The Ideal Drift Boat Bottom: A Comprehensive Guide

Drift boats are used for fishing and are made of aluminium or fibreglass. The bottom of the boat can be coated with a variety of substances to protect the hull and to make it more slippery, so that it slides over rocks and other obstructions. Coat-it, Gluvit, UHMW, Wetlander, Slip Plate #1, and Rhino Liner are all popular options for the bottom of a drift boat.

Coat-it: a good option for aluminium boats, but needs to be stirred well before use

Coat-it is a good option for the bottom of aluminium drift boats. It is a hard, slick coating that contains Teflon and graphite. It is applied by brushing, rolling or spraying. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, especially when it comes to preparation, cleaning, temperature and application technique.

However, Coat-it has received mixed reviews. Some users have reported that it flakes off, and that there are better products on the market, such as Wetlander, which is more flexible, tougher, and longer-lasting. Others have praised Coat-it, saying that it is easy to apply and touch up, and that it makes their boat slide over rocks with ease.

One user reported that they had to stir the Coat-it mixture for a long time before use, as the graphite tends to sink to the bottom. They also noted that the Coat-it needed to be applied in warm or hot weather.

Gluvit: a well-known option, but requires a lot of prep work

Gluvit is a well-known option for coating the bottom of a drift boat. It is a popular product that makes aluminium boats slicker so they can slide over rocks better than bare metal. However, it requires a lot of prep work.

Before applying Gluvit, you need to remove any old coating from the boat's bottom. This can be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, involving cutting and grinding away the old coating. Once the old coating is removed, it is essential to clean and degrease the surface thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the new Gluvit coating.

Additionally, Gluvit needs to be applied in warm or hot weather, and it may require multiple coats for optimal results. Each coat of Gluvit should be allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, including proper preparation, cleaning, and temperature control, to ensure the best bond and durability of the coating.

While Gluvit has been a go-to option for many drift boat owners, newer products on the market, such as Wetlander and Slip Plate #1, offer easier application and superior performance, with less chipping, flaking, and cracking. These newer alternatives are worth considering, especially if you are looking for a more long-lasting and low-maintenance solution for your drift boat bottom.

Slip Plate #1: a cheap, long-lasting, and very slippery option

Slip Plate #1 is a cheap, long-lasting, and very slippery option for the bottom of a drift boat. It is a graphite dry lubricant that has been used to solve sliding friction problems since 1975. The product is formulated with a high concentration of friction-fighting graphite and a binder system to provide long-lasting dry lubrication for heavy loads.

When applied and dried, Slip Plate #1 creates a dry anti-friction graphite coating that does not attract and trap dirt, mud, or grit as oils and greases do. It is naturally hydrophobic, so it provides protection from rain, snow, and mud, helping to prevent rust and corrosion. This product can also reduce wear and extend the operating life of machinery.

Slip Plate #1 is available in aerosol cans, quarts, and gallons. It is easy to apply and can be bought online from Amazon or NAPA. A quart costs around $40, while a gallon costs around $85.

UHMW: a strong, indestructible, and slippery option, but expensive and heavy

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) is a popular option for the bottom of a drift boat. It is a strong, slippery, and virtually indestructible material that can be glued onto the bottom of a drift boat. It is known to be slicker than a Clack and won't leave gel coat everywhere. It is also known to be much better than Coat-it and Gluvit, which are epoxy coatings that can chip, crack, and flake off over time.

However, UHMW is not without its drawbacks. One user reported that it is not a good option for aluminium boats as it won't adhere to the surface. Another user reported that it is heavy and expensive. One user reported that it is about $800 to get UHMW installed on a Willie's drift boat, while another user reported that it cost them $1450.

Wetlander: a flexible, long-lasting, and very slippery option

Wetlander is a flexible, long-lasting, and very slippery option for the bottom of your drift boat. It is currently revolutionizing the market by giving floaters what they want: a super-slick, flexible coating that will stay on their hull without chipping, flaking, or cracking. It is easy to apply and touch up, and can even be applied without flipping the boat over.

Wetlander dramatically reduces the coefficient of friction, allowing the hull of the boat to slip and slide over obstructions, rather than getting stuck. With Wetlander, you can get through the skinniest of waters with little to no danger of spinning or getting hung up.

The application process is simple. First, remove all benches and seats from the boat and flip it over. Then, using a metal-edged scraper, remove as much of the old material as possible. Next, use a grinder to grind off any remaining coating. Once you have exposed clean aluminum, clean the surface with acetone to remove any oils or contaminants. Finally, apply the Wetlander coating in sections, focusing on high-wear areas. A light coat is sufficient for far-forward and far-rearward sections, while a thick coat is recommended for areas that will experience more wear and tear.

Wetlander has received numerous positive testimonials from drift boat owners and fishing guides. Many have noted that their boats slide off trailers with ease and that they can navigate shallow waters with minimal effort. Some have also observed that Wetlander provides superior protection for their boats compared to other coatings.

Overall, Wetlander is an excellent choice for a drift boat bottom coating. It offers superior performance, durability, and ease of application, making it a top option for anyone looking to improve the performance and longevity of their drift boat.

Frequently asked questions