher and hunter can go places and do things no mere mortal would even ponder. Any positive comments from us about an inflatable drift boat should be taken pretty seriously. Shaped with the profile of a conventional drift boat, the Clearwater is the world's first self-bailing, inflatable drift boat. From my readings and low level thinking, the RMR seems to be a solid boat that could handle whatever water I stumble in to for a great value. Stealth has become a huge factor when approaching rising fish on the Missouri River. A rigid transom in the stern allows you to attach a small outboard motor. INCLUDES Nice quick read with some useful reminders to keep the AIS scourge out of your boat. Its an excellent vessel for super skinny late-summer fishing on the Big Hole, Blackfoot, Dearborn and other freestone rivers. This revolutionary inflatable fishing boat combines the time-tested design of a drift boat with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft. 12Ft tilt trailer with new wiring and tail lights. It has been very popular, selling well along the coast where anglers use traditional high-sided drift boats, as well as on rivers like Idahos Middle Fork of the Salmon that involve running big whitewater. Not much different in size than a 13 foot raft. NRS was recommending 9.5 footers, which Ive tried. An integrated pulley system lets the oarsman operate the anchor from the rowing seat. Buy the gift thats always welcome and always fits. It was very awesome out of the box thinking, and while a great boat for certain applications, it was a little to big for rivers such as the Truckee and could . If oars aren't your style, the rigid transom at the stern accommodates a small outboard motor.The Clearwater Drifter also features heavy-duty dub rails over the gunwales to ensure excellent longevity, and the stainless steel D-rings give you great tie-off points for you to winch the boat onto a trailer. For rowers, there is an extra-sturdy adjustable foot brace, and a quick-adjusting seat system that helps you easily distribute the weight in the boat for easy rowing. Hypalon is also easy to patch and repair. All rights reserved. Find great deals and sell your items for free. For the oarsmen, NRS added a highback padded raft seat with an adjustable foot bar for all-day comfort. NRS is attempting to do exactly that by combining the comfort and rowability of a drift boat with the high-floating packability of a raft. There are two drain ports in the drop-stitch floor; one in the center and one near the stern. Learn to tie the Woolly Bugger fly with master tier Charlie Craven. An integrated pulley system lets the oarsman operate the anchor from the rowing seat. The SRB from catchercraft is another boat package worth looking at comparable to the T. rex. My loss is your gain. A few burly sets of Perfect Rubber legs, a bit of soft hackle, a pinch or two of dubbing and you have a bug that brings a smile to your face. Stay up to date on new arrivals, email exclusives, sales and more. NRS Clearwater Drifter.https://www.nrs.com/product/16402/nrs-clearwater-drifter-boatGreat boat, we just dont have the time to use it, and could use the space. $ 7,799.00 Read more. By providing this information, you are opting to receive email communications from nrs.com and agreeing that you have read our privacy & cookie policies. This boat (https://www.nrs.com/product/84062.04/nrs-freestone-drifter-inflatable-drift-boat) has never been used and we are selling it for $1000 less than retail. NRS Clearwater Drifter Inflatable Drift Boat Raft With Tilt Trailer - $4000 (Gunnison) Selling my NRS inflatable drift boat. Valve Type: Leafield C7 I dont want to row for 30 hours. The three-chamber design and frame ensure it will keep floating and rowing even if an air chamber is compromised. This boat was part of the NRS demo fleet but was never used on the water. Now you get to see your first inflatable drift boat courtesey of Jim Macallister and NRS. Learn to tie the Pheasant Tail Nymph with master tier Charlie Craven. The NRS Clearwater Drifter combines the time-tested design of drift boats with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft to give you the best performance and convenience for fishing in rivers. When deflates you just roll it up with those inside. It's easy to transport via car, plane, or even USPS. These stations include swiveling angler seats, diamond plate decks for handling catches, and thigh hooks with stripping baskets for your convenience. Beam: 82" The NRS Inflatable Drift Boat Freestone Drifter model will be available at Headhunters next spring for $5495.00. Clean Drift Boat- Clackacraft WF Standard side - $7,200 (Edwards) Clean and well maintained Clackacraft 16ft Standard Side WF Guide model drift boat. The result is the new Clearwater Drifter. The self-bailing inflatable hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft while tracking as stealthily as a traditional drift boat. But we have nothing but great things to say about the performance of the hull. Anchor System (line & anchor not included) Repair Kit: Yes Trailer not included in price. Subscriber Services. It should be a perfect replacement, and those are exactly the kind of conditions that I would use it for here in MT rocky, shallow, etc. Sorry for the delayed response, missed this one and was out of town. Its also super-stealthy silent; perfect for dry fly fishing on the Missouri River. Casting stations in the bow and stern feature swiveling angler seats, diamond plate decks and thigh hooks with stripping baskets for secure, comfortable casting in smooth or rough water. WAY more interior room than a Puma. Retail $6k+. We are going to recommend 9 footers at the shop, and have 9 cataracts coming with the boats if you like. For the oarsmen, NRS added a highback padded raft seat with an adjustable foot bar for all-day comfort. For a fly shop owner, its pretty rare that you ask for a company to change something, then actually see it (not that they changed it based solely on me, Im sure more than a few guides requested a smaller version). You can definitely walk around just like a hard boat. Includes 3 Cataract oars. But its a hard boat that you dont need to worry about banging into rocks or running aground.