Well started getting into duck hunting more this year and have come to the realization that, if i want to be not so dependent on others about where and when i can hunt because of a lack of a boat, then i need to get my own. I also realized that a boat would be nice for trapping, bow fishing, and fishing as well.

So with all that in mind im not sure how big or what kind of boat would really suit my needs. I'm not looking for anything real expensive, it doesn't have to be the best of the best. It will be used in flooded marshes and timber and in small rivers and creeks. It may also see a lake or bigger river in the summer for fishing.

For a motor i know I want a surface drive just because of the ease of use, since im not experienced in driving or operated a boat in the first place. And i figure it would be better all around. And i know the hp will all depend on the size of the boat, weight, and load. But, since of cost reasons, i dont need to go all that fast, but a reasonable pace. I will be hauling at the most 3-4 people duck hunting gear and 3-4 dozen decoys. Trapping, at the most 2 people and a couple dozen traps.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

So no one knows any advice on mud motors or boats on this forum? Pretty surprising given the name, mudmotortalk....

They've answered the question for many people, and are probably waiting on you to search the many threads that came before that would give you some very good insight on what you might need.

Figured it was that kind of forum.

Figured it was this kind of post.

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here try this:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+search+for+ ... ortalk.com

Maybe learn how to use a forum prior to spouting off at the mouth.

https://www.google.com/search?q=advise+ ... afe=active

Get at least an 18 x 48 hull with a 35 hp SD....

You are describing heavy loads that anything less will not get er done....

What is your budget and location ???

The whole just use the search function is like me having a good friends that knows everything about mudmotors and boats, but I can't call him because he gets asked to much so I have to spend the rest of my night on Google. What would you rather do? Call your friend for advice or spend hours looking at a question you may not find the answer too?

I dont like this guy, lets ninga

Wow really guys? I was just here asking for advice. Isn't that what forums are for? I get it that this question probably has been asked alot but the did some searching and I thought maybe I would make a post to get some more insight on things... My bad I guess.

Buy mine in the classifieds -

You can.. But most open floor boats in that size range are going to be modified v hulls. Stay away from them if at all possible. These motors with a 3-5 degree v just don't jeehaw. It sends turbulent water to the prop and kills your performance. There is always the option to cut the center seat out and have a brace or 2 welded in to replace it..

In the future; don't get all bent out of shape over someone telling you to use the search feature. Your best bet is to go to google and type in "mudmotortalk" and then type whatever your search query might be. They weren't lying, this has been covered about a million and a half times since 2009. If you don't run your mouth there is ten tons of knowledge on this site to be had. And what you learn around here will benefit you the entire time you have a mudmotor. These are good folks, they just won't hesitate to tell you how it is.

Yup, you got it..Luckily I don't have to use my godevil very often.. So I've never had a need for a true mud hull.. But if this is going to be your only boat I would strongly consider forking out a little extra money in the beginning to get yourself something dependable, tough, and above all else, safe.

1/8th minimum, longitudinal bracing, slick bottom, completely flat bottom.

I've learned the hard way what you're about to find out sir.
In the last two years I have owned 5 boats and even more motors outboards AND longtails.
From riveted to glass to welded to a 18 foot true mud hull that was too narrow and didn't have enough engine and now I finally have what I should've bought in the first place which is a 18x60 with a 35 sd. I didn't even pay that much for it either. 7 grand actually.


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Went through the same types of questions myself. did lots of research on what to buy and the different types of boats and motors. if you would like me to help you out send me a PM.

There's a few reviews in the reviews section with 1748 with small blocks. Details of what they've experienced that might apply to your situation.

As far as boat or package etc, once you decide what you want to get, be flexible and see if you find the right deal either way.

Alright. Thanks everyone! I got a while tell I can afford one but I guess I got a better idea now on how to go about researching some more.

I have a old riveted 16x48 with a 23hp mbsd and it pushes two guys with light gear 18-20 mph. If I add a third guy it drops to 10-15 mph depending on load. But I got a good deal on it (<$2500). My suggestion is buy once cry once. Buy the biggest and best u can afford the first time and u should be fine. I'm getting a newer hull after season and I already bought a 35hp power head for the mb.


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You "could" buy cheaper alweld or weldbilt boat and buy a used 35hp and stay pretty dang close within your budget.. I did it.. But guess what, I now have a beat up alweld that performs like poop. Does it get me where I need to go? Yes.
Is it pretty? No.
But it's already paid itself off in duck numbers and for me being couple mph slower than others has affected me at all.
My motor is in excellent condition so I will be having to buy a new boat for it sometime in the future. I didn't read where you said what kind of places you hunt but if they have stumps rocks or anything, you'll wind up like me in a beat up .100 ga boat real quick.

Kirk and I are hunting the same marsh and our rigs are very similar. I found an OLD 1648 alumacraft with outboard and trailer for a steal. Then found an OLD 31 hp GT w/o reverse. Put some work into both and now I haul 4 with gear to the blind with no trouble. It aint fast and it damn sure aint pretty. But 27mph by myself and at least 20 with 3 men and gear. A minumum of 48 inch width is imperitive. Anything narrower will be very tippy and subject to flipping without much provocation.

You can put yourself into a stable and reliable rig for $5k, but be ready to get your hands dirty. These motors are prone to having issues (regardless of make/model) and you will learn to work on it.....whether you want to or not. If you're not mechanically inclined, and your hunting areas are more than 2 feet deep, get an outboard. They break down much less often and are just as easy to operate.....and you can run them on any style hull.