The 16 1/2 X 50 Sport Guide.
This is by far the most popular boat that has been coming thru the shop in the last few years by guides and pleasure boaters alike. Slightly larger than the 16 X 48 Traditional but made for Class IV rivers across the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With its higher sides, wider bottom, and wider transom this boat displaces a significantly noticeable amount of water that allows it to ride higher in the water and will hold a much larger payload without sacrificing maneuverability out on the water. The widest part of the bottom is just under the passenger seat to allow for more weight distribution up front. This boat can be fitting with a stackable guide style version package or a more traditional style oarsman seat package.
The Whitewater Guides Boat.
Beauty
This boat comes standard with what is referred to as a “Helfrich cut” for the side panels. The side panels are taller toward the bow of the boat but a standard height at the transom so it is not a true “Highside” so it doesn’t catch as much wind as a true “Highside” but is a very dry boat that is very capable of running Class IV water and is the top choice of many guides and outfitters in the Pacific Northwest. This boat was constructed using Douglas Fir plywood with Mahogany and Sapele Hardwoods as the contrasting colors. This boat can also be offered in a standard side or a true “Highside” as well.
Quality
This boat is what the 16 x 48 has evolved into and I believe has become the new “Standard” for the McKenzie River Drift Boat. Although I love rowing rivers in a 16 X 48, this particular boat has become my favorite “Go To” boat and my personal choice for running rivers with friends and family as well as guiding clients for day trips and multi-day trips alike.
Commitment
All our boats are built using System Three SilverTip epoxy resins and finished with Epifanes Clear Varnish. For a quality boat you need quality materials and we use only the best to provide you with a structurally sound boat and a durable finish that will protect your boat for years and as always at Hayes Custom Boats we are committed to building a boat that is made to last and tailored to meet the needs of the individual