Long time duck hunter, 1st time MM owner. I have a 1440 semi V that I am rigging out. It has deep sidewalls 20" and is 5 feet at the gunwales, 16" transom. Coastguard max recomm. hp is 25.

I was leaning towards a 23 hp longtail, but a buddy advised a 16 hp. 50% of the time it will be me, my dog and gear. Other 50% will be me, my dog and gear + 1 other guy.

I dont want to be under-horsed, but I dont want to sink my boat either. I want the most hp possible for my size boat.

16hp, 18hp, 23hp??? Ya'lls advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

Go with a 25 Kohler! LT or SD, heck go 27 and swap HP stickers! the weight isn't but a few #'s difference if any at all. Go with the max HP that you can run on that hull. You'll thank me later! lol

it really dont matter what your boat is rated for unless it just cant handle it. i have a 15x42 alweld thats rated for a 25 an i have a 40 on it..
then one time i had a 10ft aluminum batou with a 25hp mercury!

so i would say go with a 27hp GDLT