Long time lurker first time poster.

I had a 16x52 with a 27LT on it. The banker now approved a new rig, looking to get a 36PD and put it on a 17x52 something.

Just want to know what boats will perform will in these conditions. Needs to be able to break ice up to 3 inches, I do cross some big water to get to shallow spots so it needs to take some waves. I want it to have a high gunwale as I do carry a lot of decoys sometimes. I know the performance will not be that good with the full hunting load but I want to still be able to move in the slop.

I have the 17x52 and regret it! 18x50 or 18x52 will be my next boat. They might be a little slower light but will be faster loaded!

I don't think there is a rig out there that will break 3" of ice, maybe someone who has actually seen 3" thick ice can confirm

Since you asked. This was my last boat. This isn't shore ice either.

three inches of ice isn't that bad. All four of my fowlers have done a fine job. When you think it won't break it, pull the plug and take on 4" of water or so and you can break through alot more!

I had a polar kraft 1860 AW that i broke 6inchs of ice on several occasions to get to a main river channel. I had a 75 merc. I would slide up on the ice and walk forward. It would sink crack and i would power forward. It was slow but it done it fine.

18/60 Phowler did just fine up here in ct last year broke ice every day from dec thru feb that's when the weight of these boats come into play slower then others but built like a tank

a gatortrax will break 3 in of ice. wish i never got rid of mine

Look at prodrive sbx with mod v. The sbx will be you confidence on big water. The mod v will help you in ice. See if they will put you some extra ribs or 3/16 bottom. Just a thought . You won't be a speed deamon but boat will last. Run 22-25 without mods.

Get a Deep South Custom! I can build you a rig that will break ice and not your bank!!

I can say one thing- those old Polarkrafts like mine with the ice runners will break through that sht. You may want to get some ice runners built in if most of your season is spent doing this.

I've got a 1760 Phowler with 36 PD and could not be happier with it. I have not broke ice yey, but I have no doubts about it's ability to do it. Fantastic boats.... 26 - 27 with one or 2 guys, 22 - 23 with 3 or 4 guys.....

I was looking for more of a flat bottom, the ice I break could be the last week of the season and the maybe another week after that for geese.

My last boat with ice runners need less to say it popped on top of the ice and I just broke a trail a wide as my LT shaft with the cav plate under the ice.

Speed and breaking the ice are my needs but finding the best of both worlds might not happen.

I was looking for more of a flat bottom, the ice I break could be the last week of the season and the maybe another week after that for geese.

My last boat with ice runners need less to say it popped on top of the ice and I just broke a trail a wide as my LT shaft with the cav plate under the ice.

Speed and breaking the ice are my needs but finding the best of both worlds might not happen.

A mod V is a flat bottom with the front at a V. On that V you could put a 1x1x 3/16 or 1/4 angle. Biatch would cut thru ice like butter.

Sorry hybrid mod V. What ever you call it. We swamp people. We would use a plonjure to cut ice.

Lol. A skiff with not much rake. Also called a dangerous F*cker.

1756 Phowler would be a small as I would remmend as a good two -three man rig, 1856 or 1860 will carry a better load, will plane easier with load and can run open water in rough conditions very well. Call us and tell us the details of what you need the boat to do and we will get you pointed in the right direction.

Breaking ice will not be an issue with any of our hulls.

PW