15x36 Prowler with a stock Vanguard Powered 18

With 2 folks in it in deep water, GPS'ed at 24 mph. Had some trial and error getting the trim right so as to keep off the governor. As with every boat I've ever owned, it is sensitive to load placement, but maybe it's a little more sensitive due to being relatively small.

It handles well, better than expected, but the cockpit measures, 10' x 36" or so, so you don't have room for too much stuff / load.

So far, both Phowler and Copperhead have been nice to work with, so over all, I'd give this little rig a thumbs up.

My former 15x46 skiff with a 35 GDSD was both faster and bigger, but I bought this one to be fast enough and big enough for my uses. Time will tell.

Thanks for the review. I have a 1744 Prowler with a 23 and love it.

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Is it big enough for two hunters and a dog or is it more of a solo rig? Can you post up a picture of your rig on the trailer? I'm seriously thinking of getting one of the prowlers, maybe a 1436 as a solo rig.

So the Phowler boats are good? Thinking on a 1744, still debating.


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As requested, here's a pic. To answer the other.. For me it is a solid 2 man rig. It has enough space for 2 men, one dog, and the requisite gear. But that's all, in my opinion. That's also good because it only has 18hp, and even with a Copperhead, there are limits. Also the USCG says I can haul about 450 lbs, and I'm here to tell you that with two avg hunters / dog / gear, we are at capacity. So it will never be a three man rig unless two of them are kids (mine are 6 and 9, so they fit).

With that said, I get 22-23 loaded like that, so I'm satisfied. I like to hide really well and that's where these boats shine. I do have the rare and extremely reliable push pole reverse on this model. It also has a centrifugal clutch, something that really worried me at first due to reliability concerns. But after a few trips I could see that it is something of an advantage to have the prop not spin at idle.

Thanks for the review. That is a nice rig.