I have a Weldbilt 1652 .100 gauge vbow flat bottom ribbed with float pods from Weldbilt on the boat. Looking at getting a Mud Buddy 44BD for the rig and was wondering if I'll be able to run full throttle without concerns. I want to get the most amount of power for the boat I can but I also want to be sure I'm not over-powering the hull. I understand that there are a lot of factors that will impact the performance of the motor and hull, I.E. weight, distribution of weight, water conditions, however I'm looking for input assuming 2 persons (weight 175 & 225) and an average load.

The hull is rated for a 50hp tiller or an 80hp remote steer. Thanks in advance.

Should run out fine. I,m running a BD 45 on a 1648 Riveted .72 ga. Alumacraft hull. I built in a 12 gal. tank behind front deck and moved rear bench seat 16" forward for better hull balance. Don't have pods. Boat is rated for 30HP. Hauls a load and carrys very good WOT speeds with a Hammer Prop.

Those pods may cause you the most trouble initially because they will affect the water getting to the prop cleanly. After you cut those off, you'll be dealing with a washboard bottom that is hooked up from the horizontal bracing if you hit sand bars, stumps, etc.

Big bend fortunately in Maryland we primarily have mud to deal with not a lot of stumps, timber, and or sand bars.

Sounds like a true flat bottom hull will be your best friend when running just mud.

Do some research on pods and a surface drive.