Hey guys, this will be my first boat of any kind so I'd really appreciate any and all comments/suggestions..... This is my top choice right now. Excel 1751 side console with pro drive 36 pushing it. I'm looking at this model excel right now. http://www.excelboats.net/Viper%20F4.html with the captain seats. Any pros/cons I should know about?

Test Drive - as many hulls and motors as ya can !

But you would be better advised to start shoppin the hulls
that the manufacturers sell - they have been R & D ed to
mate up best with their motors...

Little differences in transom angle - or height - design of the
trailing edge can have a big impact on final performance...

Also check out the revues section to see what other guys are using...

X2 on the test runs,as you know these rigs are not cheap. I don't know anyone that runs that combo

Where you hunt or ride should determin what brand you should buy. The prodrive seems to be easier to drive, the motors like GT, GDSD, and mud buddy seem to get a little deeper in the mud. Prodrive and GT have reverse options. Mudbuddy has neutral, GDSD is just meat and tators with the least amount of things to maintain. You need to look at the layouts of boats. I really liked the big center storage in my GD boat, but my new one will be open with a gun box. I also like a wider boat to handle a heavier load. A narrow boat will turn better. There's just a few things to consider. If I was starting out not knowing anything about these types of boats and motors, I would highly suggest going on a couple of planned rides to see a lot of different setups. I'm sure there are people on here that would let you tag along.

You are looking at an Excel Viper which is for outboards.

If you are in the New Orleans area, give Boat Dr a call 504 737 1203
He can show you several and forgot more than most on here know about MMs and boats

Thanks for the tips guys, i would like to take some test ride's and ill deff be calling Dr. Boat to hear his opinion and see what he has to offer, hopefully he will be unbiased unlike the dealerships b/c for some reason they all believe the boat they're selling is the top of the line! (weird huh)



Deadbird, i understand and see that the model im looking at is for outboards but what will i be risking by putting a SD on it? the specs seem to be similar. (pardon my ignorance but it seems to me riding in a seat with a steering wheel will be the most convienent?)

TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE!!!! That is the most important thing I can tell you. The Boat Dr is very knowledgable. He'll help you out.

Next time you cook hamburgers - go ahead and serve them on
hotdog buns - it would work - but it is not the ideal combination - LOL

The boat will not turn or handle as easy with the viper hull and a mud motor. I originally wanted to go with the viper hull myself, but Bill from Mud Buddy talked me out of it. I'm glad he did!! That triple taper chine that is used on the shallow water series handles great. I put a 36 Pro Drive on my 1860 and I love it.

I agree with duramax on the triple taper chine. Demod one few days ago. Ordered it 2day but really as every1 is saying just try em out. The Excel just suited me a lot better

Call Pro-Drive and Gator Tail and make a appointment with both of them for a demo ride. You can knock this out in a days time.Then decide what you want.That excel boat is badd azz for an outboard.I would not want a mudmotor on that hull.

Like others have said,Go test drive them