Clackacraft vs. Hyde...what to buy?

[Bryan Williamson]

I'm sure we could debate dimples vs. flat bottom, tunnel hull vs. rounded transom, fiberglass vs. aluminum (or combo) & available storage options all day long and get absolutely nowhere. Does anyone have thoughts or stories they are willing to share on customer service (good or bad), the company honoring (or not honoring) their "lifetime warranty", durability, sales experience, etc? I see a lot of widely recognizable names endorsing the Clack and only onel, Neale Streaks, which I recognize endorsing Hyde. Anyone have something to share on this so I can make an informed purchasing decision?

[J Nordwell]

Well I just bought a 05 fly fish bench from Clackacraft in Oregon. I think they above and beyond. I delt with roger he isn;t even a salesman. He builds the boat and repairs them. Like I said the boat was used they went through it and made it brand new. I also bought another seat to fit my needs. They replaced a seat cover that was torn up. replaced the oars and threw in a set of oar locks. Granted the oar lock are like 35 bucks but still it was a nice thought. I've never been a hyde all though I've only been in a willie. Now the difference between the willie and the clacka are night and day for my needs, the clacka just fits the bill for me. I like the idea of having the shop with in 30 minutes of my house just incase I need a repair. Just go see if you can take one of each out for the day trip.:thumb:

[XstreamAngler]

I know Hyde Boats well, I know the family well and I know the operation well. I currently own 2. Although I am biased in my opinion I will say that each boat has it's own advantages and disadvantages. As with the Dodge vs. Ford vs. Chevy style debate, you have to find what you want and who offers what you want and or like. Any of the boat makers today offer warrenty, each has it's fine print and each offer a superior product. I own Hyde due to its ability to change the interior to any configuration you want or can afford. I have rowed them all, from hard boats to rafts and I like something about each and have complaints about each. When it comes down to which rows better, again, it is that dabate of this vs. that. Listen to what everybody has to say, do your research and dont make a decision based on popularity.

Enjoy your boat and your time on the water.

SAK
XstreamAnglers
TheFlyFishingSyndicate

[Jergens]

I would recommend clackacraft. call up marty at the Portland shop and he will take care of you. i am on my second clack and they are awesome. as the guys above said, you'll probably be happy with either.

[Calvin1]

Joe spends a lot more time in his boat than I do in mine, but I'm very happy with my Hyde. I have a feeling that I would be equally happy in a Clacka. My 14.5 ft low profile is very responsive and does well for me in all the water I fish. It's a bit crowded, however, when there's an angler at the back station as well as the front. My old 16 footer had plenty of room, but didn't respond as well.

[Jason Decker]

since you live in bothell, it is much closer to get your boat from (marty) in portland, but a nice
fishing trip would be fun if you planned a good trip over to the hyde guys. they have a nice place you
can stay while you are there, check out there website

i bought my 06 fly bench last year at the show. i love it. my buddy and i split the boat and have
used it about 60 times since last march between the both of us. I have had a great service and
help from the portland guys since then too. i recently got some parts (spare wheel & mount, plugs and a latch peg) they brought them up to the monroe sportsmans show and were super helpful.
i was able to "try out" a rental boat from The Evening Hatch, that really helped me get all the info i needed before i bought. I might be willing to let you take my boat for a spin if you're interested.

i was also very impressed with Matt Hyde and the time he took to answer my questions, go with what you like the best and you'll be happy. I know Jeff Brazda traded in a new clack on a new hyde just recently. so that shows you it goes both ways.

after a year's use, i would buy the same boat again, no question. but i would make a few minor adjustments, i saw a few options recently at the local fly show i would be sure to opt for. I have a few buddies who swear by their Hydes just the same as i do by my Clacka....


Jason

[Bill Dodd]

I own a 16' Clackacraft LP and love it. I know guides who have owned both and swear by Hyde and others who have owned both and swear by the Clacka. I chose my boat based mostly on the cut of the boat, style and reputation. I would in no way EVER say that it's better than a Hyde, it's the boat I chose for me. But if your really serious about buying a boat why don't you give the guys at Red's Fly Shop a call as they sell both Clackacraft and Hyde boats and I'm sure they would be more than happy to let you test either boat or both. Ask for Steve Joyce, he'll take care of you.

Bill Dodd.

:)

[BDD]

Some, but not all guides, row one or the other because they have ties to a particular dealership and/or they get a guide discount. Same goes for gear (rods, reels, waders etc). Nothing wrong with that but the only reason they are in that boat is because of the savings. I have rowed most of the major brands and what I like may not be what you are looking for. I now own a Clacka and it is a great boat. But my next boat probably will be a Hyde based on reasearch, rowing, and conversations with the Hyde folks as they have been very good to deal with. Your best best is to make a list of options and include everything that is important to you. Then try to row each on and see if they provide the perfomance you are looking for. The experience during this process will be better than a hundred opinions from everybody else.

Let us know what you get and why.

[Jason Decker]

Yakacraft's suggestion is by far the best thing you can do if you are serious about getting a boat.
looks are just looks, you gotta see how they handle and feel on the water, that will really tell you which way to go. one thing for sure, they handle very differently!

[prosopium]

The customer service was what made my decision very easy. I was looking for a low end, basically cheaper boat. Called hyde and was treated very poorly after i described what i was looking for, they really acted like i was of zero importance to them. so i called clackacraft and explained to them what i was looking for. Within a day i had a couple emails from them with pics of numerous low end boats (under 4000). None of them really stuck out. Within a week they found a boat i wanted at the price i could afford. I have now owned two clackas and will buy another one soon. I have gotten used to my boats as you will too no matter which brand you buy. Im sure there are lots of people who will be very surprised at the service i recieved (from hyde) but your post said you wanted an example so there is mine. Also dont overlook other manufacturars such as RO or willies, just be careful if you go with any new companies cause in this industry you never know how long they will be around, good luck

[Flyfishsteel]

Just for laughs, anyone know if Hyde will install a G4 shoe on my 2001 Clack wf? My buddy says the G4 is the slickest and most durable shoe on the planet!

Hydes floors are waaay better than the clacks. But honey combed 1" thick rubber mats helps out a bit in my Clack. I just cut them to size and also helps on my spiked boots.

But gotta admit, I love the Clacks waay higher resale value,more storage/rod capacity,etc. Its sexier looks don't hurt either...

Marty at the Clackamas location is awesome, he sold me a 200.00 boat cover to cover my boat I just bought from him, a 2001 WF. While on the way home to Tacoma I noticed a rip in the threads by the oars. So I shipped back the original cover, then expecting a non-ripped cover back, Marty sent me a top of the line Aqua Lung 500.00 cover instead for the inconvenience!!! Now thats customer service.

[Jergens]

Just for laughs, anyone know if Hyde will install a G4 shoe on my 2001 Clack wf? My buddy says the G4 is the slickest and most durable shoe on the planet!



I was thinking the same thing!

I would recommend one thing, if you do go for a Hyde, don't get the lo-pro boat that Calvin has. He is right on about the cramped part, and if you have three full size guys in it, you feel like your about to take on water at any moment. it is a great boat if you know that the only water your going to fish is the yakima or the clark's fork or other huge flat waters. I just went from a low side clack to a high side and it is by far the best boat i have ever owned. i have no problem taking it to the OP or where ever.

[Jason Decker]

at a recent show, i saw some cool add ons in a fly bench model. namely a hyde style rear angler brace, that uses removable posts, this is much better then the standard fiberglass brace that sucks as it blocks access to the rear and is hard to move around. i would also ad a front post mounted seat that the bench can slide over when in place, that way when it is just you and 2 guys you can ditch the bench and save on weight in the boat. you can also have this option for the rear seat....... very nice IMHO.

as far as the dimple bottoms, i've not had much issue with mine, a few of my buddies have the same boat w/o dimples and they like em that way. a few guides i know say they catch gravel in some situations. i do like the way the bottom flexes over rocks. my boat has held up very well.

one thing i also noticed at the show is that clacka uses a couple different trailer manufacturers and seat manufacturers, make sure you take the time to evaluate those options.

one other note: you might look into the weight comparisson too. i did a float a few weeks ago, once in a hyde and once in my clack. there is a major log jam you have to portage the boat around. it was an interesting comparison.

[Bryan Williamson]

This is great information, thank you all for replying. I do have an alterier motive for initiating this post ;-). I am in a current situation with Hyde (which I will provide full details on this thread in a few days, once I hopefully get things straightened out) which has been an absolutely HORRIBLE customer service experience. Prosopium...I hear ya man! Before I get in trouble...back to the boats.

Believe me, my decision is already made up but for the sake of comment and hopefully gathering additional info I will go on. I have had 15' boat for years which I found to be a bit cramped with 3 which has me concerned about the Hyde sizes. I like the looks of both however, the size of Clack, a true measurement of 16' 8", alone is KEY! Not to mention my dealings with John Stenersen with Clack has been up front and very professional. I have heard about the re-sale value of clack...sounds like this is no smoke eh?

Anyone had problems with the roughed up aluminum cutting fly lines on Hydes?

[Bryan Williamson]

BTW - Jason - - I did see the Clack trailer differences at the show. They now have one with plastic wheel wells...yes I said PLASTIC! Should I order a Clack I will definetly ensure I do not get plastic.

[Jason Decker]

as a solution, you might consider just trading your boat in on a new glass boat, not sure what water you cover but if your being that rough on an alum boat, you might want to think about what that kind of use would do to a glass boat. i know hyde from time to time, gets clacks traded in, so maybe work it out with them and wait for one to come in.

some issues are legit to take to the manufacturer, other issues are more our fault then the manufacturer (not taking sides here) With my experience with Matt, I am very suprised to hear of any c/s problems, they are a family run business.

there is one manufacturer that i've been dying to see in real life: www.boulderboatworks.com
that definately has some good ideas to consider. http://www.boulderboatworks.com/bbw_driftboats.html


Willy- get a galvanized trailer!


Jason

[Dan Soltau]

The only two boatsI have seen crashed or out of service were both hydes, and one of them was on the madison. It was a guide and two clients, the boats bottom had totally came out from the frame and gunnels... So I am about to buy and have already made payments on clacka headhunter skiff!

[Bryan Williamson]

I ordered my 16' clack LP a couple weeks ago WITH a galvanized trailer. I drove my steel trailer down way too many MT dirt roads to see what that can do!

Dan - Interesting info on the crashed out boats. I saw ALOT of people using the headhunters on the Madison last year...pretty cool boat!

[YAKIMA]

Hyde now has a shop in Sumner, go check them out for yourself.

[Bryan Williamson]

Is this an actual Hyde sales office in Sumner, or another sponsored flyshop who reps their boats?

[YAKIMA]

It is boat dealership that now is a dealer for hyde boats. it is listed on the Hyde website as a hyde dealer. I haven't been there myself, but going to check it out in case I need something for my boat. I knew it was coming a long time ago talking to the family, however only mentioned it only once on a post a while back... I was told it was going to be a full service, sales office.

[Dan Soltau]

I ordered my 16' clack LP a couple weeks ago WITH a galvanized trailer. I drove my steel trailer down way too many MT dirt roads to see what that can do!

Dan - Interesting info on the crashed out boats. I saw ALOT of people using the headhunters on the Madison last year...pretty cool boat!
The headhunter has the same footprint in water as the 15lp, except is SO much more wind resistant. I know a couple guys who have been using them, they say it is clackas best rowing boat... You probably might have seen mike lawson on the madison, he uses a grey skiff. You wont believe the color I have put a deposit on, it so out of this world that depending on what I think when I go to Idaho Falls to pick it up, I might have to change... Peep this, bitches!

[Bryan Williamson]

It was definetly not Mike I saw on the river. This guy was at least 6'7" and 20 years his younger. However I did see Mike's boat parked at the shop...just did not know it was "his" until now. If that is the color you chose....well, I hate to admit this but I kinda like it. Not sure I would have the b@lls to order that color myself.

[Jason Decker]

:eek: wild color,,,, looks like it's got a transformer sticker on it !!??
guess that must be the headhunter logo

[Eastside]

Buy the Clackacraft. I have owned two, my second for 22 years. It has served me well on the Deschutes, Grande Ronde, and other rivers. For my use, I have the high side model. Actually, mine is old enough (1985) that they didn't offer the fly-fishing model at the time. I haul two besides myself with gear, food, beer, etc. for a four-day trip down the Deschutes River in Oregon every year. We've smacked a few rocks and gone up over a few and the boat doesn't look much worse for the wear, save a few scratches. I consider them a badge of honor. It still looks classy on the water and I get compliments all the time. My neighbor bought the 2005 model and it is sweet as well. You cant miss with the Clacka!:thumb:

[nomlasder]

Well, I've had a couple of beers, and I could get banned from the site but what the heck.

You guys rowing plastic, probably use latex, also.

The concept is to have a boat that is manouverable (sp) enough to steer clear and not run into rocks.

All of us have graphite rods, but that does not diminish the spirit of bamboo. Don't forget where is all came from. Having a tank that can bounce off of every obsticle is only for those lame enough not to learn the skills.

I am in so much drunken trouble!!!!!!

Going back to the posted question, who the bleep cares. Pick one, fish the bleep out of it and if you don't like that one pick the other.

Crashing is just that, and if your skill or boat can't handle it, then wade!!!!

[Elkman]

Decepticon Symbol???

[Fish Hunter]

Plastic (I'm sorry, fiberglass) vs. aluminum. Simple decision in my mind. I’ve been on the sticks of the same aluminum boat for over twenty years. Good enough for me.

Best of luck with your decision.

[TrappedinCO]

In my experience, Hydes and Clacks will both get the job done just fine. Make sure you sit in them to see how they fit (Clacks are measured down the center and Hydes are measured around the sheer - as is traditional with drift boats). If you're not married to the idea of a glass boat, you might check out Boulder Boatworks or Hog Island, both out of Colorado. I have not seen these boats in person yet, but they are an interesting concept. The one concern I would have with those (and it is also a concern with glass boats) is how stiff the hull is. You don't want the sides or bottom to flex when you are reefing on the oars. But again, I haven't seen them and can't verify this concern at all, so you'd want to do your homework (I just mention it from experience with kayaks). I like the concept and have heard positive comments for both.

If you have some funds available, Montana Boatbuilders are building the best drift boats on the planet, hands down.

Just my two cents. It's a fun decision to make - you won't be unhappy whichever way you go.

[riseform]

If I had a Montana Boatbuilders drift boat, I'd keep it in my living room and be afraid to take it on the water. Those are beautiful.

[TrappedinCO]

They are pretty to look at...but they are also tough, durable, light, repairable, easy maintenance. Good stuff.

Oh, and I'm not trying throw wood on the fire from the original question. Just one guy's opinion who has been in the same boat (sorry) as the original poster. I'm not trying to ignite a my-widget-is-better-than-your-widget argument.

[Duane]

There is another alternative in Watershed Boats (http://www.watershedboats.com but as many have said, a lot of it boils down to personal preferences. I've either owned or rowed about everything out there, including catarafts, rafts, wooden, glass, and aluminum drift boats, and a few things I can share about Watershed Boats: IMHO they are easily the best handling boat I've ever rowed (including Clack's and Hyde's). The interiors are the most innovative and well thought out in the industry, and they easily have the strongest hull on the market. Check them out and call Rick Atwood (owner-number on website) if you'd like to row one. Unfortunately I have mine for sale as I need the funds for my business but will have them build me a new boat this summer.

[TallFlyGuy]

Once you go Clack, you don't go back :-)

[Bryan Williamson]

Picking up my 2007 16LP in Portland this Saturday!

[Jason Decker]

:beathead: double post

[Jason Decker]

Thanks for letting us know what you decided Willybethere!
what color combo are you gettting?
be sure to post a pic of your new boat for us when you get it!

be sure to get a few extra plugs, an extra anchor and rope
get the best oars you can afford and get a cover. also
get a full set of mats.

jason:thumb:

[Bryan Williamson]

Mats are included and I went with the standard oars (including break down spare) for now. The cover is being shipped to Portland from ID Falls tomorrow and I am planning on getting some extra plugs as well as the anchor pully to ease on the anchor retreive. I already own an anchor.

The color is midnight blue on stern, black stripe and white bow. Also with matching midnight blue parts on interior with gray. I also ordered the galvanized trailer, spare tire w/mount and the tongue wheel jack.

I will post a pic when I can find my camera...I moved last weekend and have NO idea where anything is.

[Dan Soltau]

Mats are included and I went with the standard oars (including break down spare) for now. The cover is being shipped to Portland from ID Falls tomorrow and I am planning on getting some extra plugs as well as the anchor pully to ease on the anchor retreive. I already own an anchor.

The color is midnight blue on stern, black stripe and white bow. Also with matching midnight blue parts on interior with gray. I also ordered the galvanized trailer, spare tire w/mount and the tongue wheel jack.

I will post a pic when I can find my camera...I moved last weekend and have NO idea where anything is.

My friend on the madison has the same colorway only on a 15"LP, great looking boat, congrats!

[Bryan Williamson]

Color was the most difficult decision for me, the rest was a no brainer.

Initially I was going with the Red stern and parts but changed it at the last minute because you see so many with Red. I have yet to see one in person with my color combo, so good to hear it looks good!

[Jason Decker]

congrats Willy! that is a sweet color combo!
i almost bought that same color set up.

you always want a spare anchor, in case you
have a smart buddy like i do :beathead:
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11380&ppuser=5351

you get caught in rock are like the rock garden
on the yak. sometimes you have to cut your line.....
that also means getting an extra anchor rope too!

look at this pic.... and you see why
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11379&ppuser=5351

here are some pics of when i picked up my boat last year, it was a lot of fun to go get it
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11175&ppuser=5351
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11390&ppuser=5351

don't cry when you hit your first rock or scratch the crap out it!
i might even suggest when you get it home, take a screw driver and key it
just to get that experience out of they way (that was a joke)

Jason

by the way, the funniest thing i've ever seen in my life was my buddy learning to back up a trailer to
launch the boat! :rofl: :rofl: