https://skippersreview.com/review/new/willie-boats-central-point
It is believed that Willie Illingworth manufactured the first aluminum version of the McKenzie River Drift Boat. Before Willie, drift boats were exclusively made of wood. In 1971, after unsuccessfully trying to get numerous boat manufacturers to build his dream aluminum drift boat, Willie decided to go at it himself. He would create a boat that would be great in whitewater, row easily, and stand the test of time.