In the process of doing some drawings for my first true mud boat.
At first I was thinking about doing something like an instagator rig.
16.5' x 46" pushed by my current 23hp gtr.

Now I am having second thoughts about doing something like a 16.5' x 60" pushed by a 35.

Typical load will be about 2 guy and a fair amount of gear. Once in awhile we add a third guy and maybe once or twice a fourth guy.

It will mainly be used for duck hunting but also will get used for fishing, bowfishing, and trapping.

I am looking for something stable, that hauls a good load.

Any input is appreciated.

You will never wish you had less power.

It will probably get on plane.

Load carrying and 16' don't belong in the same sentence...

If you're going with a 35 of some sort, why are you stuck to a 16' boat? I could see it if you were keeping the 23, but the 35 is a different ball game all together.

Go 18X54 or 60 with a 35/6/7 depending on motor...

The 18 will carry the weight much better won't hurt you.

18X48 if you need to run narrow spots, but that didn't sound like an issue for you and the 54-60 will handle the load much better.

Go tall transom and 21-24 inch sides.

You will be glad on both especially if you get out on a river...

Use a full 20ft sheet and make it 48" wide where the rake starts and pull it back to 46 at the transom.

Definitely go 18 foot. It will run better than a 16 foot boat.

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What about those instagator rigs with the 25? They seemed to haul an impressive load and still keep up....