Well, went ahead and bought another boat. Picked up a prodrive 1748 w/ tall transom, pointed bow, extended deck, and thats about it for the extras. The motor is a prodrive 36 w/ hydraulic trim, FPR, and the long shaft.

Some obvious diffrences between this boat and my old one (gator trax 3-man hide w/ MB 35 stage 3) are the hide was much more stable and the hide cornered better at high speeds. I also liked the throttle set-up better on my MB. The main reason for my switch was I run alot of tight tember at idle and needed reverse. Well, this 1748 w/ pointed bow is great in the tember, handles much better at idle and at the ramp. The FPR is great when i had to use it several times in some tight creeks, beats gettin the push pole out when theres no room to turn around. Boat plains w/ alot less throttle too.

All in all, i gave up some stability and big water capabilities but gained in the areas i use the boat the most, i'm happy with the switch. Not to mention i see close to the same speeds w/ the stock PD 36 as i was w/ the modded MB 35 (much lighter boat).

Load: me (200lbs), standard gear (push pole, fire extinguisher, tool bag, full tank of fuel, bat ext.)

Deep water: 28.5-29.5 (mild chop)
Shallow water: 31.5 (steady)

i'll update after some mods..........

Congrats on your purchase. Those are pretty good speeds.

thats what i was thinking, wonder what will happen w/ some prop wear?! thanks

Nice lookin boat! Congrats.

dang where'd you stick that gar shadow?

nice boat wes, thats movin btw

Hey Wes, where were those pics taken?
Woody

I thought that looked like the Nav channel...didn't know you could go out 71st and put in...i've always put in off of 412 or down at Afton Landing.
Woody

thats a very nice boat man. congrats

thanks etd, and woody yes sir just ride out 71st e till you hit gravel almost to the channel you'll see a sign for the landing turn left and follow it down to the park, if ya hit the lock/ river you gone to far....... go back and find the turn off for the park/ ramp

I like the new rig...looks really good...
Question for you and Jamie:
I live at hwy75/71st street...where is the closest body of water that i can put my rig in and take my girls fishing?
Thanks,
Woody

If you asked me I'd say Lake Sahoma, just outside of Sapalupa; small, safe, and good fishing. Make sure you have your license and permits, if your kids are under 16 you should be fine, but check the reg's.