I'm new to mud boats and was looking at getting a 1756 0r 1760 phowler and was planning on using it for bowfishing, duck hunting, and hauling the family around. I'm leaning towards the 60 inch bottom because it will give me more room for the family and more stability for bowfishing but was wondering if I would loose performance from the mud motor being it's a wider boat. I seem lots of people seem to run longer/ narrower boats. Is there an advantage to one or the other?

With those two boats your gonna see about the same speed.... I gotta 1754 and use it for bow fishing.....have fished 4 people off the front with no problems... 54 has been plenty wide for me...and it doesn't tip or rock a lot even with 5 people in the boat.. With a 56 you'd be fine but it's all preference...and my bro has a 1756 and can outrun me when were both loaded with stuff so if your carrying a whole lot you'll have better performance with a wider boat but empty...the narrower boat will shine

Can't comment on prowler but my 1860 gator-tail can haul a load & is very stable.

I like my 1760 phowler. It's very stable and drafts shallow.

To me, the biggest difference in the 1756 and 1760 is the side height. They are made of one piece of metal, so you lose a little height on the 60. Not that it makes the boat unsafe or anything. I was out in 30 mph winds on the mississippi on sunday. The ride back beat the crap out of us and required some running of the bilge, but I don't think the extra inch or two a 1756 has would have helped that much.

I picked the 1760 because they had an unfinished one laying around. Got my boat quicker that way.

You need a Deep South Custom Boat! Just saying.

I've got a 1760 Phowler and really like it. Super stable and carries a load well... You will not be dissapointed in either... Go for the 4 extra inches in width. Nobody ever wished they went smaller.