Hello all,

I will be purcashing my first mud boat soon, i have choosen what boat and motor setup i think i would like to get. but would like your guys opion before i get it.

The setup i have choosen is a PD 18x60 with a single 36 PD stock motor(lack of funds for duels), center console, and extended front deck.

My normal load would be 50 gallons of gas, canvas wall tent, sleeping bags, boat safety stuff, cooler full of food, 3 people (200#), guns and ammo, and a dog.

It would also be nice if i could haul a butchered moose, but not neccesary, just wanna know if you guys will think it could.

The area i drive in is a hard mud bottom with approx 70% deep water driving (10 feet). there is not much vegitation. the boat would be used to go to the camp and also for geese and moose hunting.

What speeds do you think i would get with the above load?

Is there boat that would be better suited?

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a heavy load. The 18x60 will haul a load, but with a stock motor I'm not sure its gonna get the job done. I'm not familiar with the PD boats. Is that a square or round chine? Its definately not gonna be a speed demon. I'd think that you are definately gonna need mods for the single engine.

And, just wondering, why 50 gals of gas???

Sounds like an outboard would suit your needs better. That would be a slow ride.

Duels would be the only way to go if your traveling a considerable distance.

What conditions do you run that you need a mud motor?

50 gallons of gas to travel all weekend during a moose hunt.

My plan is to buy a single motor now, and when i have the funds to get duels.

i need a mud motor in order to get to better hunting spots up shallow creeks and lakes, where outboards cannot go.

I know that a outboard would probably suit my needs better, but i also like to explore the mackenzie delta and cannot get to allot of cool places.

Thanks

also speed insnt really an issue as long as i can get on step.

I'm not sure that a single motor is gonna set that boat and load up on step.

so did you ever decide wut ur gonna get or did u buy a rig yet Huvic? I noticed this thread hasnt been replied to in a lil while but I was gonna suggest watching the MB video of the 12 guys in a gator trax boat with the HD 6000 on the MB website

why not get a 1860 with an outboard and like a 23 lt mounted on tandem? you could get where the outboard could get you fast, trim up and drop in the mudmotor when in the shallow stuff? or maybe even a tunnel hull and jackplate for just an outboard?