Boat: 2013 1744 Alweld Mud boat
Smooth bottom longitudinal braced full level flotation .100 5052
54" front deck batter and gas storage under bow fully welded floor

Tapered Chine

Motor - 2012 Mud Buddy HD - 23 gutted exhaust and air box advanced timing key

Speed - 22-24 avg. 2 people light load 150, 220 (36-3800) rpms in water

I did bump 26 once and would hit 25 on longer straight runs weight distribution
is key with this boat

I don't get into a much timber so i went with a lighter boat that the 23 could push without to much trouble. The boat jumps on plane quick and doesn't loose much speed goin through veggies. I gained a solid 2 mph when i gutted the exhaust and air box added timing key and raised OOW rpms 150 to hit 4340. One cylinder is still running rich but i forgot my socket when i went out today so I couldn't tune it on the water. This boat turn on a dime running up channels and creeks it won't slide at all. It's a good boat for running the marshes and rivers in my area. IMO a 1744 is an ideal size for the smaller SD. Speed is reasonable pretty darn stable for a skinny boat. I can get this boat just about anywhere I took the 1448 the 1744 performs better in every catagory.

What does the boat weigh?

I was told bout 450. There's foam in the side floor and front deck. From dragging it up on shore and judging by tongue weight I would say its pretty close.

Here's a few pics

Those are good speeds for a 23hp. I'd say your doing good.

Finally got to run the boat with a full hunt load. 2 ppl 150, 220, 75 lb dog 4 dz deeks and a few goose floaters and other misc gear and a blind that weighs bout 100 lbs. 19 mph. Can't complain at all last year with smaller lighter tin can boat less gear, no dog and lighter blind I was only getting 13.5 with this motor.

Thats a great speed for all the weight. So how was the hunting?