Published by Stackpole Books, Inc
By Roger L. Fletcher
Illustrated by Samuel F. Manning
The purpose of this one-of-a-kind book is to present the lines and construction details of the original drift boats and river dories as spawned on Oregon’s McKenzie and Rogue Rivers. I wish to preserve the evolutionary lineage of their design. My research reveals that the history of the boats and their successive iterations are very much the stories of the people who built and used them -- their fishing interests, personalities, capabilities as craftsmen, and intended uses. It is impossible to separate the boats from the builders. The objective of this book, then, is to chronicle the logic of the boats’ evolution as it is reflected in the experiences of the individual boat builder, and to preserve the lines and construction detail of 10 historic drift boats. Each boat represent changes -- some subtle, others obvious – in form that followed function. The plans and detailed instructions provide sufficient detail that any one of the boats may be modeled to scale or built full size.
What People Are Saying
"An account of drift-boat evolution and design has been long overdue, but as this volume amply attests, well worth the wait. Roger Fletcher's research is as scrupulous, interesting, and useful as Sam Manning's first-rate illustrations. The result is a marvelous and absorbing book that combines history, biography, an aficionado's appreciation, and a practical guide to building what some of us consider the most elegant craft on moving water. An essential read for fishermen, river rats, and anyone who simply loves wooden boats." —Ted Leeson, author, Jerusalem Creek
"Roger got the job beautifully done, so these little river runners will live on for the pleasure of future generations as river runners, fishing platforms, or models." - Harold "Dynamite" Payson, author, boat builder and master modeler.
Roger Fletcher and the Rivers Touch is dedicated to preserving and promoting the quiet wakes of drift boats on water, the most elegant of river craft.
Drift Boats and River Dories, the book
Hand Crafted Drift Boat Models
| Click here to see Grant McOmie's current story about my book (KATU-TV, Portland). The story involves Ray Heater and Roger Fletcher. To see the story as it appears on TV click on video. |
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Go here for views of this years McKenzie River Drift Boat Show at Eagle Rock Lodge, April 26.2008 |
Book reviews continued
"Part painstaking historical preservation, part careful instruction, part unabashed evangelism, Drift Boats and River Dories is both a valuable contribution to the literature of small boats and a complete course in building these most beautiful and useful of the fly-fisher's watercraft." - James R. Babb, editor Gray’s Sporting Journal
"For anyone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, river courses are as familiar as the lines on the palm of your own hand. It should come as no surprise, then, that adventuresome souls would take to those rivers … The drift boats and dories they created are unique to the Northwest, and like all of the best boats, they answer the challenging demands of their environment and the exacting needs of their builders. Roger Fletcher’s admirable volume, which I think will stand as the definitive statement on the subject, traces -- to the greatest extent possible –the origins, development and use of these boats. The builders themselves were shaped by the rivers they ran, and in Roger’s work we come to know them as he has. He writes from the strength of a simple love for his subject, supported by close study and informed by his own river experience. The section on historical boats leave us hungry to get in on the action, and the detailed construction information shows us how to do so. ." Tom Jackson, senior editor, WoodenBoat Magazine
Upcoming Boat Shows
8th Annual Wooden Drift Boat Show at Jackson, Wyoming
May 24
The 8th Annual Wooden Drift Boat Show will be held on Saturday, May 24th
2008. The boat ramp at the Wilson Bridge, located 1 mile east of the town of
Wilson Wyoming on Highway 22 will again be the site. Boats will be on
display from 10 am until 3 pm at which time we will pull anchor and float to
our Riverside Camp for a BBQ, libations and fellowship. All Forum Folks are
invited to bring their wooden boats.
A drift boat clinic will again be offered on Friday, May 23rd and again on
Sunday, May 25th. The clinic will cover safe drift boat operation from
trailering to anchoring and everything in between. This is one on one
instruction from longtime professional boaters. Begining and advanced skills
will be covered. Boat show attendees can take advantage of a nicely
discounted rate. For more detail visit A.J.'s site
here.
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