I'm looking at getting my first boat w/a mud motor and I want it to last a life time. I've had aluminum boat s in the past and have always been worried about wrecking them; I do not want to worry about that again. The rig I'm thinking of going with is an 1856 phowler extreme with a pro drive 36 (hydraulic trim, manual reverse). Only trick is I'd like to see one if not run one before hand.... Or at least get enough positive feedback to know this is what I want for sure. No one seems to run phowlers around me (horicon area, wi) anyone out there got a similar rig that can give me some feedback?

What kind of water do u run? If want to get 1 and be done with it I would say get a 3/16s bottom if you run stumps. Thats what I plan to do when I tear this gd up. When I first got into this mm thing I was lead to believe that a .125 was more than enough..... Wrong. I have a buddy with a gtrax with a .125 bottom and you would think that it was flipped ovr and beat with a sledge hammer.

Most of what I run is marsh but if I hunt on the west side of the state on the mississippi then stumps are a major issue

You may have to drive a lil out of the way, go with a south La custom builder and you'll be happy you did.

I'm getting a Phowler Extreme 1856 with a 36 PD Stage 1. Should have it by next weekend if you are interested in seeing it/going for a ride. Located in the Lake Geneva area. Bubba and everyone at Phowler Boats have been great and easy to deal with so far. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

that would work for me

I'll let you know when I get it and we can set something up for you to come down.

I run an 1852 Phowler with 36 HP stock Prodrive. Has been a great rig. I have owned three different brands of mudboats (all good) and the Phowler is as good as any. They are not the flashiest boats on the planet, but if solid and functional is what you are looking for in a boat that you want to last long time, Phowler is a fit.

I used to get a new mud boat every 1-2 years. I will be going on my third season with the Phowler this year with no plans to replace it.

Have a buddy here in Prairie du Chien WI that sells prodrives and phowlers. He has 1860 with a 36. boat is a tank. I got a 1648 Prodrive boat with a 32. Hulls on both boats are soild and we hunt on the Mississippi and run over all kinds of shiat. If you want I can PM you his cell.

The only place I know of in town there is Starks that sells boats. Does he have a shop there or is it all order?