i right now have a 16' lowes john boat with a 25 johnson outboard. this works fine going accross the open water but with the water so low i want something that will get me back into the shallow pockets, fighting hydrilla and standing brush i have a hard time getting where i want to be. my motor is giving up the ghost right now anyways so i really want just a new prodrive type motor. So what do you think might be a good choice for me?

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cant go wrong wit this

Dont know if i want one that big, im sure the bigger the better but right now money has a big play in this. do you think my boat will work ok with a prodrive type motor and what size would be the best to hunt two guys, dog and decoys?

i can def understand the money side of your choices, the next smaller would be a 27 hp. if u goin with a surface drive, i wouldnt go any smaller than that. a longtail on the other hand could push ur boat easily with less hp, but not near the speed

So a LT can push my boat better than a SD? how does a LT handle bigger water? im not against a LT just heard that in open water its a lot of trouble. im just trying to get information so i can find whats best for the boat i already have.

Obviously money will dictate what you can/can't buy.
How much you looking to spend?
New/Used?
Desired speeds?
What do you plan to haul?
LT vs SD?
Mud/No Mud?
Weight issues?

All these come into play. If speed is not an issue and you are looking for something cheaper and lighter, I'd take a look at the 12hp Copperhead. No it's not as big as the others, it won't get you 25mph. But it's light, and cheaper.
I'm not 100% sure if Copperhead tested a 16' hull, but I do know hey tested a 1442 hull and the results were good.

Just another option.

Obviously money will dictate what you can/can't buy.
How much you looking to spend?
Im going to try to go with $2500
New/Used?
used
Desired speeds?
i get 20+ with my 25 johnson i would like to stay around there if possible but thats not a major concern.
What do you plan to haul?
id say three 200+ men, dog and gear (full boat)
LT vs SD?
this is a question i have, dont know a lot about either, havent been in a boat with either.
Mud/No Mud?
some mud but mostly hydrilla this year but i would like to be ready for anything
Weight issues?
transom to hold the motor or inside the boat? not sure about this question

thanks for the help so far, i think were getting somewhere. cant wait to figure this out...

If you are looking at doing 20ish mph with a loaded boat, you will have to get something in the bigger motor design.
I think you could find a used GD SD for that price. A 23 may meet most of your needs. It's going to be close on the speed you are wanting. But I think you will be OK.