Hey guys,

So I sold my 25 longtail and I am looking to buy a surface drive for my hull. It is a year 2000 1838 so I am told the thickness on the aluminum is thinner then they make them now, making the hull lighter then the boats currently being produced.

The guys at Go Devil said they would not put anything more than a 27hp SD on her. I don't want to buy to big and sink my boat...

Any opinions/comments/ideas are greatly appreciated!

I am leaning toward the 27hp GDSD...

35, the weight difference isnt enough to justify the 27. Saving 20lbs vs having more power, I'd take the extra 20lbs.

Thats what I was thinking... I wish I could put one on there to test drive haha..maybe someone on here has a 1838 with a 35? A video would be great...

I think you nailed it right on the head.

The 35 would prob be awsome till your luck ran out

35/37, no question.

That's like my hull. , only in 18'. 38 is real skinny bro , you know that having owned it, keep your wits about you .play with some counterweight up front , battery , gas tank . Probably scoot.

H Finn

I know two 1838s with 35 / 37 GDSD motors and the owners are happy with the combo....

Both also have poling platforms which help brace the driver and add safety for the driver....
Because it turns incredibly sharp at speed - consider the platform a must have item....

Even on wider low transom models you can and will get minor rear washovers but nothing
an automatic bilge can't handle with ease.....

You will have to buy motor and mount yourself as no GD dealer will install a motor that exceeds
hull horsepower designations due to the legal world we live in.....

Could you message me they're contact info if that would be ok with them? I'd like to see some pics in water or videos if they have them. Thanks.

2013 GDSD 35 tall transom

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Giga, last I knew, they do not make a poling platform to fit the 38" boat. The one you know of had brackets made and the platform is actually slightly wider than the gunnel at the transom.

It's easily doable, but I don't believe GD sells them like that. If you ordered the boat, have them put the threaded inserts in there and buy the narrowest platform separately. Then all it takes is a couple pieces of flat stock to make up some brackets. Easy.