Begin by reaching out through our custom boat inquiry form. You’ll speak directly with Phil to discuss your fishing style, home waters, preferred features, and any specific needs or vision you have for your boat.
Croff Craft Drift Boats, founded by master craftsman and avid fly fisherman Phil Croff, specializes in handcrafted wooden drift boats designed for both beauty and performance. Born from Phil’s frustration with traditional boats that couldn’t navigate the shallow, remote waters of Northern Michigan, each boat is meticulously built to be lightweight, stable, and highly maneuverable. With over 20 years of expertise, Croff Craft creates functional works of art that turn heads on the water while offering anglers an unparalleled fishing experience.
Croff Craft Drift Boats, founded by master craftsman and avid fly fisherman Phil Croff, specializes in handcrafted wooden drift boats designed for both beauty and performance. Born from Phil’s frustration with traditional boats that couldn’t navigate the shallow, remote waters of Northern Michigan, each boat is meticulously built to be lightweight, stable, and highly maneuverable. With over 20 years of expertise, Croff Craft creates functional works of art that turn heads on the water while offering anglers an unparalleled fishing experience.
Phil Croff’s journey into boatbuilding began with his love for fly fishing. In 1994, at around 25 years old, he and a friend spent their nights wading through the small streams of Northern Michigan in search of elusive brown trout. But as the hours wore on, the physical toll of night fishing became clear. One early morning at 4 a.m., exhausted and frustrated, Phil had an epiphany: there had to be a better way.“It got old, and it got old fast,” Phil recalls. He realized that to fish the waters he wanted, deep in the woods where few ventured, he needed something better than wading on foot. He needed a boat.
Phil Croff’s journey into boatbuilding began with his love for fly fishing. In 1994, at around 25 years old, he and a friend spent their nights wading through the small streams of Northern Michigan in search of elusive brown trout. But as the hours wore on, the physical toll of night fishing became clear. One early morning at 4 a.m., exhausted and frustrated, Phil had an epiphany: there had to be a better way.“It got old, and it got old fast,” Phil recalls. He realized that to fish the waters he wanted, deep in the woods where few ventured, he needed something better than wading on foot. He needed a boat.
After rowing various boats, Phil found them all lacking—too tipsy, too heavy, or too big for the narrow, shallow waters he loved. Drawing on his construction background, he set out to create a drift boat tailored precisely to his needs. It had to be lightweight yet sturdy, capable of navigating mere inches of water without sacrificing stability.“I needed a boat that, if I had to get through four inches of water on the flat, I wanted to be able to do that,” Phil explains.
After rowing various boats, Phil found them all lacking—too tipsy, too heavy, or too big for the narrow, shallow waters he loved. Drawing on his construction background, he set out to create a drift boat tailored precisely to his needs. It had to be lightweight yet sturdy, capable of navigating mere inches of water without sacrificing stability.“I needed a boat that, if I had to get through four inches of water on the flat, I wanted to be able to do that,” Phil explains.
Owning a Croff Craft isn’t just about having a boat — it’s about owning a functional work of art, handcrafted to meet your exact needs on the water. Each custom boat is built by Phil Croff himself, using premium materials and time-honored techniques, blending craftsmanship, performance, and soul into every curve and detail.
Owning a Croff Craft isn’t just about having a boat — it’s about owning a functional work of art, handcrafted to meet your exact needs on the water. Each custom boat is built by Phil Croff himself, using premium materials and time-honored techniques, blending craftsmanship, performance, and soul into every curve and detail.
In addition to building custom drift boats, Phil Croff guides anglers through Northern Michigan’s finest trout waters, chasing smallmouth, browns, and steelhead on the fly. Learn more about Croff Craft Guide Services
He’s also the maker behind Croff Craft nets — handcrafted carbon fiber and wood landing nets that combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance and a lifetime of durability.
In addition to building custom drift boats, Phil Croff guides anglers through Northern Michigan’s finest trout waters, chasing smallmouth, browns, and steelhead on the fly. Learn more about Croff Craft Guide Services
He’s also the maker behind Croff Craft nets — handcrafted carbon fiber and wood landing nets that combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance and a lifetime of durability.
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