I've ran 18' to 20' x 42" wide tunnel hulls with 40 to 50hp outboards for 15 years. 2 years ago I purchased a used 2004 MB Hyper Drive and love it BUT no neutral or reverse sucks.

After this duck season I plan to sale the outboard/Tunnel rig and the Hyper Drive to purchase a complete new surface drive rig. The boat will mainly be used for duck hunting with a occasional boat ride with the wife and kid in mind. It will definitely be a 35HP.

I like what I've read and see regarding the Pro Drive's but I have never drove or rode in one. The only Surface Drives I've been around have been Mud Buddy’s. Nothing against the MB brand but I would like the reverse option.

I have no idea on the boat other than I favor longer boats. (18' to 20') I'm not sure on the width for the surface drive motor?

Any information on boat builders, boat mfg. or boat motor mfg. would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Casey

well the motor you need to decide what fits your needs. do you need fpr or instant reverse ?

If your buying brand new rig, a matching (boat and motor) is always a good idea. If you want a custom boat built, there's that option and custom doesn't mean expensive! (but none of these boats are cheap)

using the search button should help you out here

I matched my boat to my motor & I even had the factory build it custom... Mine was one of the first to come out with flotation & a hunt deck from Gator-Tail.

If you like your mudbuddy but need reverse I'd go with gator tail. If I go away from my MB it will be to GTR for the reverse option. I've seen a couple Uncle j boats and theyre nice. Sko builds a sweet looking and great performing boat as well

Casey, there's several of Jason's boats around here. If you want to see mine, give me a shout & swing by whenever you get a chance. I'm just 2 doors down from Richard & you're dad knows how to get ahold of me.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Rob.....I need to come check out your rig. I'm not making a change right away but I'd like to make it happen before the 2012 duck season.


Thanks again
Casey

I also have an Uncle J hull and a GTR you can look at.

Gator tail on a 18 48 and that thing will be unstoppable almost

Has anyone ran a Gator Tail Extreme series boat? Nice looking boat. I like the drop deck transom.

Another option to look at would be an Instagator. Jay Dore has been building a few boats over at Watson's. The boat he built for Will Castleman turned out bad azz. Similar design to a GT Extreme.

Very pleased with the two boats we had Garrett Pearce build for us.

Po po... Aren't you the one that built that suped up 35hp with a turbo?