How to Build Wood Drift Boats

Drift boats are normally used by fly fishermen to float down rivers. These boats are based on the dory design and are usually powered by oars. Drift boats are made from aluminum, fiberglass or wood. Home builders usually choose to make a drift boat from wood. One common building method is called stitch and glue, in which the builder stitches together wood parts with flexible wire. The parts are then firmly held together with epoxy glue. Building a wood drift boat is a major project but it can be accomplished with determination.

Things You'll Need

  • Drift boat plans
  • Marine plywood
  • Jigsaw
  • Cordless drill with drill bits
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Pliers
  • Fairing compound
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Epoxy glue
  • Fine sawdust
  • Marking pen
  • Two sawhorses
  • 10-gauge copper or steel wire
  • Wire cutters
  • 1 gallon plastic cups
  • Paint brushes
  • Spatulas
  • Mixing sticks
  • Eye protection
  • Protective gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the marine plywood on a large work area. Use a marking pen and follow the plans to mark each wooden part on the plywood. Place the plywood on the sawhorses. Use the jigsaw to cut each piece of plywood from the plywood sheets.

    • 2

      Lay the side pieces of the boat on the sawhorses. Secure a 1/8-inch drill bit in the cordless drill. At the bow and stern of each side piece drill 1/8-inch holes, 1 inch apart, the length of the bow and stern. Cut the 10-gauge wire into 4-inch long pieces with the wire cutters. Lay the side pieces at the bow and stern so the drilled holes align with each other. Place a cut piece of wire through aligning holes and twist with the pliers until tight. Do this for each set of holes on the bow and stern.

    • 3

      Bow the sides of the boat so the interior framing fits between each side in the appropriate place. Drill 1/8-inch holes in the framing and the adjacent side of the boat. Use 10-gauge wire pieces to sew the frame to the side of the boat in the same manner that the bow and stern were sewn together.

    • 4

      Turn the sides and framing on the sawhorses so the base of the boat is up. Lay the bottom piece of the boat over the framing and sides. Use the cordless drill and a drill bit to drill holes in the same manner as was accomplished in steps 2 and 3. Attach the bottom of the boat using 10-gauge wire. You will now have laid out a drift boat made from wood pieces that are stitched together with wire.

    • 5

      Use the mixing sticks to mix the epoxy glue according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Add enough fine sawdust to the mixed epoxy to make a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Use a spatula to apply this paste as a fillet to each seam on the boat. Each fillet should be approximately 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep at the center. Allow the epoxy/sawdust fillets to dry overnight.

    • 6

      Cut pieces of fiberglass cloth to fit over each seam on the interior of the boat. Mix additional epoxy glue according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lay the fiberglass cloth over each seam and use a paintbrush to apply epoxy glue to the fiberglass cloth. Use enough epoxy to thoroughly wet each piece of fiberglass cloth. Allow to set overnight.

    • 7

      Use the pliers and wire cutters to remove the 10-gauge wire at the seams. These seams will now be firmly attached with the epoxy/sawdust mixture and epoxied fiberglass cloth. Attach seats to the framework using wood screws and a screwdriver.

    • 8

      Use a spatula to apply fairing compound to any cracks, holes or uneven areas of the drift boat. Allow the fairing compound to dry. Sand off the fairing compound with the sandpaper. Reapply fairing compound in this manner until all cracks, holes and uneven areas are filled and fair. Paint the boat as desired.