Trying to understand and decide on what hull sizes best fit for a 27Pro Drive stock. I read of talk on going long to help distribute weight, and I read of going wide to help carry a load. What are the fundamentals on length and width?

I'd have to say a 17 or 18x48

Im sure someone will argue, but ill try to answer based on all the reading ive done here and elsewhere. Length is great for load, width is great for speed. This isnt a hard and fast rule, only initial guideline. Rake length matters, as does weight distribution in the boat. If you have a 1748 with a 6.5ft rake, and a 1648 with a 5.5ft rake, you have the same amount of planing surface. A 1654 will have more lift at the very back for holeshot than an 1848. However, the 1848 will have the ability to carry more weight, and with enough weight, will plane out when the 1654 wouldnt create enough lift. It can be a balancing act on getting enough but not too much. I have a 1748 with a 27 on the back. I think a 54" bottom is better for 16-17', but if you go 18, the 48 will be fine.

That being said, mine jumps on plane fine, and would handle 3 with decoys without losing much speed. I still have to get a new prop to confirm that opinion though.

Initially awhile back before all the big blocks got introduced to the market I demo'd a pd 1648 with a stock pd 27 Koehler and it was a sweet setup. I regret not buying that setup and waiting on the big blocks (32 and eventually the 36 ). If you are going with the 27 then obviously you aren't planning heavy loads the 1648 would get my vote. I've ran a 1748 as well as a 1754 and currently have an 1848 and speak from experience.

Guy from SC is running a 27PD on a 20x44 skiff. It moves pretty good solo.

Speakin from my prior dealings with my 27 PD on both a 1544 and a 1842, the 1842 out performed the 1544 in every way. I was lucky ta push 18mph outa the 15' and got a consistant 23mph outa the 18'. Load carrying wasn't even close obviously. What I noticed is it's all bout the fulcrum point. My 15' wouldn't plane til 16mph. My 18' leveled out at 12mph. It's just the difference of balance that the front of the longer boat leveraged the back of the boat up quicker.

Thanks everyone for the responses, I'm learning.

I know a fella running a 36 pd on a 1842 so when/if you upgrade you won't have to get a new boat.

Go with a 18x48