I am almost ready to buy a boat. Which boat do you guys suggest/recommend? ( a 542 War Eagle or 1544 Alweld mud boat, or the regular Alweld 1544 Standard without the mud bottom? I will be running a Mud Buddy Mini 23 Surface Drive on which ever boat I purchase. It will be used for trapping on the rivers in MI and in the marsh in MI. Looking to stay lightweight. (just my dog and I and a few traps). Also tall or short transom? Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Tall transom for sure and neither of those boats if possible. You can get a light mud boat built the way you want it for not much more than a factory boat. It will last a lifetime as well if get the right person to build it.