I just bought a 14/36 rivited flat bottom . I am looking into either a 12 hp copperhead or an 18 hp. My question is there a significant difference between the two ? I will be running long hours at night and many miles from the truck with 2 people on board.

All I can tell you is that you almost never have too much power. When you think about it, the 18 is 50% stronger than the 12. That's a lot. I have the 18 on my 15 x 36 and it is a really nice combo. My advice is get the bigger one. How many posts on here have guys saying, "I've just got too much power, I think I'll downsize?" None. Instead folks are struggling to find a few more ponies.

Get the 18. Thats 6 more hp with only like a 10-15lb weight difference

If you go with the 18 you may as well go with the 23....same weight

Have any of ya'll had any luck with the predator engines ?

Dont know of anyone with one. Just do your research.

I've got the 18 copperhead on a 1444 G3. Its a relatively heavy boat but so far I'm very satisfied with it. I couldn't see going any smaller than that tho.