Hey guys a i have a 15/46 alumacraft boat. I am wanting to start running a pd, but don't have the cash to spring for a motor and boat at the same time. Thus I am going to be stuck running this boat for a while. It has a 15" transom. Do you think I would be crazy to put a 36 pd on it? Not really wanting to buy a 27 now and 36 later. Any input will help thanks

my son is in the same boat as you. he didnot have money for a whole new rig. so he bought a new 36 pd and put it on a 15x48 southfork that we were running a 25 o/b on. we had the transom built up and reinforced. we also built up the sides a little also. with two people it runs fine. really no safety issues with it. one person you have to put weight in the front to keep it from porpusing. one problem you may have and should be careful of is when you are running and you let off the throttle be very careful you will get some wash over the transom. get a good bilge pump. i am not an expert like some people on this forum, but i hope i have helped a little w/ your decision.

It will work but it would b better to get a whole rig. Go get a loan.

n.o.yat,

What kinda speeds you getting outta dat rig? I just bought the same rig.

Thanks,

hotdog

Test it with that kinda weight and you too in the boat...

The 36 with options weighs close to 300lbs.... Get insurance ! ! !

X2 -- get yourself a loan on a whole rig -- insurance and note ain't that bad...

not really sure , we have never put it on a gps. it moves out pretty good. we paid cash for the motor and we already had a boat so we used what we had for now. wiyh the econamy and jobs as hard to find we decided to use what we had for now.

yes it will work... I purchased a 1648 semi v grizzly and just bought a 36hp prodrive 2 weeks ago.... with tree people, 2 battries, and 2 anchors we ran 25mph and with 2 people we ran 28.5 mph..... very pleased with the motor... im like you already had the boat n couldnt afford the whole rig so i had to make due with what i had for now. i would buy the biggest... that way u wont regret in the long run.....

Phowler has some insane deals on gently used demo boats with motors listed on their web page. For someone on a budget and wanting a pro drive it is worth a look.

Thanks for the info. I am wanting to stay away from loans since your never know when your going to lose your job these days. So I am going to need to raise my transom to 21"?? You guys now if a dealer would let me put one on there and see how it did?
with my 30hp nissan I run about 30mph with just two people, one being my girl that weights just over 100lbs. It seems to run out pretty good with 3 150-175lb guns in it now. I don't know how fast, but gets up on plane and does alright. I think I can fit my gas tank and battery under my front deck with some modifications to help with the weight distribution. thanks for the info again.

i dont know where you live but i tested out a 36hp prodrive before i bought it.... i purchased it at abernathys in union city teneessee...they even went with me to set the trim on it

Cool, that is where I will bet getting mine at in union city. I live over in the north east corner of arkansas. Duck hunting is going to be a mess this year since the ice storm came through. I can't hardly walk through the woods around here, I don't know how I will get a boat through them.

I am with cutt. If you can build up the transom, do it. It is not impossible to later convert your short transom PD into a long transom model, but it does involve a couple of hundred bucks and disassembling your drive, welding in a housing extension, etc. I did it to my motor...something I'd prefer to never do again.

paid 5795 out the door... manual trim n manual reverse 36hp no taxes

So is there an advantage to running a long transom?

i need to make a splash guard for my rig.... Does anybody know of anyone selling a prodrive mud boat 16x48?

yea.. i think its worth every penny of it... just wish i had the prodrive boat to go with the motor

Be sure to watch the welds that connect the transom to the sides. I had a 32 PD on an Express and after about 2 1/2 years the welds on top cracked. Express was awesome about it though. They welded it up for free. I did have to take it to Hot Springs but they have great customer service. Now I have a PD boat so don't have to worry about it any more.

do you know of anyone selling a 16x48 pd boat? I wish I had looked into this more brfore i rushed into buying a boat and mud motor... i had a 23hp gd that only pushed my boat 8mph so i sold it and bought my 36hp pd and love it... I just wish i bought the package deal the pd boat and motor... i have a 16x48 with semi v and 36pd and runs 28mph 2 big people.... happy with what i have just wish i looked into it little more before buying a boat

i cant stand up and drive the pd.. i have to set down and drive....