Okay I would first like to say that I have looked at the post regarding this motor and it was very helpful, but I also have a few specific questions. My dad has been a mechanic and service manager his entire life and I had asked him what he felt about the two motor manufactures. After sometime talking I came to the conclusion that I wanted to go with the 25 gtr for the following reasons. Subaru motor and not a brigs, the EFI, the fact that the Subaru site says it puts out 28 horse power (maybe I am confused, if so please correct), and the cost of the motor. Now with that said, I want to make it clear that I do not intend to take this boat just to go through the mud. I want the motor to get 2 and maybe 3 guys out hunting or fishing. Requirement is I have to be able to go through the vegetation and shallow water. Now my question is, what size hull would have the best performance with this motor. I know this all depends on the load so we are looking at the most 3 guys at an average of 170 lbs, guns, 2-3 dekes, fuel, and a cooler. Fishing is mostly me and my dad so I dont think that will be an issue. So far I really think I might be getting package #2 from GT or upgrade it to a 1654 extreme (more money though, is it worth it), unless you guys (the experience) think a different hull would be better. I feel like I am bugging you guys on this site, but from the post I have been reading I could not get better information from all of you and this is a big purchase for myself and the family.

You're not bugging anyone bro.

Those type questions are exactly what this forum is for and most here are more than glad to help out.

Before we get too far, and you may have said already elsewhere, why are you interested in the 25hp?

Is it due to hp limitations?

He had said he could save some money going with the 25 and that is what keeps his wife happy!

Can I trade you some of my friends for your friends that avg 170? I'd like to get some under 250. Let me know if we can make a deal. Will deliver.

Get whatever you can afford and make it work.I am sure you will be happy with whatever package you pick.That GatorTail 25 is a running sumabitch!good luck

No the main reason is we have not had much success with Brigs in the lawn business and I feel more confident with the Subaru. That is what I discussed with the Paps today and what his experience was with Brigs engines. After I had talked to him he felt like the Subaru would be a better motor. Don't know if that is weird. The little motor is getting great reviews and it is 1 K cheaper. Now I really don't want people to think that I am saying the Vanguard engine is junk because I see how everyone loves them and are doing great with them and to be honest I have never been in a mud boat so I am really relying on you guys.

But what hull would you run with this motor and the load that I am looking at? LOL or am I just flat out wrong.

Pm sent to you.

I have the 25 subaru on a 16x42. With me and one other person with a very light load it runs about 27-28. With three people, several dozen decoys, a popup blind, gear, etc, it runs about 22. I believe it is because of the width of the boat. Hopefully some of the guys with some different size boats will chime in. Hope this helps.

1654 might be what u need

1840 runs good with 2 and a load. Haven't done 3 and a load but id'd expect 23-24...

sent by carrier pigeon...don't shoot it!!!!

Freedomhunter, I am almost in the same situation you are. Just ordered a 16.4x44 crawfish skiff with a 20 inch huntdeck on it from Extreme metal fabrications in Pierre Part,LA. I was referred to him by Wildberry and Bmartina. Paying 3400 bucks for the hull (which is a hell of a deal). He claims he will have it done in 4-5 weeks. Wildberry has one of his skiffs and it is an extremely well made hull. I am trying to decide between the 25 and 35. My boat is basically an 1844 including the huntdeck. I am only going to run thick mud on mud rides, but i will mainly use the boat for hunting local hard bottom lakes hunting and fishing. I am 90% sure i am going with the 25 due to reviews i have read and would honestly rather have the fuel injected/warranted motor vs the briggs. I think the 18x44 should run like a bat out of hell with the 25. If you arent getting a rig any time soon, i will hopefully have the 25 on this boat in a few weeks and will post speeds.

^That's a good deal!

And I should say "fully warranted" motor considering I cant afford to buy a brand new 35. I would rather have the brand new 25 than a used 35 with half the warranty left on it. But if a 35 popped up for the right deal. I might go for it...

X2

We will see I am calling GT tomorrow to get more information and I have a guy coming to looking at my little flats boat for $3200.00. So if I sell that I will have over 5k down for a new rig and will be thinking about going bigger maybe 1754 with a 35 gtr. We will see and I am looking forward to talking to GT. Also I really can't thank you guys enough for all your help! That southern hospitality you guys have lacks in the part of FL I am in and I am making so good friends on here. Well worth being a member on this site. Thanks for everything.

I've hit 29.4 in mine with just me and run 28.0 with me, wife, 2kids, ice chest, 6gal fuel, and all safety gear. Custom boat. I bet I still run 25 or just over it with a hunt load and 3 guys. Got videos posted round here somewhere.

lucecr, how quick to get the boat up on plan with a load and what would you say your draft is with that load?

Depends on conditions. If mud is somewhat soft and there is any water there shouldn't be any problem getting up. I had 2 sleds, 3people, a 90lb lab, 4-5dz dekes in an old 1648 riveted boat powered by a 23MB w/40" shaft. Had a 9" prop on it and was getting up no problem and running close to 20mph last season. That was my rig before this one. And this new rig will run circles around that one. I bet it doesn't draft that much. Plus when you get shallow the boat lifts to draft even less. Sorry I've never put a tape to it.