The Model Breakdown

Once you've nailed down the Hull Profile that fits your local rivers and specific fishing program, the next step is to determine which model brings your dream boat to life.

We have been busy over the past few years developing new offerings and configurations (and fishing) and before we knew it we've developed some new boat models and configurations without a formal introduction and overview. We've also learned that our current models cause some confusion amongst owners, guides, and damn near everyone so we've developed a clearer strategy to hopefully make the boats as unique as their name.

The Legacy Model

F.K.A. The Pro Guide: Our Heritage

The Legacy is the cornerstone of Boulder Boat Works—the model where our story began. It is founded on the highest level of craftsmanship, meticulously designed to honor the heritage and "old school" aesthetic of the original wooden dories found on the McKenzie and Rogue Rivers. By blending traditional dory terminology and soul with modern material science, the Legacy stands as the ultimate expression of our boat-building art.

Construction & Materials

The hallmark of the Legacy model is the seamless marriage of two high-performance materials. The hull is crafted from our advanced, marine-grade polymer, which is then joined to a structural skeleton made from hand-selected White Ash. This combination produces a boat that is:

  • Lighter and Stronger: Outperforming traditional fiberglass in durability and weight.
  • Quieter and More Supple: Absorbing the energy of the river for a smooth, silent glide.
  • Naturally Buoyant: Providing an inherent safety advantage on the water.
  • Esthetically Appealing: Pairing the traditional wooden structural components with the polymer hull maintains the old school look and feel of a wooden drift boat.

Standard Interior Configuration

True to its traditional roots, the Legacy features a time-tested bench-style layout designed for comfort, organization, and classic appeal:

  • Front Angler: A standard bench seat providing a stable and comfortable platform for the lead angler.
  • Oarsman Station: A dedicated dry storage bench, keeping the rower’s essentials protected and easily accessible.
  • Rear Angler: A versatile station equipped with a rear cooler or a dedicated dry box for the aft passenger.

Why Choose the Legacy?

The Legacy is for the angler who appreciates the "golden age" of river drifting but demands "new age" performance. It is a boat built with traditional wooden structural components that requires a higher level of care and appreciation, rewarding its owner with a rowing experience that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functionally superior.

The Legacy Overview - Highlights & Details

  • Old-School Soul, New-Age Tech

    Combines the timeless aesthetic of McKenzie and Rogue River wooden dories with a high-performance, marine-grade polymer hull.

  • Heirloom Quality

    The highest level of craftsmanship in our lineup, designed for the owner who views their boat as a piece of functional art.

  • Classic Layout

    True to its traditional roots, the Legacy features a time-tested bench-style layout designed for comfort, organization, and classic appeal:

    • Front Angler: A standard bench, dry box bench or bench with drop in Yeti 65.
    • Oarsman Station: A dedicated 70/30 dry storage bench, keeping the essentials protected (70) and the necessities easily accessible while seated (30).
    • Rear Angler: A versatile station equipped with a rear cooler or a dedicated dry box for the aft passenger.

  • One Hand Protective Rod Storage

    The Legacy model is designed for the active angler who needs to switch rigs on the fly without missing a bucket. The advantage of our streamlined rod storage system grants the oarsman easy access all of the rods with one hand. Your rods stay protected inside the gunnels—away from boots and fly lines—yet remain instantly accessible without having to saber into a tube or ask for assistance. Whether you are moving from a dry-fly flat to a nymphing run, you can swap setups securely and silently without ever having to set down your oars or ask a client to move.

  • Wood Structure

    Features hand-selected White Ash structural components, providing the natural flex, strength, and traditional "terminology" of a classic boat.

    Wood Components Include: Gunwales, Bow Stem, Dash/Knee Horns, Ribs, Seat Rails, Rear Knee Brace (RKB), & Transom Plates.

  • Timeless Design & Resale Value

    The Legacy is the pinnacle of drift boats. Pulling into a boat ramp with a Legacy model immediately signals a high level of professionalism and respect for the craft. Because of the premium materials and the hand-crafted nature of the wood-work, these boats hold their value incredibly well. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a piece of equipment that will last a lifetime.

Explore More Boat Models

Hull Profiles Available in The Legacy Model

  • High Side Dory

    The High Side Legacy is the quintessential drift boat, offering the deepest and most secure ride in the Boulder Boat Works fleet, built for navigating large, unforgiving rivers. This cornerstone model honors the aesthetics of the original wooden dories with traditional components and terminology, while being constructed using our advanced, hand-selected marine polymer hull and solid White Ash structure. This combination results in a boat that is lighter, stronger, quieter, and naturally buoyant, translating into superior performance and safety on the water. The standard layout features a forward bench for the angler, a dry storage bench for the oarsman, and a dedicated dry box or cooler station in the stern. The High Side Legacy is the ultimate expression of our craftsmanship, built to handle big water while embodying classic style.

    Build Your Legacy 

  • Low Side Dory

    The Low Side Legacy is engineered for the discerning angler who demands a lower profile for easier casting and minimal wind resistance without compromising traditional dory aesthetics. As a cornerstone of our lineup, this model is meticulously built by combining our advanced marine polymer hull (Starboard) with a strong, flexible White Ash wooden structure. This marriage of old and new yields a boat that is lighter and more supple than traditional fiberglass, ensuring a smooth, quiet glide on the water. The classic Legacy configuration provides comfortable seating via a forward angler bench, a centralized dry storage bench for the oarsman, and a reliable cooler or dry box station for the rear angler. The Low Side Legacy delivers classic appeal and elite performance for challenging days on medium-to-large rivers.

    Build Your Legacy 

  • River Skiff

    The River Skiff Legacy offers a distinct hull profile optimized for maneuverability and shallow water floating, all while maintaining the hallmark craftsmanship of our Legacy series. This model is constructed with our marine polymer hull (Starboard) joined with a sturdy White Ash wood skeleton, creating an incredibly light, strong, and responsive hull. The unique design allows the boat to pivot and navigate tight, technical rivers with exceptional ease. Continuing the traditional approach, the standard layout includes a forward angler bench, a centralized oarsman bench with dry storage, and a stern cooler or dry box station for the rear angler. The River Skiff Legacy is the definitive choice for guides and anglers seeking a high-performance, responsive boat with traditional elegance.

    Build Your Legacy 

See How We Craft Your Ultimate Drift Boat.

Our drift boats combine tireless man-hours of woodworking love with the technology of advanced plastics to create works of art that are hardy, durable, and guaranteed for life.

Our skilled craftsman cut, weld, and scrape a polymer hull by hand with scraping tools to produce one of the toughest, best looking boats on the river. Then, interior components are made by hand right here in Carbondale, CO. The result of our relentless attention to detail is the world’s ultimate drift boat.