Going to upgrade my boat. Got a crappy jon boat 1442. I usually hunt alone but when I invite my fat a$$ friends it becomes unstable. Looking for 100% open design. No boxes nothing. Extended hunt deck.

Thinking
a. Gator tail. Great value nice boat
b. Gator trax. Expensive also nice boat
c. Uncle J ?? Who is he and how much does a 1754 with a hunt deck cost ??

I’m going to power it with a tricked out 35 hp briggs from some of the forum engine folks.

Thank you.

What conditions are you running?

1. Hunt duck lake O in florida
2. Back country fishing (Salt water)
3. Everglades. saw grass
4. Work with mud motor & outboard
5. Take big waves
6. Run in 4" of water
7. Take a beating in big waves.

Get a hybrid V built by a custom builder, or go with gator trax or gator tail, and throw a 35 on it. Be sure to get atleast 21" sides, in about an 1854

rudyeng, brasso's right. If you want stability, carrying load (3-4 hunters and gear), get the 1854 and a tricked up 35 ( or 45 or higher if money is not an issue), and you will be setup for a long time. Of course, in our areas you will get stuck farther in so you will need a winch- that sucker willl weigh plenty. If you really want deluxe, get a remote steer/console- you lose some room but if you are set on fishing the salt and foresee long runs, that is the ticket. The one problem I've seen on big rigs and big horses is the tendency to forget about everything, including hunting, and you end up running around all morning screwing up the hunting for others. By the way, congratulations on the pintail, Flaco and I tore the ducks up this past weekend.

I'm going to lake O Wednesday (tomorrow) –Saturday. Call me if you guys are in the area. I just followed the trail you gave me. It’s a long run 14 miles each way. But loaded with ducks.

The morning of the duck opener I decided to take a short cut and got stuck but was able to get off the island with my paddle. Made an aluminum push pole since.

Thanks !

Rudy, good luck up there! Flaco and I are planning a run up there Jan. 4-5; won't be able to get away till then- good thing I can still hunt locally though that has slowed down. I've only gotten three pinners, three redheads, three gadwalls, a handful of widgeon maybe, a couple ruddies, in all these years- the big lake is the place for variety. Like was posted, you should take a drive to Louisiana and peruse all the makers- GT, PD, and the custom fabricators, and get test drives to assess both boat and motors, you'll be glad you did- there's only so much you can glean from websites. At the same time you can eat hearty, some crawfish etouffee, boudoin, all manner of poorboy sandwiches, chicory coffee. My guess is you'll get a custom boat tailored to your wants.

My 1754 was a very stable boat.

Yeah, Rudy, for big loads, fishing, and hunting stability and room you have to go big and wide and plenty of horses.