Boat options and upgrades
Composite Bottom Upgrade.
Most McKenzie River Drift Boats have a 1/2 inch bottom. This reinforcement creates a BOMBER boat bottom without adding significant weight. The first bottom is placed as usual except a 1/4 in sheet of plywood is used. Then the 1/2 framing which is filled with lightweight 1/2 inch plastic honeycomb. This is topped with another 1/4 inch of plywood. Very little additional weight gives you a 1 inch thick bottom that will protect you from the toughest river rocks.
UHMW Bottom Shoe.
Some people love it, some… not so much. This bottom protection is installed over the top of any boat bottom you have selected. It is extremely slick and will slide over even the most sticky rocks. If you row rivers in low water and need to glide over gravel beds or exposed boulders then this is the solution for you. UHMW will expand and contract with temperature changes and this movement will loosen the screws. Take just a little time each season to keep them tight. This is a great option to add to the composite bottom upgrade!
Lower deck.
You can never have too much storage. Under this lower deck you can store extra line, an extra PFD, or anything that will slide into the space. This leaves the boats passengers with a great place to put day packs and gear where it stays up off of the bottom of the boat and is out of the way but still easy to reach.
Fiberglass Treatment.
A thin layer of fiberglass is added protection for your boat sides. This 4 oz cloth is placed on both the inside and the outside of the plywood panel and is invisible once it is applied and varnished unless you look VERY closely. It is an added layer of protection against gouges from trailer corners or canyon walls. Often a glancing blow will simply need a light sanding and a quick spot varnish to be good as new.
Stackable Guide Option.
This option isn’t for everyone but pro guides that can put 2, 4, or even 6 boats on a trailer will need to have the extra support, internal rub guards and seat arrangement that allow these beautiful boats to be stacked on top of one another without damage.
Fiberglass Bottom Treatment.
20 oz tri-axel fiberglass cloth is a fantastic way to protect the bottom of your boat if you do not boat in extreme low water conditions. This cloth is epoxied directly to the plywood boat bottom, then fill coated with thickened epoxy and finally surfaced with a combination of fiberglass and graphite creating a bottom that is free of fasteners and will last for years.