Hello, I am brand new to the forum and new to mudmotors, boats, etc. I have a 14' jon boat that is 48" wide at top and 36" wide on the bottom. I plan on using the boat primarily for duck hunting and will frequently hunt with 2-3 people plus gear and my dog. I hunt rivers, lakes, and will occasionally take it to Corpus, probably once or twice a season. I want a longtail for shallow water and debris but dont know the proper engine HP size. I am looking at a 13hp model as well as a 23hp. Both Vanguards. Any advice yall have I would love, like I said I am a begginner so anything helps! Thanks!

35 bacwater

I believe there is only five to ten pounds difference in 13 vs 23 vanguard motors so if both motor where on same frame I would go 23 instead of 13 IMO

I have a 16hp on a 1436 and wish I would have gone 23hp

Coletrain, 14x36 is a very sporty boat with a 23, a friend had one and I hunted out of it many times in backwater marshes and impoundments. I would not go in in open bays or hunt more than two men out of it unless you are in flooded fields or something like that. The 35 would be unsafe in my opinion.

I ran a 27 pd on a 16x36 that was about 42" on top. It was tricky but ran well.

I had a 20hp gdlt on a 14x36... Not the most comfortable but I had plenty of tiller time and was careful when I was running wide open

Thanks for the advice. If I am not too concerned about speed is the 13hp a safer choice for me? Remember this is my first boat, first motor and everything. I am truly a beginner. Also, are the prefabbed Vanguards by Beavertail good motors? Thats what I am looking at.

Three guys in a 1436 with gear makes my ass pucker. Pick up a 15 footer for 500 bucks and throw a 23 on it

23 HP Back Water Swomp. I wouldn't want more than 2 guys in that boat though. I have a 1448 and don't like the thought of 3 in my boat, 2 is comfortable though. I have a 23 Swomp on the back and it's a pretty awesome combo. When loaded for hunting with 2 guys there isn't room for a 3rd.