Hello Everybody! I have decided that I would like to add another boat to my collection and since I am new to the mud motor rig thing I am seeking some advice.

I live in Southwest Florida and am wanting a boat to use for duck hunting (Lake Okeechobee/glades/saltwater bay), frogging, fish gigging, bowfishing, everglades exploring and maybe some (way) inshore fishing. Use would generally be no more than 3 people.

I am a very experienced saltwater fishing boat/outboard motor guy but I don't know much about mud motors aside from what i have learned reading here.

So, with these parameters in mind what would you guys opt for?

Biggest question is how much you looking to spend?

I don't really have a set budget and don't know what these things sell for. Can you get a decent rig for around $10K? I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a good used rig if it suited my applicaton.

I don't know enough about LT vs. SD, round vs. square chines ect. to figure this out on my own.

Availability will be another consideration. I don't know of anybody in the area (Fort Myers) that offers this style of boat/motor

A new rig from us would run you approx. 15kInclude: 18x54 1/8th Alum Bateau * large front deck(dry storage) *Gun Box * back drivers pod
LED shark eye running lights, anchor light, LED interior lights, and switch panel
Custom Camo Paint
2011 36FPR ProDrive with Hydro Trim and Auto Reverse
Diamond City Alum Trailer with Spare (LED Lights)

Now a days, a used rig would run you 12 or so.

Good luck

UNCLE J CUSTOM BOATS
JASON
281 216 7848

Take a day and run over to Melbourne and see Lamar Cox at Florida Mudmotors, he has numberous different rigs over there and can get you pointed in the right direction. He has rigged out alot of boats over the years and has the ablity to get you a Gator Tail, Pro-Drive or Copperhead motor and has 3-5 different boats in stock right now, we just dropped off three Phowlers to him last week.

PW

I appreciate the input guys. I will try to find some time to take a drive over to Melbourne next month.

How do these rigs handle vegetation? In addition to shallow water, heavy vegetation is going to be the primary obstacle where I would like to run. Hydrilla, lilly pads, reeds ect. Not much in the way of logs/stumps. Which engine style works best for this?

You won't even know the weeds are there. Any of these motors will handle the grass just fine. Don't fall into the trap of letting someone tell you what to buy. Do your research and demo what you can. Almost ALL dealers regardleess of brand will be happy to demo their products with some advanced notice. If they won't go find another dealer!

Another thing---check out the Classified section--there are a lot of guys buying these rigs these days that truly have no need for them and end up realizing it after a year or 2.

Use the "search" feature to answer your questions about boat characteristics such as: chine shape, length, width, bottom styles, materials, and production hulls vs. custom mm hulls. If you can't find it there then ask specific questions. AND most importantly---there is no perfect rig. Build/buy a rig that will suit your needs 80% of the time and you have achieved your goal.