Your Perfect Whitewater Dory

Decades of Exceptional
Craftsmanship

I specialize in hand crafted custom wood drift boats using nearly 20 years experience in building and using these beautiful wood drifters on the McKenzie and Rogue rivers in Oregon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. I want to help you spend more time on the water, whether it’s repairs, restoration, or building a timeless classic design that will be sure to turn a few heads. Book a half-hour free consultation and find out how I can help you experience the joy of owning and using a wooden drift boat.

“Jayson Hayes went above and beyond in creating a 3/4 scale McKenzie River Drift Boat to be displayed in our home. We live on the McKenzie and have a passion for the river and fly fishing. We wanted to have a drift boat as decoration, but the space couldn't hold a full size drift boat. Jayson took on the challenge of creating an authentic 3/4 scale and did a beautiful job. Everything including the oars are perfectly to scale and we are proud to display his creation and artistry in our home.”

— Gene and Mandy Jones - Vida, Oregon.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho - 16 1/2 x 50”

“This boat Jayson built me is the best rowing boat I’ve ever had in 20 years of rowing steep white water rivers. In addition to having the shape perfected, Jayson’s craftsmanship and attention to details is the best I’ve seen.”

— Kevin Hawkins - Hamilton, Montana.

“I have had a great many Drift Boats in my 4 decades as a guide. My Hayes Custom Boat is the driest, best rowing and best looking boat I have owned.”

— Aaron Helfrich - Springfield, Oregon.

Middle Fork Salmon, Idaho - 16 1/2 x 50 Highside

“These boats are the real deal! The attention to detail in each and every piece of these boats not only makes them gorgeous works of art, but also ensures that they are built to withstand the test of time. Jayson’s eye for perfection ensures that each boat that leaves his shop will exceed expectations. Our outfitting company puts these boats to the test on technical rivers including the Middle Fork of the Salmon and we have been very impressed by how they run and their durability. You won’t find a better wood boat or company to work with than Hayes Custom Wood Boats.”

— Kelsey Helfrich, Owner/Outfitter of Helfrich River Outfitters - Salmon, Idaho.

McKenzie River, Oregon - 16 1/2 x 50 Highside

“I wholeheartedly recommend Hayes custom wood boats for any one looking to move into the world of wood drift boats. Jayson Hayes is a master builder with a wealth of knowledge, and a meticulous attention to detail. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in his shop with him while he was building my boat, and what stood out to me most was his desire for perfection, his passion, for what he was doing, and patience to do the job right. He takes great pride in his work, and it shows. I am incredibly pleased with my boat, not only is it a beautiful work of art, but it is an amazing watercraft. It rows like a dream, handles white water beautifully, and maneuvers like a Ferrari. I have never rowed a finer boat. Jayson is a very accessible individual, his service does not stop after you have purchased a boat. If you have questions, concerns, modifications you would like to have done after the fact, or need materials for maintenance, he is there for you. He is willing to listen and work with you to make sure you are happy. If you are looking to purchase a custom wood drift boat go with Hayes custom wood boats you won’t regret it.”

— John Landua, Owner of Osprey Outfitters - Eugene, Oregon.

“When the thought comes to mind, “Who in the industry builds the finest wooden drift boat?” That would be Jayson. His attention to detail, craftsmanship and love for building these crafts shows with his work. Not only does he build the most beautiful drift boats, he’s also a stand up guy. Fun to be around talking boats or on the water.

As a guide running class IV to V whitewater yearly my boat is going on year three without a single issue. The boat runs like a corvette and is bulletproof. Each and every little personalization I requested to have built into my boat, Jayson knocked out of the park. From a thicker bottom to a higher rowers seat.

This year I did the deed of refinishing the boat, if you’re lucky enough to have Jayson build you a boat you need to take care of it. The amount of time he spends perfecting these crafts cannot go without some maintenance to keep the boat happy. This boat will outlast my lifetime if cared for in proper way.

If you’re considering having Jayson build you a boat, don’t hesitate. These boats are a work of art that perform and are absolutely stunning.”

— Garret Helfrich, helfrich rogue river trips - salmon, idaho.

Book a Consultation

A custom McKenzie River Drift Boat is a joy to row, and even better if a few small changes are made for your home water. In this free consultation we will talk about the rivers you row the most often and what features are most important to you. Then we can go over the many options of size, type of wood, final finish, type of anchor system and its placement, and more.

How much do we expect a custom boat to cost?
How long will it take to have a boat made?
When do I make payments and and how to arrange for pickup?
Are there any tasks that I can do myself to reduce the cost?

We believe in transparent pricing and clear expectations so you are assured to have a fantastic experience and receive a boat of the highest quality.

Book Consultation