New to the forum but have been reading alot on here about boats and motors. I believe I am ready to make a purchase but wanted some advice so I am not making a $20,0000 + mistake. I live in North Central Florida and have access to lakes and rivers that can be full of grass, Lilly pads, hydrilla ect. I also fish on the coast in saltwater shallow for red fish and spear/gig mullet and flounder. I know a outboard would be the best way to go (currently have a alumacraft boat) however it's the vegetation that is a major problem. We have beautiful rivers that we love to fish and swim in, but the grass can literally be up to and floating on top of the surface of the water. Driving a outboard here makes you crazy. The grass is similar to Sea grass and can be quite tuff. I am wanting to set the boat up to freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as bow fish and gig with removable lights and duck hunting. I do cross open saltwater flats that can be rough, but I do watch the weather and days that I go. I believe I have narrowed my search down to the gator tail 37 efi but I'm unsure of the boat. Should I go with the extreme hull or the modified v hull since I will sometimes be on open water? Mud is not a factor here but some shallow water with hard Sandy bottom and definitely thick vegetation is the main problems. I don't want to even consider a air boat, so this is my last resort as far as I can see. Any advice would be appreciated since I am a novice on these types of boats. I have a gator tail dealer about two hours from me. I want to keep resale in mind also. I'm also considering a center console, but the price is starting to get expensive with those. Most of my runs are only a few miles.

At least your head is in the right spot! lol
GTR is not far from you. So go with them. Open water sometimes, id go with the mod v.
You also wont regret a Center console.
I love the CC and wont go back to a tiller.

There are a lot of used boats on the market. You could get a good deal on something close to what you want. But if you buy it, then sell it in a year, you will probably not lose much money. But the knowledge learned from using that boat would be a great thing in designing a new boat. I would also go and drive different motors.

I like some things about the GTR, but I also like how the MB is set up. I have driven both and own a MB. I like the new HDR set up. I would like to drive a pro drive one day, and if you are getting a center console, I may would consider a PD with FPR, wish they came with an electric reverse and FPR.

I have never driven a Boss, but I sure like the concept.

Anyway, good luck. Everyone has different needs. After having mine for 3 years, I like big enclosed cat walks. I may would get a deck extension. I would get a modified V. May would get a 18 plus hunt deck instead of 17 plus hunt deck. I would not put a dry box on the right side back, but would put just a 25 qt cooler to sit on, so I have more room. Just little fixes. But what I want, and your needs may be two different things.

I definitely want to get a 18 foot model. The problem with test driving is I know of no one that owns a mud boat around here. They are somewhat common in South Florida but not in North Florida. Louisiana is a 7 hour drive for me, so looking at used boats isn't really an option (not seeing many available anywhere near me) . I'm definitely worried about buying a boat without never driving one. I keep reading about tiller torque and wonder if that would take some of the enjoyment out of the boat. Center console sounds nice, but again it's already getting expensive. I have driven and owned many tiller steer boats in my life, but I'm sure they handle completely different than these mud motors. Thanks for the replies.

I'm about 1 1/2 hours from tallahassee. I've been searching Craigslist and boat trader and I'm not seeing much. They definitely are not a necessity around here, most people run air boats. However for my particular situation it seems like a good fit to accomplish what I need. Does the gator tail factory offer test rides? As much as I don't want to make that ride, I might have to try to make a trip over there in the future. In the meantime I'll keep searching Craigslist and boat trader. Maybe it won't take forever for what I'm looking for to pop up. Mostly what I find near me is jon boats and long tails. From what I have read on here I'm definitely convinced to buy a true mud hull and do it right the first time.

it may be worth the price of a drive to a ride that is going on and a few nights stay. $500 to save you thousands and be knowledgeable.

There is a guy selling a almost new prodigy is south Alabama on here. Might be worth taking it for a test ride

just come to the lake Seminole poker run and you will be able to look at any kind of set up you want. I'm sure several folks will let you take a ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's the first weekend in August. There also a ride this upcoming Saturday at lake blackshear in south ga that will have plenty of boats to look at.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I live on Seminole Florida side where are u from I might could show you one of mine

Check out Fast Duck Motors in north Florida! Ask for Sid! Check out their website! contact Sid at:
sid@fastduckmotors.com