i am lloking at 16' boats w/ 23 sd motor. I will be hunting both marsh and flooded timber(mud-stumps, veggitation). will be hunting 2 people maybe 3 on occation but very rarely. looking at go-devil, gator trax, excel,and gator tail. all advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Look back at the various reviews on the reviews forum, you will find alot of good information their.
If you want a 2 man rig primarily, a 23 will do the job on a 16-1740 boats, but don't overlook the little 12hp Copperhead on a good matched boat either, they are running right with the 18-23 hp heavier motors on a our 1540 boats, 15-17 mph with three guys and light gear.

Again, look over the reviews forum and spend some time PMing and talking to guys who have similar rigs to what you are looking for, that is your best bet to getting pointed in the right directions for you.

PW

If you are going to be running in the timber with stumps you need to get a heavy built hull!!

Buy the biggest motor you can afford! Remember, it's always better to go fast on piece of shyte than slow on another boat.