I have made the decision to sell my 14/36 riveted flat bottom and 13 horsepower longtail to fund a 22 hp longtail build and a new welded flat bottom. I am torn between a weld built 14/42 f and the 14/48 f. Which hull do y'all think would be better for a longtail. I want good width for planing out, stability, and some foot room while hunting but I just don't want to go too wide. What says y'all.

Any reason you are not going longer? I would definitely go 48 bottom. A 1648 hull would match that 22 really well.

I like a 14 footer for a couple of reasons. The smaller the boat, the less fuel my truck burns while hauling it. Also I am a fireman and I am mostly off during the week so I usually just hunt by myself. Third, the lake I usually hunt on gets drawn down in the winter and there is absolutely no vegetation to hide in and you have to hunt from your boat and I just like to stick with the smallest profile I can get away with. Really I haven't seen any drawbacks to a 14 footer as far as I'm concerned.

I understand but you may very well see better performance out of a 1648. The 22 will be heavier and a longer boat will help offset the weight while planing. As far as towing cost I'm sure you would never notice a difference. I run a 23 on a 1648 and still have issues with the nose running high when by myself. Just my opinion. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get. Have fun!

I ran my 20hp on a 1548 and always wanted to see what it would do on a 16 or 17ft 42" wide boat for the record.....

I think a 1644 would be a good spot for what you're wanting. It wouldn't be nearly as sensitive to load placement, ride better, carry load better in general and if anything faster with the same hp. I wouldn't expect to see a noticeable difference in over all weight or towing resistance. You may be what, 25lbs heavier? Depending on the boat?

I see what y'all are saying but it is a little about cost too. I may move up to 15/48 for 100 dollars more but the 1648 is like 700 dollars more than the 14/48.

My 1548 ran well but was happy with two guys and very minimal gear. Best I ever saw was 20mph solo with only safety equipment. Most of the time it was more like 17-18mph and that was after getting the prop dialed in exactly how it needed to be. An off the shelf prop would not have gotten me there

I see what you are saying but if I was truly into speed I would make a surface drive. I just want a boat that is going to handle and ride well and have good stability for hunting. Going 17 instead of 20 is fine by me.

Oh no, don't get me wrong. I have no real complaints about that rig. It did everything I asked of it, and then some. If I were real wrapped up on speed I wouldn't be getting a heavy boat and a GoDevil SD myself. That size boat (1548) is very versatile and I enjoyed it. I just needed a bigger rig. For one or two guys, you can't beat a medium sized longtail setup.

i love my 1448 with a 25hp on it. i dont think you would have any issues with it

I started with a 1436 jon w/18 hp GD LT and I was lucky not to have sunk it. We all morph bigger usually and for very good reasons- better performance and safety. I presently have a 1648 w/27 Lt and I want to go 1848...you will be fine in a 1644/1648 and I also hunt by myself a lot but you will be ready for extra hunters and you learn to construct a suitable blind for your local conditions. You can also look for used hulls and save big $.