Alaska Boating

Alaska boats come in many different forms and they have one thing in common; they are highly effective tools for fishermen, used to access Alaska’s vast watery playground. From river sleds, to seaworthy ocean-going vessels, drift boats to jon boats, Alaska boats are most often utilitarian over glamorous, an obvious byproduct of the rugged, isolated terrain and harsh weather.

In rivers, Alaska boats take on a number of styles. Three of the most common are jon boat, open sled and drift boat. Each has an application and shines in certain scenarios. The jon boat, like those made by SeaArk, is one of the most ubiquitous tools of fishermen in shallow rivers. Built to handle some bouncing off rocks, to be beached on any river bank, and to jump up on step with relatively minimal horsepower, the jon boat can be found all over the Great Land. Cost effective, portable, tough, versatile and practical, the jon boat just might be the most common boat in the freshwaters of Alaska.

In rivers like the Kenai, Nushagak, Togiak, or Naknek, where anglers are often being guided, or where serious local anglers come to catch salmon and trout, the open sled is a common sight. Built to fish two to six anglers, these sleds, like the Rogue Jet Chinook, showcase a semi-vee shape that equips them with an entry angle to cut through heavy currents under power. These boats are very comfortable for anglers, providing plenty of room on the dance floor and a smooth, comfortable ride. The design incorporates tall sides for plenty of freeboard and increased angler safety and stability when fighting fish.

Drift boats and other forms of non-powered rafts, dominate locations like the Upper Kenai, where power is not allowed. Many anglers cut their rowing teeth on one-man rafts, gradually increasing to a multi-person raft built on a frame, or in a self-bailing, inflatable format. The eventual end game for many of these fishermen is to upgrade their Alaska boat to a drift boat. Clackacraft makes many fine choices; we like rowing the 18-foot Clackamax.

In the saltwater, Alaska boats take on a range of sizes. In protected waters, it’s common to see 16- to 22-foot bay boats, some sporting hard tops and windshields, predominantly driven at the helm or at a center console. When you enter the charter boat arena, boats typically range from 24- to about 50 feet. Hewescraft makes several styles worth considering in both of these categories. On smaller boats, it’s common that charters set a maximum of four anglers. The more common configuration are 6-pack boats, say 28- to 36 feet, with a deep vee hull capable of handling big waves. These Alaska boats are typically built of fiberglass or aluminum, and are found in most Alaska saltwater ports like Sitka, Yakutat, Homer, Seward, Kodiak, Valdez, or Whittier. Some charter companies and lodges can cater to 12 anglers on their boat, and these are typically large vessels like the Brix Marine 3914-CTC.

From rivers to lakes, streams to bays, the Gulf of Alaska to the North Pacific, Alaska boats are a key piece to the Alaska angling puzzle, and will help increase your access to water that is off the road system. And in a state with very little roads in comparison to its vast size, having a variety of Alaska boats that best meet your angling needs is a critical component to your success.