K271 - Glen L Rio Drift Custom Built Boat

Specification: Item K271 - 194L x 78W x 0H Inches (492.8L x 198.1W x 0H Cm)

Note: This is a special made to order item, delivery usually take 30-90 days.
Custom features such as name plate or different paint schemes are available for additional charges. Please contact us for details.

Price: $ 12,790.00

Description:

The Rio Drift Boat is a purpose-built river craft designed for precision, balance, and control in flowing waters. Inspired by traditional North American drift boats, it is engineered to perform confidently on rivers—whether navigating shallow runs, holding steady in currents, or drifting smoothly through long stretches of water.

Constructed using high-quality marine materials and time-tested wooden boatbuilding techniques, the Rio Drift Boat combines Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, and Teak with a reinforced hull structure using U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass and System Three marine spar varnish for exceptional durability and stability. The flat-bottom design and flared sides provide excellent buoyancy and lateral balance, allowing the boat to track cleanly while maintaining responsiveness in changing river conditions.

The interior layout is optimized for functionality and comfort, featuring raised casting platforms, ergonomic seating, and ample space for gear and coolers. Clean joinery, hand-finished surfaces, and practical detailing reflect a balance between craftsmanship and real-world usability. Every element is designed to support long hours on the water while preserving the boat’s refined, understated aesthetic.

Ideal for fly fishing, river drifting, and recreational use, the Rio Drift Boat offers a reliable and elegant solution for those who value control, craftsmanship, and a genuine connection to the river.

Specification:

- Length: 16'2"
- Beam: 78"
- Weight: 300 lbs (approx)
- Draft: 6"

Every wooden boat crafted by us is built from Glen-L plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models

Contact us to discuss specifications, customization options, and build schedules.

Note:

* This deposit is non-refundable and will be credited toward your order.
* Price starting at 40k and applies to the wooden hull only (Not include motor or hardwares or shipping).

History:

Rio Drift Boat, inspired by the original McKenzie River Drift Boat, carries forward the legacy of one of Oregon’s most iconic river crafts.

The design traces its roots to the early 1900s on the whitewater-rich McKenzie River, where legendary builders such as Cary Thomson, the West brothers, Veltie Pruitt, Prince Helfrich, Torkel “Tom” Kaarhus, Woodie Hindman, and Keith Steele shaped what would become the definitive drift boat form.

Originally evolving from humble scows and double-enders—sometimes jokingly called “bathtubs with oarlocks”—the McKenzie drift boat took on its modern sleekness with the advent of laminated plywood, which transformed its performance and durability.

Over the decades, new materials like aluminum, fiberglass, and advanced polymers continued to refine the boat’s capabilities. Rio Drift Boat honors this rich heritage while embracing the evolution of the craft, preserving the spirit of the McKenzie River classic in a design meant for today’s builders and river enthusiasts.