Willie Blog
April 22, 2025
Drift Boat, Guide, Predator
The Most Comfortable Fishing Boat? See Why Guides Say Willie Boats
When it comes to outfitting and guiding on some of the most challenging and rewarding rivers in the Pacific Northwest, having the right boat can make all the difference. For Jim Dunlevy, a seasoned outfitter and guide with over 34 years of experience, Willie Boats has been his go-to choice for more than 20 years.
Jim’s guide service focuses primarily on southwest Oregon, fishing the Rogue, Umpqua, Coquille, Chetco, Elk, and Sixes Rivers. With such a diverse and rugged landscape to navigate, Jim knows the value of having a boat that’s both reliable and high-performing in all conditions.
Throughout his years of guiding, Jim has owned several different Willie Boats, including drift boats for winter steelhead and smallmouth fishing, as well as a Willie Predator for spring Chinook fishing on the upper Rogue. According to Jim, the quality and craftsmanship of Willie Boats are unparalleled in the industry.
“When I first got into a Willie Boat, they glided through the water just a lot nicer than any other boat I’ve rowed,” Jim recalls. That smooth glide is one of the key features that sets Willie Boats apart from the competition. Whether you’re navigating calm backwaters or tackling more challenging river conditions, Willie Boats provide a stable, comfortable ride.
One of the standout innovations that Jim highlights is the strainer designed for the back of the boat, which allows water to drain into the bilge and catch debris. This thoughtful design not only keeps the boat clean but also prevents clogs that could slow down the boat or cause issues on the water. Jim points out that this simple yet effective feature has been a game-changer for him in terms of maintenance and performance, and he’s seen firsthand how it enhances his clients’ experience.
For Jim, the most rewarding part of owning Willie Boats isn’t just the boat’s performance; it’s the positive feedback from his customers. Many of Jim’s clients have been fishing with him for over 15 years and have fished from a variety of boats along the way. But when it comes to comfort, stability, and fishing ease, they consistently prefer the Willie Boats.
“They really enjoy fishing out of the Willie Boat, especially this powerboat, because it is a long, wide boat, very stable, a lot of room in it, and it’s very comfortable,” Jim explains. When you spend long hours on the water, comfort and stability are essential. Willie Boats are designed with the fisherman’s needs in mind, offering ample space, stability, and a smooth, comfortable ride, all while maintaining the durability needed to withstand the elements year after year.
If you’re considering investing in a boat for fishing, Jim Dunlevy strongly recommends leaning toward Willie Boats. “Everything that Willie does and what they put into their boats is dedicated to the fishermen,” he says. Whether you’re a professional guide, a seasoned angler, or someone just getting into fishing, Willie Boats has built a reputation for crafting boats that not only meet but exceed the needs of fishermen.
For Jim, the choice is simple: Willie Boats are built by anglers, for anglers, and they are second to none when it comes to performance, comfort, and reliability.
Ready to take your fishing to the next level? Learn more about the boats that have earned the trust of expert guides like Jim Dunlevy. Visit our website to explore our full lineup of heavy-duty, high-performance boats designed to handle everything the river throws at them.
