Tried searching and saw a lot but ain't really saw how bottom wide effects speed etc.

I have a stock GT35 right now, on an 1848 alumacraft. Ain't got a chance to run it yet but I know I won't get the most out of my motor with it. I want to stick with at least a 17-18' hull.

On to the questions.

I plan on putting an OB back on the alumacraft and having a hull built using 3/16 bottom and sides.

I think I wanna hunt deck.

Do I want a 18x48, 18x52, 18x54 ? Is a 18' hull plus hunt deck too much?

I plan on doing heads, and exhaust for load carrying capabilities.

Like to be able to carry a 4-5 man load if possible.

I am new to the world of mud motors and most of my running will be shallow semi hard bottom. We ain't got much of that La mud.

I



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Bigger the better if you wanna step 5 guys

id say 18/52-54 for comparison ive been runnin my 16/54 huntdeck with a 4 man hunting load and have ample space.

Id guess you shoudnt have a problem fitting a 5 man load in an 18/54. for the motor, if your gonna be running a 4-5 man load often i think the topend addons would be a worthwhile investment (Carb, Heads, Exhaust)

Thanks for the info guys. I am mud motor dumb. We ain't got a ton of em around and all but one of my buds have OB's. When I say 5 guys that is a push but I would like to be able to carry 3-4 big fellas and that many layout/sneak boats that weight a little under 100# each. I know this is a tall order, and I will have to do some motor work to step it.

Will I be better off going to a 60" bottom to carry a big load?

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^ Good advice rite here. I would stay w/ the 50-54 bottom. Some boats are measured w/ huntdeck included like GatorTail and some w/o like GatorTrax. Will a 18x50 + an extra 1.5' be to big??? That all depends on you. I have a buddy w/ one in Venice that loves it. Do cam, heads and exhaust and carb if you need it. You can step that load.

id recommend a ride in a few different sizes or at least check them out. cuz when i was lookin for my boat i saw what was supposed to be a 17/54 that turned out to be a 17/50. i ordered a 16/54 and when i got it that bitch was WIDE... not a bad thing for me since i wanted wide anyway, but i also dont really have any super tight spots i NEED to get to either.. also keep in mind what migrator said about the huntdecks, cuz while i have a "16/54" its actually 17-8/54.. close to an 18 footer. id say keep your eyes peeled for any boats around you. if you see one at a gas station or something stop n check it out. most guys with mudboats enjoy talkin bout em. ask questions. if you know what stuff you normally take on a hunt take notice what the guy getting gas has all in his boat. also bass pro has gatortrax at some locations they may have one somewhat close you could go see a few sizes and layout options..

Thanks guy. This is all good info.

Do yall see any use in having round chines ?
Seems like MB and Gd like em but Pd and GT dont,
I like the higher static draft of square chines, be easier to idle around in shallower water.

the round square chine is the great debate.... turning ability of the round vs the shallower draft of the square.. i would love to see a 1754 round and square chine boat with a drivers box each go head to head empty boats, same motors and see what the real differences are.. any volunteers??

50-54 is all you need 17-18 feet long is good. If you get s boat built 3/16 only need bottom to be 1/8 sides. You say you want to carry a load keep boat simple don't fill it up with clutter gun boxes etc. Light boat run better than heavy boat always remember that. One thing you need ad a reverse to that gt it's worth the money sill get you in and out 50% more places !!

2060..............Duckdon

You need to make a few test drives. That is the only way to know what is right for you. These rigs are not cheap and its worth a weekend trip to run some different boats before you drop that much $. IMO.

1860 minimum... I'm with Duckdon... 2060. Modified motor or 2272 with duals modified of course too

The 60" bottom is not bad if you have room for it. It can be a problem in the woods. Your choice needs to be based on your specific needs and the terrain you will be running. I agree the wider boat will likely plane a load easier than a narrow boat. 50-54 is just a happy medium IMO.

A 60" boat is a good runner as long as you keep it light!!

I don't have anything light...unless possibly if I am not in it.

Ha same here

Mine turn 4200 and other 4100 like I said why lol in the mud when I get on them the hit the rev limiter at 4350

I went from a 45@ bottom to a 54" bottom. It's a 17 ft Prodrive boat with a stock 36 pd. this mornin I had 3 guys 1 -9 1/2ft kayak 10 gAl of gas and 2 dozen dekes. We were runnin 24 mph in deep water.