New Ro Deville
At the request of someone who writes quite a bit in the outdoor industry I am going to write a quick product review. The product is the Ro Deville drift boat made in Bozeman, Montana and one that I have rowed during last season and plan to be in for as long as I can foresee. After three Clackacrafts, one Hyde, and a previous Deville, I have spent some time fishing and rowing out of a few different boats. The Hyde sucked, period. The Clackacrafts were really good boats that were made to last and nice to row. The Deville’s hull, interior lay out and light weight make this boat stand out amongst the others. It blends the low sides and stealthiness of a skiff with the pointed bow and leg braces of a traditional “stand-up” boat. In skiing this boat would be analogous to skis that are about 105mm to 110mm under foot. Good for everyday, great for confidence in all situations. The boat is lighter than my Clackacrafts were and much easier to fish out of from sitting down (a necessity on the Missouri and the Yellowstone at times).
Sometimes however the tipping point that focuses one to a product is the customer service and the pride in which the company has for their goods. Ro Drift boats will take care of their customers to a degree unseen by other boat builders. Hyde didn’t have time to fix a boat hull that fell apart after one season and Clackacraft lacked the family feel provided by Ro. One will not be disappointed with a Ro drift boat, it is impossible because the crew and owner, Robert Eddins, will make sure you love your boat. Their boats look good, hold up, work well, and they want them to. They want their boats to be noticed on the river. Nets constantly coming out from the guide, huge smiles, and laughter, are typically going to be associated sights with a Ro.
People love to fish out of this boat and I love to row it. Now I can’t wait to get this new one wet…
Ready for Work
