We bought a old ball package a few years ago and turned it into a very nice rig. Currently we run a 2004 xpress 16DB. its rhino lined from the factory and is an awesome boat but very heavy. It came with a Mud Buddy 31hp stock motor on it. We bought it in the late fall of 2007 and didnt get to drive it till the ice melted. We quickly found out it was mis matched and under powered.

Since then we added the black death kit, big blade prop and installed medium pods to the back. This made a world of difference. BTW, we did all of this in stages and I dont care what any expert on here says, the pods made a huge improvement in our situation (the boat drafts less water and its much easier to get on plane). It runs 24mph with 2 guys (425-450lbs). Of course as you load it up the speed drops off significantly because it plows the water.

We run the Mississippi late season in MN (think 10 degrees, busting ice, 30mph NW winds). We used to have a short ride to our spot but now we have a longer run across big water & deep channels. We want some kind of mod-v thats big and stable that busts through the white caps (which the xpress does great). Late season we run 3 guys (650lbs), a chessie (100lb dog), boat blind, 12 doz decoys, buddy heaters, grille, etc... (YES, loaded to the gill). We are asking way to much out of our set up.

As far as a motor goes, for now we are probably going to swap our 31 for a 35 and throw on the black death kit. Next year when finances are better we will get a new motor with reverse (thinking the mud buddy sport V 44).

Now the Question, Whats a good Boat option for us? We are currently looking at the Alweld 1852FVMUD. Remember late season, big water, white caps and ICE. I dont think a true mud john boat will handle the waves and big water (i may be wrong). Also the .1 alum kinda scares me. The .125 on the xpress took a beating a few years ago in the ICE and I swore i would never get a cheaper boat.

Thoughts.....

Get a custom builder to build you one..do it in all 1/8 or a 3/16 bottom for the ice and tell em to put a v In the bow and just go high sides..be way better off IMO than messing with those junk production boats

I'm in MN and hunt the Mississippi too as well as up north at my cabin. I got a Gator Trax 1754 Hybrid Hunt deck (18'8" OAL). Hybrid is a mod-V front with pure flat bottom where it is in the water. Also has side crimp that keeps spray down. Does great in waves! I was actually surprised--we went out up North (drive right through Deerwood--are you from there??) on a deep natural lake in 40mph+ winds when it was snowing. We had to cross head on into the wind and the ride was as dry and smooth as it would have been with my deep-V Lund...maybe better.

I did go out on the River last 12/1 and had to break 4" of ice--we got to spots that wouldn't break and had to get out and walk across ice thin ice, break through, stand in the mud for traction and two of us had to pull the boat across the ice using rope. I did cringe when I had side impacts hitting that thick ice and kind of wished I had a 3/16" hull at that time.

Check out Muddy Waters Outdoors in LaCrosse, WI. Gator Trax dealer and awesome to work with. Strobie22 on here is the co-owner.

PM me if you have questions. I can tell you what I would have done different.

Yup

Only got a partial PM from you...

here are a few pix

Come and see us down at Phowler Boat Company or visit our MN dealer in Dover, TNT Marine. We do alot of custom rigs for folks in MN, we can hook you up for a demo and you can be assured you will get the boat exactly the way you want it.

PW