I run (1) 16x44/25GDLT & an 18x44/25GDLT for my guide service.
The 18 with Frog Spit on the bottom runs 18mph (GPS) with (2) two hunters, dog & gear.
Surprisingly, the 16 with the same load would only run 16mph under the same conditions.
I also removed the water logged foam in the floor from both boats.
Where I gained the speed on the 16 is when I fabricated & welded floatation pods onto the transom.
Right out of the gate, I was running 19mph with the same load.
One of my other guides with the 16 had the same issues.
The only thing we could figure is the 16's just didn't have the planing surface of the 18, even though lighter.
Once the float pods were added to his rig, we got the same performance as mine.
My suggestion is to have a local welder customize pods for the rear of the boat.
You can buy premanufactured pods but many leave a gap @ the trnasom due to the box design which can really get tyou in trouble is stuck in the soft mud.
They act like a front end loader & the mud or vegatation clogs up around the pods.
Make sure you use a good welder because the rounded chines are a biotch to weld if you don't know what you are doing.
Good Luck!!!
