Clack vs. Hyde??

[Panhandle]

My wife gave me the go ahead on a boat today. The selling point is the family aspect of floating down the river with the kids in the summer. :rofl:

Admittedly, I’m an amateur on the sticks, and really lean towards the Clack because they look cool, and have the tunnel hull... if that even makes a difference.

Why shouldn't I buy a Clack, or why should I buy a Hyde? Thanks.

[Jeremy Floyd]

I like aluminum. Just my preference though.

[prosopium]

pan-

my preference is clackacraft, have had two of them and liked both, but if you want to know everyone else's opinion try the search function on this site, you will find that this topic has been discussed numerous times, good luck and congrats on getting your wife to allow the purchase

[Chris Bentsen]

You cant go wrong with either one. It is personal preference. Try each one out before buying. Then you will know which one you like.

[Panhandle]

Good point. I'll use the search function. No need to reply and revisit a subject covered many times.

[Jake Bannon]

I too like aluminum boats, we have an aluminum koffler and its hit a couple rocks that I dont think a fiberglass boat could stand up to. Though it really depends on where your taking it, I had noticed that your located in Idaho so I cant specify the rivers that you planned on fishing.

-Jake

[Ringlee]

I have a Hyde High side. I really like it. I have rowed several aluminum boats, but never any Clackacrafts.

Their have been several threads on this in the past. Check them out.

[Gorgefly]

Been talking to Marty at Clack lately too as I too am in the exact same boat as you and thinking of buying one this spring. They are great people to deal with and they are more local. Hyde has also sent me material and their boats look awesome as well although I am leaning toward a Clack.
You can get a brand new Clack 16 ft. Fly Bench directly from the shop here in Clackamas for $7,500 with trailer. MSRP is around $11,000.

[Eric Blankenship]

I just saw this and thought it might be of interest:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/483915277.html

[Rob Allen]

i wouldn't buy a hyde... not near enough glass in the bottom

http://www.lavroboats.com/images/lavro.wmv

[Jergens]

buy a clack, but if you want other opinions try the search function as it has been discussed a bunch.

[fullerfly]

I have rowed them both. I like them both. Call Blackburn...he is getting rid of three 2007 clacks right now for cheap!!

cal

[Panhandle]

I tried sparing everyone by utilizing the search function as sated in my second post, so please quit posting to use the search function:)

I received many PM's and am yet to have nayone recommend a Hyde, which coincides with whats being said here. Thanks for the heads up Calvin.

[ibjoelb]

I own a Hyde and love it - never had a problem and have experienced great customer service from the folks at Hyde. Clacks are cool also - have rowed a few - Hyde just made me a better deal at the time - lots of extras in the deal....but have you thought about a raft? Picked up a Aire Super Dupa Puma a while back and really digging it...rowing it more than the drift boat actually - food for thought. Good luck

[jessejames]

Adam:
If you're serious about using a boat for some summer recreation for the family instead of an excuse to buy a boat.:hmmm: I would recommend looking at a raft. I bought an inflatable a self bailing 14' sotar with an NRS fishing frame and seats. I thought I would use it a lot for fishing and maybe a few floats in the summer with my wife. Well it turns out that I have used it for fishing but have really enjoyed the rafting with my wife, kids and grandkids. The St Joe, the N fork of the CDA, Alberton gorge on the Clark Fork, they are great fun.
The boat is not as comfortable fishing from as a drift boat but I think it is more versatle. It is great in LOW water situations.
The other nice thing is deflate it and you can almost store it in a closet.
You can buy one of nicest rafts for a fraction of the cost of a drift boat and trailer.
something to think about.
Blessings
jesse clark

[Panhandle]

:D No, I'm serious about the family thing. My wife flyfishes, but doesn't much anymore because of the kids. As well, both of my kids will be old enough to really do stuff next year. I have been asking for a boat for years, when the family component entered into it she was finally sold. No, I haven't thought much about the raft... seems like a hassle, and I like the stability of a hard boat.

[Davy]

I own a Hyde and love it - never had a problem and have experienced great customer service from the folks at Hyde. Clacks are cool also - have rowed a few - Hyde just made me a better deal at the time - lots of extras in the deal....

Stole my post almost. Am sure Clacks are fine craft as well.

My HS Hyde is two years old this winter, no issues. It has taken a beating on the upper Santiam the last 6 mos and it's still smilin.

Pick one and get rowin, then you too will be able to answer one of these post's in the future.:p

[John Hicks]

Pan,
I like the raft option too. They are pretty bomb proof and float like a cork. Look at Moravia, Star, and NRS

[cuponoodle breakfast]

Buy whatever you can find the best deal on in the used market.

[speyfisher]

Buy whatever you can find the best deal on in the used market.

craigslist rocks

[timm]

I have only floated in a Hyde and its been an awesome experience each and every time I've gone. I suspect it will come down to just who has the best price as both the Clackacraft and Hyde and others make some pretty good boats.

[EasyE]

Both are obviously very popular fly fishing boats and I don't think you could go wrong with either. I ended up with a Clack because that is what I knew and the price was a bit better with the options I wanted. Would go with a Clack again if I were in the market for a new boat. I have had my boat for four years and absolutely love it. If you get a chance to try both it would be good to do so. Check out the Reds Fly Shop site. I believe I saw something on there about an upcoming event at their shop on the Yakima River which will include a chance to test drive a Clackacraft. Good luck and congratulations on the go ahead from the boss to get a boat.

[prosopium]

I have only floated in a Hyde and its been an awesome experience each and every time I've gone. I suspect it will come down to just who has the best price as both the Clackacraft and Hyde and others make some pretty good boats. If that turns out to be the case take a look at http://daybreakboats.com/. I think you'll find some pretty good deals there on a new DB boat with trailer.

hmm, spam?

[Jake H]

I've been in both and they both have pluses and minuses, between the two Clackacraft customer service is head and shoulders above Hyde.
John Stenerson at the Idaho Falls store is first rate and will work hard for you.
FWIW I would look at some other options as well. I personally use a
Ro Drift(www.rodriftboats.com) and wouldn't trade for either of the two mentioned before.
Boulder Boat Works is gaining popularity, they lack a lot of accessories and cost as much as either of the previous three boats.
I've also heard very good things about Freestone boats with one notable exception, the casting decks aren't level and slope like old style drift boats. Try standing on one of these for a day and....never mind just have your kids whack the backs of your calves with a stick for about eight hours. The results will be quite the same.
All of these boats are available used and if you buy from the manufacturer they often come with warranties. Personally, $11,000 for a drift boat is way over the top. Quite often a used boat from the manufacturer has been reconditioned and is near new.
The sole thought I have on metal boats is they are, in my experience, a floating heat sink. And they can be, not always, heavy.
Take your time looking for used and you will be rewarded, a friend two years ago found a gorgeous Clack pkg w/trailer for $3200. An anomaly, but still, you sure beat retail. I rowed a boat for a living for a long time, if you have questions PM me. Good luck.

[Nate Dutton]

Row Row Row your boat up and down the Idaho Pandhandle, Merrily Merrily Merrily, now you don't have to dream!!!! Yay for wives who cave to drift boats!!!!! IMHO i would buy a clack, Now you must take into account that i have never actually been IN a drift boat but i have seen it on the television:ray1::rofl: Ohhhh by the way i didn't know if you knew it, because i see you have only posted on here 1400 times, but there IS a search function and this topic has been discussed!:rofl: Good luck with the boat hope its everything i have dreamed!!:beer2:

[chromeseeker]

Adam,

If you are going to be fishing the boat in the Northwest, which I'm assuming you are, go with aluminum. Around here, your resale value will be much higher than a glass boat. If you were in Montana, I'd say go with a Clack. I'd go for a Willies if you go the aluminum route.

Either that, or go with a raft.

CS

[Fish Hunter]

Had both, Clack hands down.

[Dec Hogan]

I've had two each of both. The Clack is a much drier boat (hard to keep water in big waves out of the Hyde) and the Clack, in my lengthy experience, is much more durable. Clackacraft all the way!

[Jergens]

I've had two each of both. The Clack is a much drier boat (hard to keep water in big waves out of the Hyde) and the Clack, in my lengthy experience, is much more durable. Clackacraft all the way!

iagree

clacks rock! i have never owned a hyde, but have rowed enough of my friends to like clacks better. I have owned a high side and a low side and they both are awesome for their designed purpose. I went to the high side after about 4 years of guiding out of the low pro, and when i cleaned up my old boat to sell it was surprised there wasnt more damage done to it. They are much more durable, have great comforts inside, and the customer service is not even comparable. on top of that clacks are a couple of grand cheaper.

[Jason Decker]

iagreeclackacraft all the way!

[Jason Decker]

Panhandle - I bought my clacka 2 years ago at the Bellevue Fly Show. Best decision I ever made. Like you, I was back and forth. I talked to Marty and to Matt Hyde, both guys were super nice. I ended up getting the clackacraft for a couple reasons, some of which are more personal.

1. If I bought a Hyde, I'd only want one if I got the G4 bottom, which makes it much more expensive.
2. I was able to row a friend clackacraft a few times so I knew what I was getting with respect to how the boat handles.
3. All the guides I know except for one, use clackacrafts and swear by them
4. There are some plus / minuses for each boat, you need to be able to know those issues for yourself, not by what other people tell you.
5. Clackacraft is located much closer to where I live so it's much more accessible if I need anything after I bought the boat.

[Chris Puma]

what kind of deals do they have at the fly fishing shows (clacka & hyde)?

[Jason Decker]

just go and find out!
bring your (wife's) check book!

[Dean Edwards]

Another vote for the Clack. I have rowed hydes, lavaros, and clacks. My favorite rowing boat would be the Lavaro 16' PFD, but they are pretty small inside. I absolutely love my clack. I have had it for over 4 years, and have bounced on on rocks in the yak, and quite a few rivers in montana. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to get a Galvanized trailer. The black Zman trailer I got looked beautiful until I took the boat to montana. One trip in the high road, or the burma road took its toll on the beautiful back paint. Now it is all chipped up, but oh well, it still tows the boat fine.

[EasyE]

I noticed Reds Fly Shop is selling off their 2007 Clacks to make room for the new fleet. If you are looking for a used Clack you might be able to score a deal. I hear you on the trailer fllyfishy. Wish I would have gone galvanized. After the first season it was pretty beat up. Thinking about getting it linexed. Anybody else out there gone this route?

[Bill Dodd]

My wife gave me the go ahead on a boat today. The selling point is the family aspect of floating down the river with the kids in the summer. :rofl:

Admittedly, I’m an amateur on the sticks, and really lean towards the Clack because they look cool, and have the tunnel hull... if that even makes a difference.

Why shouldn't I buy a Clack, or why should I buy a Hyde? Thanks.


Clackacraft Rules.
if you get over to e-burg look me up and I will take you for a float and you can try it for yourself.

[Bryan Williamson]

Purchased a '07 Clack 16 LP last March, love the boat! The black trim around the edge was glued with black sticky crap on the '07's that, when hot, would lose its adhesion. At the Bellevue show earlier this month I asked Jim about it and he said it was something they knew about, apologized and said they were no longer using the glue for this reason. He shipped me a new trim at no cost and told me how to install it with silicone. He also offered to do it for me but I could not get my boat to Oregon or ID Falls anytime soon. Great customer service by Clack....once again!

[CDC Bubble]

I am fixin to get myself a Hog Island LTD16, if you haven't checked out the poly boats, you're in for a treat.