Just wondering what size hull would work best with a MB 27 Mini? I'm thinking something like a 16 x 44. Speed isn't as important as function. As long as it will make around 23 with two people. This will be a hunting boat for 2 maybe occasionally 3 people.

From my personal experience, a 27 mini lite will do good on a 1644 with 2 guys. Mine was a dog with 3 ppl in my 1548, so I never ran 3 in my 1644, but I saw perfomance gains with 2 ppl in the 16' boat over the 15'. Got a buddy with a 1748 PD boat with a 27 PD that performs decent with 3 ppl, wouldn't go any bigger with a 27 tho. If at all possible go with a 35 instead. The 27 mini lite is a good lil motor, but the 35 Sport is much better. If there are any 35 Lites left, they were on sale (closeout) for the same price as a 27 mini lite.

I already have the motor. Got an awesome deal on a 2009 bought in December with less than 10 hours. Motor never even left deep water while previous owner had it. I've been considering a 17 x 44 also. Plan on running pods on each side in the rear, center coffin box with grab bar, and a small deck with TM pad in the bow. First mud motor for me. I've got a lot of experience on airboats, but wanted something cheaper to run and maintain.

Nathan

You won't need the pods with a 27 mini on a 1744, I'm runnin a 35 on a 1644 short trans and no probs at all.

Sorry, by pods I meant interior pods. One in either corner at the transom.

Nathan

I ran a 25 Kohler on a 16X44 Alweld for two years...great with two guys and gear including a dog...add a third man and she won't get up on step...

For optimum performance with that motor I would go 16x48 or even 17x48...

I was thinking the other way around I guess. I thought the smaller motor would run better on a narrower hull. I guess with the wider hull it planes easier. I don't have a dog right now. Most of the areas I hunt either don't allow them or there's too many gators. Max load would be three guys 150-200#'s, two bags of dekes, and three guns. Was planning on running one group 27 battery, but may add a second small lawn mower battery as strictly a cranking battery since I'll be running a trolling motor also.

Nathan

I run a 27 pd on a 1644. I like the way it runs. If I were buying a new boat to use with the same motor, I would look into a 1744 or 1748. I think top end difference would be negligible, but when adding a 3rd person, think the little longer boat would help a lot.