I have been running a 1646 Xpress v front flat bottom with a 20 hp Go Devil for 10 years. I used in for marsh hunting and it functions with 2 guys for that situation, however with a full load of equipment or with 3 guys it drafts more than desireable and doesn't get up on plane. It also is small enough that with a little help I can offload it in shallow water without floating it.

Since then I have started doing some lake and river hunting and would like to upsize. I also want this rig to double as a fishing boat.

I am thinking about an 1860 and a 35 hp surface drive.

Advice please.

First of all, where are you located ?

18X48 WITH A PRODRIVE

I hear that the GDSD's run better on a wider boat. But a 60" bottom seems like a bit of an over kill. imo

I got a 2054 and can run in creeks around here behind the 48's all day, but the down fall to the long wide is you can not turn around you have to back out......and when you stick it on dry ground you are not going to push it off alone.... set her on dry ground 2 times last weekend and had to winch the front around to start cutting a trench.

My next boat will be at 1860 or 2060 but i hunt lakes and fish with the kids and i want it to draft as little as possible.

If you live close come buy my Hull its already broke in and ill cut you a great deal if i can keep it till my new rig comes in.

Later and good luck.........remember to each his own.....