The Boulder Advantage
The First Polymer Hull Drift Boat
Marine Grade HDPE - The Differentiator
Starboard is the industry leader in marine grade HDPE material and the only polymer sheets Boulder Boat Works has ever used in the construction of our boats.
The overall characteristics of the polymer material is a perfect solution for the versatile construction of our boats. No added protection or refinishing necessary!
Naturally Buoyant Material
Starboard has a density of .955 g/cc meaning it is more buoyant than water (@ 1.00 g/cc). This naturally buoyant benefit improves the on water performance by not solely relying on displacement for flotation but also contributing to a lighter feel on the oars. If you have rowed a Boulder you know the feeling that this creates…make 2-3 solid oar strokes and the boat jumps up out of the water and almost hovers there with minimal effort allowing the buoyancy of the material to go to work.
Low Water Performance
This is where our boats really shine compared to other hard boats in the market. The combination of the single sheet of three-eights inch HDPE polymer and the hand welding construction process allows our boats to navigate over skinny flats and shoals without hesitation. The slippery nature of the polymer combined with the design of our welded hull and ribs provide structure to the boat but allow for the bottom of the boat to flex and easily slide over these skinny river features without issue.
Rocker & Chine Profiles
Our rocker profile has a strategic blend of a flat section at the oarlock and a pronounced rocker rise. The high rocker design in the bow and stern improve maneuverability and ease of ferrying and slowing the boat for providing more shots for your anglers.
Our chines have a distinct lip coupled with the flat section of our hull profile allowing the boats to both hold that ideal fishing line with ease and improve tracking and ferrying of the boat for predictable performance.
New Wood Finish = Improved Durability
Durabak (Clear Finish) - This is the new material we are using to accomplish the clear wood finish replacing the epoxy/varnish finish used in the past. Durabak is a durable, flexible, moisture-cured polyurethane finish that is proven coating used in demanding environments providing UV resistance & waterproofing. It's self adhering formula makes touch up and refinish much easier eliminating the need for sanding during application. It's an unbelievable upgrade to the past wood finish process.
Customization
With almost every component of our boats hand milled, welded, and crafted the opportunity to customize your boat is abundant. There is a cost for the customization that often comes down to time and materials. We have built raised dog beds, convertible desks, and even fully customized shocking boats for the Montana Department of Fish & Wildlife! If you dream it we can build it.
The Classic Wood Aesthetic
Many of our owners are drawn to our boats for the aesthetic of our boats with the natural beauty of our White Ash wood. The natural grain and character of white ash not only boosts the boat's style, but also adds the lightweight structure and improves the performance of the boat.
Storage
Our approach to storage is to be adaptable. We are able to adjust the storage options to fit each individual’s fishing/outfitting program. With the ability to select between open benches, dry boxes, or coolers each boat can be configured with whatever unique setup that best fits their needs.
Rod Storage
Our traditional one-hand rod system has the benefit of allowing the boats’ captain to access all of the rods stored with ease. Our newer added rod trays produce flat space for safe storage and working space.
Draft & Weight
What is one of the first questions that everyone asks when talking boats? How much does the boat weigh? We can tell you all of our hulls weigh under 200 lbs. The rest of the weights and draft are subjective. They depend heavily on how the boat is configured, how many cold beers are in the cooler, and how big your boat mates are that day!
Eco-Friendly Material & Practices
Starboard is made from recycled material and Boulder Boat Works recycles all scraps in our production process. At the end of the road, the entire boat hull & all polymer components are recyclable. Our production process is also rooted in minimizing waste. Our percentage of material waste is < 10%.
Lifetime Warranty
Boulder Boat Works warrants all boat hulls for life to its original owners. We stand behind our material and craftsmanship for as long as you’re still rowing it.
