i have a 1542 with a 25hp outboard and a 1548 with a 30 outboard, both are lightweight riveted old school mon-arks. i mainly run flooded timber and shallow sandy and rocky rivers pretty much everywhere in northeast arkansas. there are no mud flats in my area. i am wondering what size motor would be best suitable for these particular size/weight boats and maybe some suggestions as to which brand of motor might be best for my particular needs, not meaning to get and argument going...thanks for any advice yall might have to offer

by the way i'm wanting to swap out my outboards for surface drive motors because i'm tired of lower unit damage. thanks again

Based on where you're runnin & what you're accustomed to, I'd suggest a 23hp GTR. If you don't want/need reverse, then go with a 23hp MB Mini Lite & save some $$$.

i'm used to getting 28mph out of my 25 and 32 out of my 30. will a 23 do that on such a light boat?

no, you will need a 35 hp MM and a matching MM hull to get those speeds, the 23 GTR on those hulls with a "guess/opinion" you will most likely get lower to mid 20's with a light load.

then i should probably go with a 27hp or higher for a flatbottom in the sizes i mentioned? i'd like to get as close as possible to 30mph without overloading my transom. 2 guys and a dog is about the heaviest load i ever have.

as long as i can get around 25mph or so with just myself i'll be a happy guy...i plan on getting an excel f4 so having a beast of a motor will only be a hindrance for a little while