Had a spot this year we needed a boat to access to hunt so we used an old, worn out jon boat that barely got us to the spot. I have got to get a good boat. Typically it would haul 3 people plus dog and equipment. I want to be able to hunt out of it if need be. What size boat would be best for these needs? Would hunt a variety of places from smaller rivers, flooded timber, to some decent size waters.

I was thinking a 16 or 17X50-55 boat but not sure if that would be good for my needs. I would like to get a boat that would be good with a mud motor. I don’t have the money to buy both right now but thought I would buy the boat and get the motor when I can. I would appreciate any input.

JB

For a three man load a 16-1750-54 would be good. You can get a new or near new mudboat (PD, Phowler, GD or GT) boat in one of those sizes and they will run great with a surface drive MM and will last a lifetime. You will spend around $6000-7000 for a new one with a good trailer. If you are on a budget I would recommend looking at an older true flat. We have found that the older PolarCraft flats in the 1650-51 size are very good performers. I have one here now that is older, but in great shape. Of the older flats the Polarcrafts are one of the tougher ones, when everyone else was going to light .070 and .065 material, Polarcraft was using .080 and .085. Again, these are not true mudhulls, so you need to use some common sense when running them, but they hold up pretty well, are cheap used compared to a new hull and there are alot of them still around.

We also have a very nice used Gator Trax and MB 35 Hyper combo up here used that will sell for around $8200 complete. If you watch the ads etc, you can find some nice used rigs, many with less then 150 hours (some as low at 50 hours) on them in this same price range.

You can spend alot on one of these rigs, but you can also put together a nice rig on a budget, just remember to look only at true flat jons, steer clear of semi V and MV hulls or coast guard front hulls, they will not perform as well with a MM as the true flat will.

Good luck in finding your new rig.

PW