NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
$5,995.00
Available Spring 2013.
If you're a river fisherman looking for an edge, you need to consider the NRS Clearwater Drifter. This revolutionary inflatable fishing boat combines the time-tested design of a drift boat with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft.
If you're a river fisherman looking for an edge, you need to consider the NRS Clearwater Drifter. This revolutionary inflatable fishing boat combines the time-tested design of a drift boat with the rugged utility of a self-bailing raft.
- Made of tough drop-stitch PVC material, the Clearwater inflates to a very rigid 9 psi, creating a stout 17-foot drift boat.
- The self-bailing inflatable hull handles rocks and shallow water like a raft while tracking as steathily as a traditional drift boat.
- You can easily disassemble the modular frame and roll up the deflated hull for convenient transport and storage.
- The Clearwater stows readily in a garage, car or small aircraft, or you can ship it UPS to your next fishing destination.
- High rocker in the bow and stern shorten the waterline for superior tracking and anchoring while helping the boat ride over waves.
- The Clearwater's three-chamber design ensures it will keep floating and rowing even if one air chamber is compromised.
- Casting stations in the bow and stern feature swiveling angler seats, diamond plate decks and thigh hooks with stripping baskets for secure, comfortable casting in smooth or rough water.
- A rigid transom in the stern allows you to attach a small outboard motor.
- A padded rowing seat and adjustable foot bar ensure all-day comfort for the oarsman.
- An integrated pulley system lets the oarsman operate the anchor from the rowing seat.
- A heavy-duty rub rail on the gunwales protects high-wear areas.
- 3" stainless steel D-rings at the bow provide handy tie-off points and let you winch the Clearwater onto a trailer.
- 5 Year retail warranty, 3 year commercial.
More Information
- Self Bailing: Yes
- Length: 17'
- Beam: 82"
- Bottom Width: 55"
- Side Height: 26"
- Folded Boat Dimensions: 46”L x 27”W x 16”T
- Weight (total w/ frame): 330 lbs.
- Weight (hull only): 120 lbs.
- PVC drop-stitch construction
- Load Capacity: 1,000 pounds of people and gear. Exceeding this will interfere with the self-bailing feature
- Includes:
- Inflatable hull
- Modular frame
- Highback Padded Raft Seat
- 2 Angler Swivel Seats
- 2 Aluminum diamond-plate casting platforms
- 2 Thigh Hooks
- 2 Frame Stripping Baskets
- Anchor System (line & anchor not included)
- Oarlocks
- High pressure pump
- 5 Year retail warranty, 3 year commercial.
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36 Questions | 36 Answers
Displaying questions 1-10Previous | Next »
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
I'm interested in how it handles in high winds.. Can it be slightly deflated so it sets deeper on the water like we do a normal raft? Or would something like a sea anchor pull it down stagnat sections of the river?Asked on 5/13/2013 by G/2 from Lakeside, Oregon1 answer
A:
Compared to some drift boats the Drifter has relatively high side walls and can be affected by wind. The thickness of the floor is what makes it self bailing; deflating it would lessen that feature. If there is a flow in the river a sea anchor will help pull the boat along.Answered on 5/13/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
I have an couple ideas for you for those of us who think this would work, as a whitewater boat. If the hole in floor is actually 6" in diameter. To make it drain faster, is put grommets in a flap around outside of hole. You could put a piece of foam with 1" half circle holes, every 1", on outside of foam, for the fisherman. Held in with lacing between grommets. Then if it was used in big water take the chunk of foam out. Put the lacing back ought to drain real fast. Also to make it drain fast, and float faster in big water. Simple solution. Tie in raft thwarts, front and back, ought to solve problem and provide seats. Do you have a cost for the boat, with curved side rails and Longhorn cross pieces only? Thanks MarkAsked on 5/12/2013 by Mark from Indiana.1 answer
A:
Thanks for the ideas, Mark. We always like to hear input from boaters. To get a price for the custom frame, it's best to fax or email a drawing of your ideas, with dimensions. Then we can get you a solid estimate. Email is service@nrsweb.com and fax is 877.567.7369. Cheers.Answered on 5/12/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
Hi, Didn't answer all the questions. Could you answer the rest. The boat weighs 120lbs. How much does the green cross bars weigh. Trying to figure out how much basic frame like long Longhorn setup would weigh. Now that you got the fishing setup. How about the whitewater version say a double ender 15'-16'. You said bottom was almost flat, if it had only a inch of rocker in center section would be perfect. Like to run Upper Gauley in it. ThanksAsked on 5/10/2013 by Mark from Indiana.1 answer
A:
The green thwarts weigh a total of approximately 40 pounds. A whitewater version is not currently in the planning phase.Answered on 5/11/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
Hi, First is how much does the green frame sections weigh? If you were to buy boat plus just the internal green frame how much would that be? It was mentioned in one of the videos that the frame was basically a NRS fishing frame 66" width But their straight Also looks like the middle cross frame has vertical mounts to hold the side rails shown. Whereas a straight frame would be inside that So is the middle cross frame lower or is the side rails slightly rotated up Are all the green frame pieces level at top? And is the green cross frame made out of the same tubing as standard NRS frames? Just painted to look good and easy to sort out? Are you looking at maybe making the drain hole actually a big hole say 6-8" in diameter that you could use the boat for serious whitewater Bailing Ugh. Would the 10" oar mounts work with these rails? On the rear cross frame right side there's a bracket at top what's that? What's the front and aft rocker? Does it have a flat spot in bottom? Thanks MarkAsked on 5/10/2013 by Mark from Indiana1 answer
A:
Wow, Mark, lots of good questions. First off, we make the frame here in our Frameshop, with the same types of materials we use on all of our other frames. But there's where the similarity ends. The only thing on the Drifter that's stock on any of our other frames is the top, bent portion, of the Thigh Bars. Everything else is built and sized exclusively for this frame. Yes, the green thwarts are powder-coated 6061-T6 aluminum pipe like our other frames.
The bracket on the top of the rear cross thwart is an intermediate pulley on the anchor system. You can certainly put a pair of our oar mounts (6", 8" or 10") on the side rails, but I think you'd find them too high. The drain hole is about 6" in diameter, but it's topped (and bottomed) with covers that have smaller holes. This minimizes the up-splash of water. Remember, this is designed to serve as a fishing drift boat, not a whitewater dory. There's ~ a 10" rocker fore and aft, but the majority of the bottom, say 2/3, is pretty flat. Hope that helps!Answered on 5/10/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
What size yeti cooler can you fit in this boat behind the rowers seat. Secondly, Can you place the cooler under the rowers seat? I am not familiar with NRS frames, any info would be greatly appreciated.Asked on 5/4/2013 by Chip from Carbondale, Co1 answer
A:
Chip, at the center the inside bottom width is 55", so you can put a large cooler in the boat. Right in the center, over the drainage port, there's one of the cross thwarts, so you'd need to place the cooler in front of, or behind, it; but it would be doable.Answered on 5/5/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
I live on the Bitterroot where you mostly see rafts on the water. It would seem like this is a great alternative. If you we're to have the choice of a raft or the Drifter for this water, which would you choose? What does the back order look like?Asked on 5/2/2013 by Cougrad from Hamilton, MT1 answer
A:
Good questions. Many fishermen have discovered the benefit of using rafts in the boney waters you can have there in Montana. We've developed many innovative frame components to make that fishing experience a good one. On the other hand, many like fishing from a drift boat. They have a shorter waterline, maneuver quickly and row more effortlessly. The Drifter represents a unique combo of the good features of both types of crafts. For someone who mostly uses the boat for fishing, we believe the Drifter will prove an excellent choice. If you also sometimes like to pile on the gear and do multiday whitewater trips, the raft will be the better choice. As to availability, the first boats are sold and currently being readied for shipping. We should have more available by late-May.Answered on 5/3/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
How bulky is the frame? according to your dimensions the folded boat would easily fit in a medium to large bush plane. My concern is any funky shaped parts to the frame that wouldn't work well in a cessna 180 sized airplane. Where can i currently go look at one in Alaska? I hear there is only one up here and i would like to check it out. I did unfortunately miss the sportsmans show. Also i have many more questions is there a way i can email someone directly about them?Asked on 4/28/2013 by Tyler from Cooper Landing, AK1 answer
A:
Tyler, the longest parts of the frame are the side rails, about 86" and the casting platforms are about 3' x 4'. You shouldn't have any problem fitting the boat and frame into a 180. The rep that covers Alaska is Dan Lingo. He's on the road right now. You can email him, dan@nrsweb.com, with your questions.Answered on 4/29/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
Really cool. Do you have to get a registration for its use. In my state you would have to register a drift boat BUT... You wouldn't have to register a raft or canoe...where do you think this falls?Asked on 4/26/2013 by Lisa from CT1 answer
A:
Lisa, I'm sorry but I don't know the answer to your question; it depends on the regulations in your state. The Drifter is a one-of-a-kind craft, so it'll be interesting to see how it is looked at by the regulators.Answered on 4/26/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
I intend to get a 6hp outboard for the drifter. Would a 15" or 20" shaft be preferable?Asked on 4/11/2013 by Joe from Idaho1 answer
A:
Definitely a long shaft, Joe, If you intend on hanging the motor on the transom itself.Answered on 4/11/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Clearwater Drifter Boat
Q:
How long does it take to inflate, assemble and get the boat into the water? Taking into account that you have already driven to the river.Asked on 4/7/2013 by Jack from Aptos, calif1 answer
A:
Jack, two people who are experienced in the frame assembly can have the completely disassembled boat ready to hit the water in 30 minutes or less. The frame can be taken apart in three separate pieces. If you have room to transport those three pieces intact the reassembly of the frame will take only 10-15 minutes.Answered on 4/8/2013 by Clyde from NRS
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