So I'm looking into having a boat build to pair up with my copperhead 23. The boat will be a .125, 1744 with 21 inch sides. My builder gave me the option of going with c-channel stringers instead of 2x2. He said it would save me about 40 pounds and was about the same thing as what gatortail hulls use. The boat will be used to hop a lot of trees on rivers so I don't want to save that 40 pounds then come to regret it latter on down the road. The boat will also have to be launched by hand every now and then. Opinions on c-channel vs 2x2 for a copperhead rig?

I'd consider a 3/16 bottom if "hopping trees" will be a regular activity.

2x2 with 3/16" bottom and Gator Glide is my vote if those were my only options.

Nevermind, SETx beat me to it!

Quick hands or no hands!!!!

I run a 1744. Has 7 stringers. 1x2 . Lightweight and has been a very solid boat.

Don't underestimate the effects of weight for that 23 copperhead. With my 18 copperhead every 50lbs of load is noticable.

Thanks guys! I know its a fine line for being to heavy with a 23. I figure if the hull stays under 470ish it will be ok, is this correct? So c-channel is defiantly out because its for sure gonna hop over a tree or two. I just dont wanna have to go crazy on the mods or be really disappointed when I get a 3 man hunt load in it. Bryce what other options did you have in mind?

3 men, gear, decoys, guns, etc etc.... don't play well with 23hp. Doesn't matter how you slice it. You're going to have to compromise somewhere. You'll be walking a fine line as it is.

A 23 seems to small to me for that size boat

I'm dealing with horsepower restrictions as well as many other factors that make a 140# motor attractive. I know a big block would solve the load carrying issues but in my case its not really practical. I'm really just hopping for 18+ mph with 3 guys and 2 dozen decoys. Phowler got awesome numbers with that size boat but it was .100. I just dont want the thing to fall on its face with that 3rd guy. Thats what made me even consider the c-channel. Would it be a good assumption to think if it is drastically lacking in load carrying a few mods or a prop reduction can fix that issue pretty easy?

It's going to take more than a few mods and a prop to solve that. A boat big enough for that load is either going to be heavy to take the abuse, or built light and be considered disposable.

At your juncture, I would look into the Gator Tail with the big block 25hp and mod that. The mods are easier to come by and Delta Performance has already put together a recipe for over 40hp on the dyno I believe. The 23 is a great engine if you use it for what it's intended for. But you're asking too much of it in anything but time-bomb form to push a well built 17'+ boat and three grown men of any size and all their gear, plus decoys....

If a 23hp power plant is all you are considering I'd much rather try that on an 18x40 or 42" hull with some mods on the motor, and that motor be on a longtail frame...

Thanks for your input man. I guess like you said I'm gonna have to compromise at one point or another. I already bought the copperhead and used it last season so I really don't wanna take the hit selling it. As I come to the mud hull selection it's starting to feel more and more like a gamble with a lot of money. It carried 3 men and gear around all season in my 1436 (was fast too) but there is a huge weight difference between a bigger mud boat and a 80's lowe john boat haha. I guess theres only one way to really find out I just pray thats not an expensive mistake. Its hard to find info on the subject because most copperheads are not attached to 21inch side, 2x2 mud boats but they do tote good weight with a light boat. I guess what I'm really wondering is where is that weight threshold at which I know isn't an easy answer to come by

If I were you, I would make a phone call to the guys at copperhead. They are now selling boats, and I believe they have put a ton of r&d into those boats. they can probably give you some insight into that size of boat you are wanting and just how it may or may not perform.