I am new to the forum and hunt Anahuac wildlife refuge in Texas. I'm looking for a boat that will get 3 guys from ICW boat ramp (10 minute run) to the refuge and be able to run through thick mud and vegetation. I really love the havoc boats but from what I have heard may not be the best in mud. Also, I was hell bent on gator tail 25 but am open to other suggestions. Copperheads seem to make pretty good power. Thanks

check out the instagator for sale in the classifieds on here. I think it fits your needs well. Those boat/motor combos seemed to work great. Welcome to the forum.

A tunnel hull with a 25 four stroke

Jay (Instagator) is now in production so you can get one of his hulls a lot quicker

That Instagator for sell locally in SETX (and on the forum here) is a great boat and priced right.

I hunt all the refugees off the ICW there and I wouldn't consider any of it thick mud or vegetation. The widgeon grass is thick, but its not something that's going to get you in a bind.

Match the boat to the motor. I kind of learned the hard way. If your set on the 25, get a light boat with a simple and open lay out. Don't get carried away with storage and built ins.

I have lots of friends with 25s on GT boats, GD boats, and customs. Just keep it light. A 16-17 foot x 44-46'' seems to be ideal for the 25s.

If I was to buy another refuge boat it'd be a 25bb Briggs on a Copperhead frame. And an ultra light boat in the 1746 size range.

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And honestly for where I hunt a Longtail would be even better suited ( no intercoastal runs)

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I might have a "upgraded", but I'll be honest... I had a Backwater Longtail and it was a a great motor. And LIGHT. I still keep it in my shop, as I sold it to a friend who doesn't have a good place to keep it.

I pulled the Robin off my GTR frame. I plan to build a light boat and put the Subaru on a Backwater.

Perkins rec. of a 25BB on a Copperhead would be pretty sweet on a light boat...

If you are looking for a good boat that is lighter than the mud manufacturers, go with a Southfork mud hull.. I have a 17x44 Southfork mudhull and its .100 gauge aluminum. Basic design with only 3 ribs down the bottom of it. The cross braces from side to side are much closer than standard and there are more of them and the rear has an angle at the bottom for when motoring or pushing in reverse. Transom is has 2 braces instead of one and the height and angle is perfect for mudmotors.

I have had zero issues going through vegetation, soupy mud, shallow water and even big water.

I have a 25 BB mudbuddy with a stage 1 kit (heads, carb, exhaust) and with a full load and 3 people I move pretty quick. I have zero complaints out of it, even when I put my 9" prop on it.

Stick with a flat bottom if you are going to go with a mudmotor. If you go with a semi V then an outboard is best.

Look at the Phowler Prowler series also. I've got a 1744 with a stock 23 on it. With 2 guys, dog, and 4-5 dozen decoys, we see 22 mph.



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BSchwartz has one of the best looking hulls I've seen from a non-mudmotor manufacturer. Nice layout and well built.

That was before this Saturday when we had 10 guys pushing that stuck SOB out of the marsh

You forgot some important details Reharbert,

I got hung up on a sandbar with about 2 to 3 inches of water on it. The sand created a suction on the bottom and we were screwed.

Any and all shallow water rigs will get hung up on sand and struggle when the bottom is hard.

I know, it wasn't a shot of your boat. I really like that thing! I wanted you to chime in!

I know you weren't. I was pretty frustrated that it happened and topped with the fact I couldn't help push it because of my back issues.

Junk