Submit Testimonials to: jeff@hydeboats.com
Hey Steve and Chris,
Just wanted to thank you guys, and the folks there at Hyde for all the help lining me up with my first boat. We ran Section A on the Green below Flaming Gorge twice this weekend and loved every minute of it thanks to my 2004 LH Series LPC. I was 16 years old in 1982 when I took my first drift boat drip down the Deschutes River back home in Oregon and have been waiting for this moment ever since. Your boat made it extra special and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
The boat trailered great all the way just like you said it would and tracked beautifully in the water. The first float was in the late afternoon and we experienced some pretty good wind gusts half way down, which peaked my appreciation for the maneuverability and dynamics of this low profile boat. I only rubbed a couple of rocks all weekend, which says more for the capabilities of this boat than my rowing skills. I truly love the flexible adjustments that Hyde Drift Boats provide. Once I made a few easy changes on the bench seats, oar locks, and foot brace, I was in great position in the rowers seat and really enjoyed positioning the boat from river bank to river bank.
As for the fishing, they punched up the flows from 800cfs to 1400cfs, so it was slower than advertised, but we did manage to bring a few Browns to the boat. My buddy Harold fished up front and said it was great to fish out of and by far the best drift boat experience he has every had. My son Declan fished aft and had a blast on his first drift boat trip ever. I definitely need to order that rear knee brace and a few other small items from you guys, so I will be in touch later this week.
As promised, here are a few pics from Green. Feel free to use them how ever you like. I will send more from the Grey Reef, Roaring Fork, Arkansas and what ever other water I touch later this years.
Thanks a million!
Brian – Boulder, CO
I wanted to take a moment to e mail in a truly heartfelt endorsement of HYDE. This spring I purchased a LH Signature and absolutely had a great buying experience. Also, the boat was great to row, and very comfortable to fish from. I owned it for just about 3 weeks! Then my buddy, who will remain nameless, hit a bridge pillar in one of the easiest stretches on the river! I really couldn’t believe it….I had my dream boat…..and within a few seconds of him hitting the bridge, which was a feat in itself (like you would actually have to try to hit it to do so) (and reacting poorly when he hit it) I had nothing. The river chewed up
the boat, we flipped, and were pinned up against the pillar for a minute (all the while hearing gut wrenching noises as the fiberglass exploded) and then the boat was upside-down, on the bottom of the river, headed downstream, hitting every rock on the riverbed! (I know, I was hanging on to it when it was crunching against them)
My boat was ruined!
I had dreamed of owning a Hyde for years, and finally had one of the top of the line ones, and then I was back to rowing my old woody!
I just want to let everyone out there that is looking for a boat know that the amount of customer care that has been shown to me over the past 6 weeks or so has been truly outstanding. Matt Hyde and his father care about their business, and they helped me a great deal. They went as far as to give me a substantial trade in value on a boat that was “probably headed to the dump.” Amazing! They made it so that I could afford to buy a new one with that trade value.
This time, I got the new XL. This was actually Matt’s boat that he’d taken out 3 or 4 times. (I could tell he was sad to see her go when I picked it up) I am telling you, they went out of their way to help me. I took it out for the first time yesterday, I had four people, a dog, two coolers, and a bunch of gear…..the boat literally tracked and rowed better than any other boat I’ve been in, including the LH Sig.! (pictures to come) I can’t wait to row it with a measly 3 people!
I would just say this: when you buy a Hyde boat, you’ve also bought the support of a family business that really stands behind their product….to the point of charity in my case.
Thanks,
8Chris8
WOW…what can I say! It’s a real beauty!
I picked up my boat from Klay’s place Friday July 20th. I realize it was a bit longer than I had expected, but I’ve been extremely busy with work and all down in Rawlins. He was understanding and had kept it safe at his house there in Wilson. I was very glad to take a few days off and head to the river to try out my new Hyde boat. FANTASTIC!!
As an “old guide” from way back when who has operated many a drift boat (including your competition’s and other manufacture’s McKenzie type drift boats, canoe, sailboat, etc., this new boat has all the features one could hope for.
My two “28×36” Tupperware coolers from Wal-Mart fit perfectly down on the sides in the mid section of the boat-one for drinks, one for lunch. I rigged up the anchor system (I really love your anchor holder on the frame…what a great idea!) with a pulley system and it’s a breeze to lift and maneuver with your side pull.
The trailer tongue jack stand wheel lift is a great idea and really makes it easy for one person to maneuver the boat around. The tongue was a bit heavier than my other drift boats I own, but the jack stand made it turn on a dime with ease.
I cleaned up the boat and put it to use on Sunday down the Snake. We caught some fish and had a great time. It really handles nicely. The special G4 Super Shoe “boot” you put on the bottom gives it a little “extra” protection and a bit more of a weighted bottom with “pace” as you row with east down the river. I have a set of special cataract weighted oars with floating blades…the perfect combination for this boat. I felt like I was in my Cadillac! Just couldn’t believe how it handled!! What a dream!
Your boat is absolutely “perfect!” Thanks for working with me on delivery and giving me a wonderful trade in on my old “Fish-Rite.” I must say the new Hyde washes away all the memories of the old standby with future days of “First-Class” travel down the water ways of Wyoming, Idaho and other parts west! (In fact we were stopped by a Park Ranger on the river and she said, “Where did you get such a beautiful boat?” This is the first one I’ve seen like this.” She remarked as she checked out our licenses and Grand Teton permit!) I was feeling very pleased at this point!
There’s an idea for you, Steve…outfit the Grand Teton Park Rangers with Hyde’s. It will sure beat those old Hyperlon pontoons they row!
Thanks again for your service, I really love the boat! ... keep in touch.
Warm Regards,
Ben – Wyoming
“A very pleased owner of a new custom LH Signature Series Hyde!”
Here is the picture of the Brown I caught on the Madison on my salmon fly next to what I believe is the single best boat on the market today. As you know, I guide on the Bighorn for the second half of March, and the months of April and May. Then I am off to chase the salmonflies for the month of June on the Lower Madison, Big Hole, and Upper Madison. The rest of the summer I am all over the state but spend the majority of my time on the Yellowstone. I am overwhelmingly pleased with the boats handling, durability, and joy to fish from. I just want to thank you for building a boat that is built for a Montana Outfitter.
Eric – Montana
We absolutely love the new boat. The ½ day guided fishing trip on the box canyon section of the Henry’s Fork with was wonderful. The second day we floated between Twin Bridges and Lorenzo on the South Fork by ourselves. The boat works great. I think I am really going to love the way we have this one setup. Thanks for all your help and support in getting me in to a new boat.
Stephen – Golden, CO
Dear Hyde Professionals,
I recently received my new Signature Series boat and immediately had to try it out on the Owens River in eastern California. This boat handled like nothing I had ever rowed! I found it nimble and easy to get off the eddy fences and its light weight made the strong cross currents more manageable. The curved stern allowed me to go upstream to retrieve flies that got hung up without rowing like a mad demon. I bought the boat with a front and rower’s seat compartments. This kept the clutter to a minimum and I received no complaints of line getting hung up which was a problem in my other boat. After three days of floating and fishing, I asked my buddies what they thought could or should be changed in the boat’s configuration. The reply was,” Whoever designed this boat has done a lot of fishing!” However, a little later, something was mumbled about a cooler for beer but they may have meant milk. The level floor is going to be very helpful when I start taking trips with The Wounded Warrior Program later this Year. My new Hyde is a dream and I’m proud to have one.
Rick – Bakersfield, CA
Thank you Matt for such a wonderful experience in making my Hyde boat come true. The first drift was like driving a new car. Putting the whole package together was made so easy by you, and what I now have far exceeds my expectations. I now know that I won’t have to do with second best, as what I have always wanted is now sitting in my garage. From our first phone call, to the day I picked it up. The customer service, friendly atmosphere, and the way I was treated, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The Hyde decals are on my truck and I can’t wait for someone to ask me about them. Proudly I will hold my head high and tell them all about my wonderful boat and the experience I had… The memories have just started.
Greg – Auburn, WA
I purchased my Hyde Low Profile last September and it promptly shipped to Newaygo, Michigan. I have had a blast rowing the boat on Michigan’s great rivers. The boat rows like a dream and my friends love the fact that I enjoy rowing so they can fish while I am rowing! Of course we stop and anchor and I get to fish too and here are a few pictures of Steelhead I have caught this spring! I would also like to mention that the customer service at the Newaygo Store is Top Notch! Every time I stop in there for a new accessory on my boat I am greeted with a friendly smile and AWESOME customer service! Keep up the great service and building them great Drift Boats!
Don – Washington, MI
Hey Guys. I thought I would drop you a note to let you know how pleased I am in my new Hyde Low Profile. WOW what a treat it was to do a maiden float in what I believe to be the finest boat anywhere. Every thing about it was fantastic. I had so many compliments from others along the River on its appearance and it is a real treat to row. Thank for all your hard work. The quality of this boat is second to none.
Jeff
To all,
I have been rowing drift boats for the last twenty years both as a professional guide and a weekend warrior. Two years ago, I purchased my second Hyde, a beautiful 2002 green/gold High Side Combination. I can’t get over how well this boat responds to the oars and its stability even with larger fisherman casting from it. This boat has been floated on the trout streams of Montana and steelhead rivers of Idaho and British Columbia. It never fails to catch the eyes of other fisherman who comment on its appearance.
Keep up the good work.
Don – Colstrip, MT
After two months of regular steelhead trips here in Michigan, my Hyde is everything that I thought it would be. My 14 year old son handles the oars like a veteran thanks to the wonderful design that allows the boat to be so quick and track so easily. Thanks to Ryan in Idaho and Chris in Newaygo that made things go so smoothly! I never thought I’d say this, but I’m looking forward to the ski season ending so we can get back to serious fishing on the weekends!
David – Northville, MI
Maiden voyage went extremely well!! Can’t believe how responsive this boat is! Thanks again. Again, you guys run a very impressive operation, pleasure doing business with you. Your fellow drift boat driver Bill.
Bill – Rock Springs, WY
My Hyde Boat is by far the best boat I have every owned and the craftsmanship is unmatched. This was apparent the first time I took my Hyde through White Horse Rapids here on the Deschutes River. The boat was so responsive and easy to row through White Horse it made it feel like we were on the Mecca Flats section of the river. Matt Hyde was extremely helpful, great to work with and was able to achieve all my needs that I wanted in my boat. Go Hyde!
James – Bend, OR
Thank you Matt for such a wonderful experience in making my Hyde boat come true. The first drift was like driving a new car. Putting the whole package together was made so easy by you, and what I now have far exceeds my expectations. I now know that I won’t have to do with second best, as what I have always wanted is now sitting in my garage. From our first phone call, to the day I picked it up. The customer service, friendly atmosphere, and the way I was treated, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The Hyde decals are on my truck and I can’t wait for someone to ask me about them. Proudly I will hold my head high and tell them all about my wonderful boat and the experience I had… The memories have just started.
A lifetime Hyde boat owner.
Gregory – Auburn, WA
“I am so impressed with my low pro. It may be the perfect guide boat. The new rod holders are the best I’ve seen, having my extra rods and now reels protected was great this year. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with for next year.”
Richard – Missoula, MT
“Wouldn’t row any other boat! My Hyde allows me to fish any type of water I want. Whether its floating the St. Joe for smallmouth or the Yellowstone for trout my Hyde does the job. Its handling capabilities are even more evident in Yankee Jim Canyon on the Yellowstone. My Hyde allows me to ride over standing waves and get my clients into fish when other guides aren’t comfortable taking their boats through the canyon. This is truly the only boat.
Dustan – South Bend, IN
“I have owned a L/P for nearly four years. By far the best boat I have ever had the chance to fish out of. The L/P is perfectly balanced fishing platform. I spend nearly 50 days a year in my L/P and it has never missed a beat. Thanks for producing a great boat.
Gerry
“Every time I am on the rivers….Kootenai, Yellowstone, Madison, Flathead, Clark Fork, Grande Ronde, Columbia, Yakima, Missouri ….people come and look at my hyde….they ask questions like: How easy is it to row and fish? Why aluminum? Is it worth the expense….etc…..and I tell them how many times I pull up on a bank and talk to my friends about the great times we are having together….tell them a few of the stories….a few of the quotes….when I pull down the highway and see other boats…I always look in the mirror and think…..damn, i’m glad I have my Hyde.”
Larry
“I have to say this is the best boat I have ever owned and I have owned a few of them! I didn’t think I would like aluminum but I wouldn’t own anything but aluminum even again. It handles fantastic here in Michigan on the Ausable, Manistee and the P.M. This is a very stable boat with ample storage. I can carry 3 chairs, table, gas grill, 4DB Dunn rod cases a bag of extra clothes and that doesn’t include my clients equipment and 2 coolers and still have room for more equipment, and the only things exposed are the coolers. . I also have to say my salesman was great he helped me out with any questions I had, when you talk about great customer service I would say John is it I would recommend him to anyone looking to buy a boat or have questions about boats. Thanks John!! ”
Randy
I currently own a 2000 Hyde Combo that I love. Having owned 5 drift boat of various makes and models over the past 12yrs I can honestly say that it is the best drift boat that I have owned. This is the second Hyde that I have owned, my last was a 1997 combo, and you guys just keep making them better and better! It handles extremely well, has every option that a flyfisher needs, looks great, and best of all it is strong and light at the same time!! My next boat will be a new Hyde, I just haven’t decided on model and color yet. Keep up the great work!
Kim – Boise, Idaho
“I have been guiding part time on the Bow River since 1996 and have used a Hyde. This boat has been a pleasure to operate. My clients appreciate the boat layout and the ample dry storage to get items out of the way. The boat handles well and has been shown to be durable while “dancing with rocks”. When the time comes I will be looking for another Hyde.”
Phil
“Fear No Rock” is a catchy tag line for another drift boat company. The marketing banter refers to how tough the bottom of the boat is. I can’t verify how tough they really are, but the fact is their bottoms need to be really tough because it is so hard to maneuver the things. Their hulls seem to be built to “track for the barn”, that is, they want to go straight down the river, over rocks or whatever may be in the way. I “fear no rock” in my combo because the hull is built to deftly avoid collisions with rocks. The hull is very nimble, turns on a dime, will easily ferry from one side of the river to the other with only a few strokes, and will “surf” in chop or on a small wave effortlessly, allowing my angling companions to get several casts into the sweet spots while guys in the “other” boats are blowing down the river. A good oarsman can track the boat straight and can also slide the boat sideways by “crabbing” the oars. I can’t say enough about the performance of this hull design. It is by far the easiest boat to row on the market and the most responsive in situations where you need to maneuver around obstacles. The new recessed rod holders are great, keeping rods and reels out of harms way. The cloth liners are a nice touch in that they protect the finish of fine fly rods.”
Mark Lance – Denver, Colorado
“My initial experience is that the Hyde rows easier than my previous Claka Craft. I like the fact that it’s lighter and more maneuverable. I also like the adjustability aspects, not available in my previous boat. The only area of inconvenience, again in either boat, is Rod storage. I’m currently designing a system of my own to meet my particular needs but hey, nothing is good to go out of the box for every individual user, no event the cars we drive. So, putting it into perspective, I find the Hyde products to be a great quality to value relationship. Thanks for building me a great boat!”
Dana
“The boat has just been great for trout fishing on the Yakima River in Central Washington. My boy loves fishing out it and my little girl loves to lie in the front with her shades on and “sun” herself down the river. Thanks for a great boat. I have really enjoyed it so far.”
Chuck – Yakima, WA
“I always get compliments on my boat from other fly fisherman. Other fiberglass sliders can’t compare in looks to the Hyde with its beautiful rocker angle and clean lines. I have a 1997 combo light gray color with green trim and wow does it look good in the water. The fist time other oarsman row my boat is my favorite! I tell them it is fast on the water and that you don’t have to stoke much to get across the river. When we head into a slot they always end up over rowing and put it into the bank. The common phrase I hear is “Man this thing is fast!” or “what did I do!” I just smile and say “dude two stokes in this thing and you are across the river” I use my Hyde everywhere from Idaho to Montana on rivers and lakes too!”
Scott- Boise, Idaho
“Love it. Durable. Timeless. Easy to row. Unmatched craftsmanship and quality.”
Marc
“Love it!! Hyde is king!! I fish many river is Michigan, PM/Muskegon/Manistee/Au Sable, and the quality of getting me around the river couldn’t be better. Not too often do I get caught up on the bottom of a shallow river. The dry storage is a huge bonus fishing the cold wet falls we have here in Michigan as well as the chilly winters! Nothing like breaking out the coleman stove on the boat to enjoy a hot soup on a cold day. The performance is number one in my book, I’ve rowed a lot of different kinds of boats but nothing is better than my Hyde! Also, always get positive comments by fisherman as I drift by, like, “Hey, beautiful boat!”, which is always nice. Only improvement I can see, and I’ve notice the 2000 models have such features, is better storage for my fly rods. Realize it’s tough to work in to the boat but once in a while I find it tough to manage a few fly rods in the boat. Other than that it’s great!”
Troy
“The boat couldn’t be better! I enjoy rowing my wife in the boat, but I’ll admit she does rub it in when she catches the most and largest fish…of course, that is due to the fact I am at the oars most of the time. :o) Thanks for the great customer service and the wonderful product!!!”
S. Jensen