Will a 14x36 flat bottom run a GD 23 LT? It has been on a 14x40 with no issues, but that one needs to go back to the outboard.

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Had mine on 18'36" ran like a scalded ape

Man, I ran an 18 GD Briggs LT on my first duck boat, a 1436 square jon. It ran fine I was really lucky not to have swamped it several times. My advice is NO to the 23. Because of weight and the tiller taking up so much room, I'd probably opt for a small Copperhead SD, like their 12 HP which would get you more speed and easier/safer handling. That 1436 is absolutely only a 2 hunter rig and you better keep the weight balanced and know your limits and stay away from big water/big chop and so on. The plusses are the lightweight, easy to hide, pole, trailer, maneuverability. Whatever you put on, beef up the transom, put some gatorglide/steelflex on it, and an auto bilge pump!

We had some kids running a 25 MB on a 14x36 flat two years ago. They got caught in high wind hunting on a big water island and foolishly "made a run for it"......the first wave was the only wave that took it under. They were able to make one cell call and that's what saved their lives. Guns and gear still out there somewhere in 120 ft of water.

The Godevil 16 x 36 and 18 x 36 skiffs are ideal boats for the 23!

I agree that a 16 or 18x36 would be best, but they are few and far between. Plus when you do find one they are very pricy...especially when compared to $500 for the 14.

IDK....I'm torn.

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For what its worth I run a 20hp mud buddy long tail on a riveted 1436 and have no issues. thing flies too(for a longtail).Shouldn't have problems with the 23 just don't be dumb with it. Size of the boat limits me much more than engine weight.

I put my 27 hp on a 1436. Definitely not smart. For one it rides to deep in the water and two it's wayyyyy to tippy

16x42 is a great size for the 23.
16x42 weldbilt with a 23 GD LT running 20-21 with two 185 lb people

Like S.Wake said, one dumb move with it could be your last dumb move. Get a bigger boat. I started with a 1436 and was lucky...are you a gambler? So you don't move as fast, just get up a little earlier. Youl'll be happy with all the extra carrying capacity (read: beer or big bertha), hunting/fishing stability (unless you are a whitewater freaking mensch) , the boat should plane better and all the physics majors here rave about the extra surface area gain versus any weight differential- look at loudog's succinct review! 1436 jons are for "minions" or those who like to portage over beaver dams or rookies who need to get wet to understand.

Smaller boat are for people who like to kill stuff. I have no problem carrying my gear and one extra person. Also I can actually hide and hunt out of a 1436, I never understood how you could really conceal a 16+ foot boat. I can also drag and do more things with a lighter boat.
That being said I only expect about 2 years use from a riveted 1436 before it gets too beat up.

Never had a problem concealing my 1848. Or my 1748. Might just have to take a few more steps from the hole to hide it.


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impoundment or protected marsh the 14x36 would be a sporty one or two person rig. Just use common sense. Glades ranger was running one on the biggest lake in Florida. Had a friend that use to hunt the tidal swamps in Tampa Bay in one. I would still buy a 1542 from bass pro for a 1000.00

I have no room to comment on much of the other boats discussed but the tracker 1542 is a nice match for that motor with pods. Was out this morning turning it around on dry ground with tall grass. Winch is nice though just in case. But is getting beat da shit