Hey guys I'm new to this forum. I'm looking at getting a Gator Traxs 17x44 boat,but I a question. Do I need a Hunt Deck? I live n East Tx and I hunt lakes and rivers around here,they r full of stumps,most of the time we don't hunt n the boat. Some people have told me not to get the hunt deck bc of the stumps. True or False?

I don't run stumps, but I don't know why having a huntdeck would hurt anything. If anything, the huntdeck provides a little more protection from getting swamped from behind when you roll up on something.

Can not beat out the hooks

And I drive a pd and approve this message

Huntdeck's are a nice option, but that is all they are and not necessary by any means.

However if you dont get a huntdeck, you may want to consider getting a tall transom depending on what motor you plan on hanging on it.


Also, Gator Trax offers a thicker hull too (3/16") if you are concerned with running thru the stumps.

That's what I was told that u could not get the dents out of the hunt deck.

As BoatDr said, hunt deck or tall transom if going w/ a big block. If you are running E Tx lakes go w/ the 3/16 option. Not that much more weight but will take the stumps alot better.

Ok I'm going to get a 35 HD. They don't have pricing for the 3/16 on the web site.

Where are you at in NE TX? Are you working with a dealer? If not, I'll be happy to get you the closest dealers info.

Also, I'd consider an 18'. The little bit of weight you will gain by adding 1' will be more than offset by the buoyancy (and thus ability to carry a bigger load) you will gain.

I live n Kilgore TX and yes I have talk to the dealer here but they just started saling them. I'm not talking bad about them but they don't know lot about these boats.

Give gatortrax a call on Monday and ask for Kent. Tell him what you will be using the boat for and what areas you run, loads etc. He will give you some good insight on these boats. He can also get you in touch w/ someone around your area that can give you a ride. Boat Dr is another good source of info.

Did they change the design on the huntdeck? The way they used to be built they could be hooked in two different places... In front of the huntdeck, and then again at the transom. Then you can't get to the one's back by the transom.

If you are talking to H&W, I'd make the drive to deal with BoatDr instead...

Where is BoatDr at? What town?

Near New Orleans. It's not a bad drive from where you are. Make him take you fishing or hunting or something while you are down there. It's well worth the drive to deal with him.

Um, Andy, don't take this the wrong way. If this guy's gonna drive all the way from Kilgore, why would he drive to Harahan instead of Springfield? I mean, if I was making that kind of road trip for a boat, I'd go to the factory. Just sayin...

Andy is the only MB douchebag..uh, I mean dealer.. I'll give my money too. I guess I know where it goes at the end of the day, but at least it funnels through his pockets. It's a nicer drive down through the swamp and stuff too...and better hunting and fishin if you can talk him in to taking you.

Ok on the boat part but rigging and the motor part, ball is in Andy's court! I bought from Kent but have friends that went through Andy and the rigging is very nice and the motor is tuned to get all its got.

For some reason, I was thinkin he already had the motor. Sorry, I guess I'm a lil tired from all of the migratory bird population control I've been doin& didn't read very well.

I bought my 1st MB from LaDonna (Gator Trax) & they're great folks to deal with, but I can't speak for their boat rigging, as I've never seen any that I know of. When it comes to MB motors, Andy (Boat Dr) is the shit, that I can vouch for.