I've morphed from a 1436 to a 1544 to a 1648 and now I would like a 1848 with a 35 HP longtail because I run in shallow waters with hard sand/marl bottoms, and I would like better performance and more room when I hunt 3. A surface drive needs thick mud and a bit more water. BackH2O is up your way and everybody likes them and that will probably me my next LT. Since your hunt with 3 plus a retriever and gear, get an 18' hull from the get go or you will be sorry. Btmannin is correct in the 1842 though I fish so I want a bit more side to side room and stability, I would go custom, meaning Alweld because I don't believe you need the Gulf Coast "tank" hull (.125 gauge), unless you like to abuse you boat or jump beaver dams daily
, I believe they can build one in .100 which is strong enough and light. Heck, I know a .072 rivetted hull would be fine for me and you can always fix rivets easier than welding an all-welded boat. I say 18' open hull because if you start adding gun boxes, extended decks, etc., you quickly are back to a 16' or less hull inside space though the longer hull will be better. I think a new 1844/1848 alweld jon in .100 plus the BW 35 HP LT should run around 8K, of course the trailer will be another K! I bet there is a good condition 17 or 18' used hull in your area and you can get it for cheap and then slap a new BW 35, coat the bottom with steelflex or gatorglide, and cruise in style.