Beauty Beyond Skin Deep - Keith Steele Wooden Drift Boats by Glenn Zinkus

Keith Steele was a prolific builder of wood drift boats, with a fantastic reputation for quality boats. Keith began his boat building in the 1950s. Keith’s boats were identified by his brass plate. The tradition of installing a nameplate began with another Eugene, OR builder, Tom (Torkel) Kaarhus.

Steve Steele lifting a 16’ x 48” drift boat that he is building. The lightweight wood drift boat dates back to the 1920s when Veltie Pruitt had his wood milled to his thinner specified dimensions to save weight.

The beginnings of an original Keith Steele boat restoration. 

The beauty of wood drift boats.

Often these boats are constructed of local northwest wood and exotic woods, producing stunning results.

The practical traditional rope seats in drift boats don’t accumulate any water from waves or rain, and make for a comfortable ride.

No component of the drift boat, “Out West” went without some western themed detailing

Here is a whimsical wild west themed drift boat that was on display at the McKenzie Wood Drift Boat festival a few years back. Although this is a modern day boat, drift boat construction with side boards was the norm up until 1938 when Tom Kaarhus began working with the newly available plywood manufactured with waterproof adhesives.

The beauty of wood drift boats.

Often these boats are constructed of local northwest wood and exotic woods, producing stunning results.

The McKenzie River drift boats are designed for rapid river water, with a low draft fl at bottom with a continuous rocker.

This detail on a wood drift boat reminds us that these boats are a vehicle to reach great fishing water.

A tradition at the annual McKenzie Wood Drift Boat Festival is the parade of drift boats.

Here this team of cocaptains bring in a traditional McKenze drift boat.

Steve Steele still uses patterns and tools from his father's original McKenzie River shop.

- by Glenn Zinkus