Looking for something to replace my 1544. I was thinking something like a 1644 or 1648 would work a little better with a Copperhead 23hp. Not sure if I should go longer or wider. I'd like it to be light, and I run in shallow marshes so there's not stumps or anything to worry about. The max the boat will carry is 2 people and a small hunting load. I'm getting 27-28mph right now and I'd like to keep that top speed. Thanks

I have a 1744 with a MB HD, little heavier motor than your copperhead and a heavier boat than that tin can alumacraft. I run 22-23 by my self with a stock motor in deep water but with a 2 man (150, 220) hunt load 75 lb lab 100lb pop up blind 5 dz deeks and other misc gear it runs steady 19. Your going to loose a little speed from what you are now but you will gain load carrying ability with the longer hull. A 1744 has about the same planing surface area as a 1648 but I like the extra length for stacking gear and it runs flatter. Long and skinny is better than short and wide with the smaller HP motors

It really depends on the boat. I have a 1744 Phowler Prowler with a .100 hull and get 23mph with the same 2 man load that puddler45 runs. Like you, I don't need a heavier hull because I run deep water and shallow, weedy marsh. I can get 25mph with a 2 man fishing load and 27mph by myself with a light load.

Like puddler45 said, I think you'll give up a couple mph, unless you mod the motor.

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The extra width at the back will help maintain some of that speed better. As well as a square chine. The 1648 would do very well. Going a little thicker on the hull only adds a little weight, and some will say go thicker, but every pound you add in the hull means less weight you can load in it. So stay light, and youll maintain that speed or close to it. I would go as wide up to 54" as you can, which will keep the back up higher when underway.

With your intended use, id even consider staying at 15ft and going up to a 50-54" width, possibly even getting to builder to keep the rake a ft shorter than normal

I've also been looking at the Go-Devil skiffs and Gator Trax Rougues in 16'ish lenths if anyone has any input on those. I know the Go Devil skiffs were desinged for long tails and they're only 36" wide.

Have you looked at the Phowler Prowlers? Paul designed them specifically with the Copperhead in mind.

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I have a 17'6" rogue (16' plus hunt deck) and really like it. I have a longtail on mine but I know that Gator Trax says they are perfect for 23 and 27 surface drives. If you are only carrying you plus one other and hunting gear I would get the 15' or 16' plus hunt deck. Should be enough length to balance a load good in these narrow boats.

Those prowler sneak boats are nice little boats too.