River's Touch

Build a McKenziac. From loft to launch.

If you saw the three McKenziacs—and met their builders—at last weekend’s boat festival, you know the draw. Now step inside the process.

July 12–17 on the McKenzie, the McKenzie River Discovery Center offers a true hands-on workshop. You won’t just watch—you’ll shape, fit, and bring a classic to life.

Inspired by early riverboat peioneers—Torkel Kaarhus, Veltie Pruitt, and Prince Helfrich—and crafted by Fretwater Boatworks, the McKenziac is built for skill, fun, and time on the water.

Two participants will take a finished boat home (by drawing, at cost of materials).

Spots are limited. The work is real. The reward lasts.

👉 https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-mckenziac/

On April 21, 1932, a unique Baby was born -- with a set of oars in his hands, much to the chagrin of his mother. Extending fondest birthday wishes to the Little Guy, and much appreciation to his Mom and Dad. I think of him often.

This Saturday, April 25—join me at the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge. Dozens of classic wooden drift boats, river dories, and the people behind them—all in one place.

Stop by the McKenzie River Discovery Center booth and workshop display to explore our upcoming hands-on boatbuilding classes—and check out a unique piece of McKenzie River history.

At the McKenzie River Discovery Center booth at the April 25 Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge, don’t miss a striking rendition of Veltie Pruitt’s 1928 board-and-batten boat—the very style he and Prince Helfrich used to explore Oregon’s wild rivers beyond the McKenzie.

Built for portability and quick maneuvering, it captures the grit and daring of the two early river runners who pushed into untamed waters with skill and nerve.

Even better, this boat has its own story—
🔹 Built in 2015 by Ben Kahn and students at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
🔹 Based on original plans from "Drift Boats and River Dories"
🔹 A living tribute to Oregon’s river heritage

Come see it up close, meet the people keeping the craft alive, and feel the spirit of the river.

History. Craft. Adventure. Stories —all in one place.

McKenzie River Drift Boat Festival – April 25 from 10:00 to 4:00 at Eagle Rock Lodge -- for both drift boat aficionados, the wannabes and the curious. See the boats, meet the builders, learn of upcoming boat building workshops, meet the instructors, and enjoy a McKenzie Guides Association lunch. Looking forward to seeing you there . . .
For more info -https://oregonsboat.org/boatshow

I’m coordinating two 5½-day boat-building workshops this summer for the McKenzie River Discovery Center. Take a look:

Build two McKenziacs — July 12–17
A freshwater adaptation of the McKenzie River drift boat — a solo, sporty craft designed to run your favorite water with a wink and a grin.
Details & registration:
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-mckenziac/

Build the Open Chub — July 19–24
A popular adaptation of the Briggs dory — a Colorado classic built for family fun, fishing, and river exploration. Details & registration:
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-open-chub-river-dory/

Also in the works:
A Fall or Winter workshop — a 10–12 day build-from-scratch of the legendary McKenzie River Guide Boat (the classic 16.5' × 50" guide model). Details and registration to be announced later this Spring.

The purpose of this post was to announce open registration for a Fall Doryak class at the McKenzie River Discovery Center. Taught by the Fretwater crew of Cricket Zarn, Brad Dimock and Glade Zarn, this is an intense, two-week, hands on boat build from lofting to launching. The registration info went live this Wednesday, April 9. The CLASS WAS FULL by 7:00 a.m. April 11. The renaissance of WOOD river dories is hot!

Mark April 26, Saturday on your calendar -- For more details, go here - https://oregonsboat.org/boatshow

I get a lot of letters. This one I keep at the top of stack. This husband’s passion might have more easily been fulfilled had he taken a drift boat building class – something that wasn’t available then. Now it is. Check out this workshop set for April 21-25 - https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/mckenzie-river-drift-boat-building-class/
Save the marriage!

The legacies of the McKenzie River’s boat culture include the popular and nationally recognized McKenzie double ender with a transom. It was first built in 1948 by Woods Noble Hindman. The lines are reflected in the Mayfly. It is a modified double ender. Five years later Woodie built his last one, Guide Decal #16. To see the differences, note the lines' layout comparing the two. There is rationale behind these changes. While the boat type remains similar, adjustments to these lines and internal appointments have significantly improved performance. I’m pleased to serve The McKenzie River Discovery’s Board of Directors and strongly support our effort to capture the history of these boats. Equally important is supporting the interests of those who want to build one of the beauties. Check out the Discovery Center’s April 21-25 drift boat building workshop. Traditions continue!
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/mckenzie-river-drift-boat-building-class/

Many white water, flyfishing and get-me-to-the backcountry folks who have that itch to build their own dory, often use my book. The book has proved to be a great asset, but I gotta tell ya, if that itch to build your own drift-boat/river dory is out of control, and you’re in a hurry, you also can’t beat good hands-on experience to scratch it. Thanks to the McKenzie River Discovery Center, there’s a great opportunity April 21-25 on the McKenzie River. Check it out here - https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/mckenzie-river-drift-boat-building-class/