Well first off let me say that I have become a mud motor addict.
I started looking for something that was at least 18 foot and enough horses to carry four people if needed.
I found an 1844 gt with a 35 mb for sale on La. Sportsman and bought it.
After stripping it and repaiting it, it turned out to be a nice boat.
I'll post pics later. Here are some specifics.
Top Speed - 28.5 mph - With me - 220 lbs, ice chest, two batteries and a trolling motor.
Speeds Loaded - 26 max with 2 large people and same load. 25 max with 3 or more people.
The boat does well in the shallows with two people or less. With 3 or more people it doesn't get on plane as fast but will carry a pretty heavy load.
I would recommend the 18 foot but with a little wider bottom, maybe 48 or 50 inches.
All in all, I'm quite pleased with the boat.
rowdy pics 095.jpg