I had been considering going with what is available locally (alweld, alumacraft, etc), but now it looks like I have a buddy willing to drag a boat up to me. I know I need something decent size as I always seem to be carrying pretty heavy loads. So now I'm hoping for some opinions on the "best" boat size for my needs. The boat will be powered by a 36 PD w/steering. I run mostly hard sandy/gravel/rocky rivers (both real narrow and real wide) and some big weed choked lakes. The boat will see a lot of sand and silt, but not much real mud. I also do some long runs so I dont want a boat that is too much of a dog. And lastly it will see some decent waves in some of the bigger lakes I hunt. So let the opinions fly!

Go with an outboard and a jack plate.


Or an Airboat

there's a review in the review forum a dude wrote who has an 1860 with a stock 36. you might be intersted in checking that out.

if you need to draft very little get the 60 bottom with square chins.

Or just get a 2054 out of the classifieds.

U might not need a mud motor but don't get a short sided boat if you cross heavy seas.

Good luck with your purchas.

James