Hi!

I'm new to Mud Motors, but I jumped in when I bought a 35 GDSD a month ago. I never stepped in a mud boat and I do not have a clue of how they are supposed to ride. I bought one because I got stuck in reeds and cattails more than once and because I ran aground 5 times during the past 2 years. I need something that rides where it's wet, not only where it's deep. That being said, I also need to be able to navigate open water with some waves to get to my remote hunting and fishing spots. Normal load would be 2 men, a dog and 48 decoys. I need a boat to make my motor float.

After looking at the options in my neck of the woods (we do not get the boats specially made for MM north of the border) I ended up with 2 options: 1648 Lowe riveted or 1650 Alumacraft Waterfowler welded.

Lowe pros are price (1200$ cheaper than the Alumacraft) and weight (250 lbs less). Cons are rivets and hull thickness (.070 vs .102). Could the lightweight also be a problem with such a heavy motor? Will it tend to sit pointing up? Will I end up being bounced around in the waves?

Alumacraft pros are setup (open floor!) and hull thickness; it seems to be a stronger boat. Cons are price and weight. 250lbs is a lot, but then I got a 35hp. Will it be too sluggish?

It all boils down to how the setup will ride. Since I do not know, I need your help!

Thanks!

GDSD's run best on a GDSD boat. period. any boat will work, just some better than others, but definitely go with the welded. that is a heavy motor also, so make sure the transom is braced sufficiently.

16 foot is too short --- go 18 and you will be a lot happier longterm....

The MMs are too heavy to carry a load well without a bit more length....

You bought the wrong mm to run thick grass.

Well, you guys are confirming my fears: motor is too heavy. I may have the opportunity to give the used GDSD35 AND 1500$ to get a brand new MB 27 lite (175lbs). Would this be better suited for my needs? Will I regret the 8hps? Since I'm alone more than 50% of the time in the boat, I do not want more than 16'. And thick grass is not enough of a concern to get a longtail.

Do yourself a little more research Couldn't imagine having to go back to a small motor!

Ok, so I will learn MM with the 35. You got to know that I am upgrading from a 12' with a 9.9. I seriously think that a 16 would be more than enough; I almost find it too big for my needs. That being said, I understand that the ride would be smoother on an 18. But how do you navigate tight spots? Remember, I do not have reverse on this baby . And thanks for the infos, I'm starting to get a better picture of the rig. Keep it coming if you have more...

Well I ran a 35 GDSD on a 16x48 GDSD hull --- great solo rig or with 2 guys but not 3....

Just bought a new 18x44 GD round chine for my 35 GDSD --- much better 3 man rig
and manuevers in tight places at greater speed than the 16x48 did solo or loaded....

The 18 will draft less no matter what the load --- the 16 will be a tad faster solo
run similar speeds with 2 men and be slower with 3 men --- you always have compromises
when you choose a hull --- but in general most would agree you will be happier long term
with the 18 vs the 16....

Sort through all the BS and then get a 1860 Go Devil Surface Drive boat.

If you run ANY timber....1844 gd.

However, I am running a 1648 weldbilt and love it.