I have a 18 foot xpress now, and plan on selling it come spring. If I can get rid of it I want to buy a mud boat, and motor. I want another 18 probably around 54 wide. I am trying to find out the best and fastest motor, hull combination. I don't want to do any mods so it will just be stock. I guess I could always put exhaust and k&n but no internal mods. I have heard horror stories of you guys. I have been leaning toward pro drive or gator tail, but am open to anything. I am looking to spend $18K or less. Also I have never owned. I will usually mainly for catfishing, bowfishing, and duck hunting. Also what speeds can I expect out of a 18 ft. and 35 or 36?

sounds to me like a 20x54 with a 90 Merc is what u need

i have an 18/46 with a GTR 35 and me by myself it runs 30 in deep water. I haven't put the GPS on it in shallow water but i'm sure its a little more like around 31,32 or so. Since you said something about catfishing you might want the instant reverse that the gator-tail offers for quick reverse. It works wonders if you need it right then and there. The Prodrive offers an FPR(full power reverse) that is offered in Hydraulic or manual that is second to none when you need lots of power in reverse. I have put my boat in lots of situations and it has performed wonderfully. It has plenty of power to get me out of tight spots. Keep in mind i am a big fisherman and hunter and the GT reverse that is instant is awesome at the boat ramp and for just trolling and picking up decoys and moving in and out of tight spots quickly. I drove all three motors in one day (GDSD, PD, and GT) just test driving and the PD 36 with the FPR is a great combination but i just couldn't see moving that lower unit back and forth while at the boat ramp over and over again or picking up decoys in deep water or such. But when in reverse you had better have ahold of something. THe GTR was more suitable for me because of the instantreverse and for my situations i'll be using it for. HOpe this helps in your decision making.

I have a 1870 with 90 yamaha now. It is a hell of a boat and built like a tank, but I bought it to do alot of bowfishing. Now I am really into bowfishing rivers. My boat will do it, but I want a mud motor to get me places a outboard will not go.

either the PD or GT will do what you want. both are great motors. just comes down to really the FPR or instant reverse. both will do excellent is whatever situation you put them in. just comes down to personal opinion.

Check out our Phowlers, we can make to a really nice set-up that will do all the things you want, get great speeds and we can fit it into your budget no problem.

PW

What do you guys think about the excel boats? I was looking today at a 1851 online and it is a good looking boat! I don't know if this one was .125 gauge but that is the only way I would want a mud boat. They have same build as othe mud boats, but was wondering are they built as well? Thanks for the help!!

I am happy with the 1852 Phowler and 36 HP Prodrive combo I am running. This is my fifth mud boat and I think I got it right this time. The boat is big enough for my varied needs, has the open floor plan I like, and is strong.

I was in one of the new Excels yesterday...looks good, lots of bells and whistles like a War Eagle. Excels in the past have not been the fastest running designs. They were pretty heavy. My ride yesterday was short, boat seemed to run well but we didn't break any speed records. Jury is still out on that one.

I dig the Phowler boat and like the fact that it can be customized to my taste with options, paint color or even my own fabrications. I plan to look at one in the spring as I want to upgrade my rig. I would be interested to hear from Phowler owners on the bottom runners they offer, if you have them.

First thing I did when I got my Phowler (before putting the motor on) was to flip it over and grind off those runners. I have heard good things about what they can do for high-speed handling, but I know from experience that I want an absolutely flat, smooth bottom on my boat without crimps, runners, or raised keels.

Just my preference and I have loved the boat set up without the runners. You can do it the easier way and order it without the runners if you prefer.

How does that Phowler do for bustin ice. I have to deal with it every once in a while here in MO.