Guys, I'm rig shopping. I'm pretty sure I'm going with a 36PD, FPR, Hydro trim, on an X1, either 17x54 or 18x48. My first concern is fitting it in my garage. My garage is 24x24. My first question is, can the lower unit be cranked around under the boat, in the reverse position, while it is on the trailer? If so, how much space will this save? Also, if you have a break tongue, could you please measure the distance from prop to tongue break?

Next, I'm wondering about performance. My preference for garage space would be a 17x54, but I've heard that 18x48s perform better. My typical load is 2-3 guys, gear, dekes, etc. I almost never carry a fourth man. If you have mods, what are your speeds, on which hull? I think I will do a single carb, and exhaust.

Basically guys, I'm just asking you to tell me about your boats, how they perform, and how they fit in your garages. Thank you very much.

don't worry about da L/U bein able to fit under the boat.... just turnin it 90° sideways would give u just as much clearance.

an 1848 will do everything you need with 2-3 guys and gear....no reason to mod the motor.

Not a PD man - but...

Look at Bear Trailers - the last 3 feet of the trailer
tongue is removable - had one on my G3 Tunnel and
it is a neat feature to prevent theft too !!!

http://www.beartrailer.com/trailguard.htm

On my G3 with the tongue removed the trailer only extended
about 1 foot past the bow of the boat....

On the boat - go wide - IMO - I would rather have a 1660
than an 1848 - IMO a better load hauler and just a tad
faster hauling similar loads too...

Go 1848. I've owned a 1754 and will never own another rig under 18'. Hell my next one will prolly be 20'. Some people may disagree but that 1' difference between 17' and 18' makes all the difference in the world when getting up on step. I never would have thought it but it does.

Hope this helps.

Gigafowl, may I ask where you got your education and training at? I have noticed that whatever is ask you know better any how it doesn't concern the type of boat or motor you have. I need to educate myself with my tax refund check

I have a 1848 Sportsman Fabrication open hull with a 36 PD with no mods but a BPS Crossover exhaust. Three guys in the boat (285 lbs, 150 lbs, 200 lbs), six gallons of gas, ice chest with cold beverages and five dozen decoys I bounced back and forth between 24 and 25 on GPS and I'm completely happy with that. I had a 1648 and with this same load I could not plane off and get on top. Me personally (and I'm only a rookie on this site) 18' or bigger!!!!

Ya it's directed at you. Lets see 17 or 18 with a swing away will give you plenty of room in the garage.

How do you know he wasn't askin a simple question, BTW you better grow a set before ya come on here badmouthin everyone.

/

Like I said, "Grow a Set!"

BTW, learn how to post so ya don't need to use all the space to carry out your retarded responses. Ya better start to read like that because if ya haven't figured it out that's how everyone talks on here!

Now, 3teatednanny, do you actually have a PD with a trailer and break tongue? If so, could I trouble you for a measurement?

Or is that outside of your realm of expertise?

WOW --- Just WOW




I have a 1854 with a 36 and I love it, Lots of room and gets on step pretty easy.

I know lots of people say that 48 is nicer cause you can get in tight spots better, Well I havent had any troible following the 48s around.

As far as in the garage I cant help much as mine dosent fit in mine but I will try to go measure my boat and trailer with the lower unit turned sideways

I run an 1852 Phowler with 36 Prodrive on a homemade trailer with swing-away tongue. It fits in my garage. If you want to put an 18 foot boat in a standard garage you will probably have to go swing-away tongue.

As far as the boat length / width issue, I like an 18 footer for carrying 2 guys, a big hunt load and a dog or two. Width wise, I do not run timber, so I'd never have less than a 48 incher. Have had narrower...not good for me. I like the 50 to 54 inch width boats for what I need to do with them.

Thanks guys. My old rig was a 17x54, and I really enjoyed hunting out of it. But, everyone tells me that an 18x48 will perform better. I really like the look of the rig Coastal has for sale. I especially like the higher sides.

My buddy has an 18x60 Alumacraft with a GT. It has a break tongue, but the break only saves about 18" or so. That thing BARELY fits in my garage, and i can't even walk around it.

hey i got that bear trailer and it is nice I will get pics up one day. Hard to steal it when I remove the whole tongue.

They are big well made blades - 3 years never had any
issues at all with the removable part - only saltwater use
stored the tongue in a lock box in my truck after every use
and sprayed some WD in there every few months....

Would have been easy enough to bypass though - with a
generic light and wiring harness kit...