Picking up a mud buddy mini 23 tomorrow and looking for hull recommendations. Public duck impoundments close by have a 25hp limit which is why I didn't go bigger. Boat will be used mostly in back water creeks with lots of submerged stumps for ducks/ fishing, with occasional trips to the impounds that are flooded grass. Max load in the boat will be 2 men , couple dozen decoys and occasionally a dog.
Thanks

Smallest I'd go is a 16 footer, but an 18 and skinny would be better.

Thought wider was better for a SD?

I have a 36 hp pro-drive on a 1848 boat and I sit at 25-26 bone dry if that gives you any help with size


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I'd go 1644 plus a hunt deck.

OK thanks....guess I need to figure out now how big to go without getting a boat too heavy for my small block. From what I am reading so far maybe a 1742 would work.

if i was running a mini i wouldnt go bigger than 16 foot. 17 is a lot of boat to push for a small motor unless you like going slloooowwwww

Unless you have a boat that is designed for a small HP surface drive, keep it short. Personal experience running a 16.5x48 that was really too heavy for the 25GTR.

Id look for a light 16 footer.

Just out of curiosity, what is light? After this season I'm looking for a new hull. I've seen them from 400 to 650lbs.

650 is heavy. 400 is pretty light. that 250 pounds is like putting an extra LARGE person in the boat.

I have a 14x42 Alweld that weighs around 250. My 17x48 Uncle J Custom weighs over 600.

My 1648 Alumacraft riveted Jon weighed 300 lbs bare hull.

I wouldn't say the more money the lighter.

Most of the mass manufactured hulls are thin, light, and basic. The more expensive hulls are typically heavier. More welds, more frame work, more sheet metal. Often times they have a thicker material in the floor.

Some custom builders build light hulls, but the price is typically the same. The material is slightly cheaper and the labor is a little more consuming.

A 1848 PD hull is around 500lbs bare bones.

Quick update. Ended up with a 1648f Weldbilt. Pleased with the hull. It's light, but I don't intend to do too much fast runner ngbin flooded timber. First test was approximately 24mph with just myself.

any more info on your new 1648f weldbilt? i am strongly considering one but i have a 35 go devil sd. i run it on a 1542 lowe mod v now and it does on but is too small to run in any kind of bigger water really. i am looking into a 1648f or 1652f with the split bench and open layout.

I am in the same boat (or in need of a boat) and I am hoping you can provide me some info. My local dealer has brand new 2015 War eagle War Hawk 544 (1544) camo'd out full add on floor with drain for 4999$ including trailer. i cant touch that price anywhere else and it seams really good. I have a 2015 copperhead 23hp Surface drive (105 lbs) and I didnt know if that would be a good set up. I am also looking at the 2017 Tracker Grizzly 1448 MVX, 2014 G3 1448PF 5800$, 2016 Alumacraft MV 1648 2300$, or any other suggestions. My goal is to stay under 5000$ and around 15' or less. I usually hunt 2 guys, gear, 3 doz. decoys, guns, beavertail blind, ect. I also really want an modified v hull because I heard they handle a ton better. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.