Since there has been a lot of discussion about boat hulls, thought I'd throw this out there. What would be your ideal hull for your longtail motor? I presently have a not-ideal 1648 Grizly (2004) with a 27 HP MB LT (2004), both still going strong but sooner than later I will have to replace them. My ideal hull would be a 1848, open floor plan, short transom, rear pods (flotation), flat bottom, don't need .125 gauge, .100 would be enough (in fact as I said in another post, a rivetted 1848 would work) to keep the hull weight low; ideally would have gunwale track channel for easier installation of accessories- this hull would be matched with a 35 HP BackH20 LT ( probably the SS 59" model, not sure?). As I have now done with my boat, I'd add hydroturf on the alum floor and pods and front deck. Ideally a pointed bow but square would be fine as well. I think I would have to go custom- about the only one that comes close is the Phowler hull.

Think long and narrow, If I were looking into an 18ft boat Id prolly also just pony up for a SD, In your case I believe your on the right track for 1848 but like you said go .100... As you already know from experience dont expect crazy speeds haha

What Swampdonkey said...long and narrow.


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In my opinion if your using a longtail how it should be used, in the type of terrain that these motors shine, a 1640-1738 round chine boat will be just about perfect

For a 35hp and 18' in length your going to want a boat 42-48 as an ideal width.

Yea I didn't where he said he was switching to a 35, I thought he was keeping the 27

Yea I didn't where he said he was switching to a 35, I thought he was keeping the 27

Thank you, yes, I want to go 18' hull and 35 HP because that way 3 hunters and gear will be just fine- when I put 3 in my 1648 it gets real small and slow. I have the 27 under control no complaints. Is a 35 really that much more difficult to steer and use?

I have a 23 lt that i was running on a 1438 and was not pleased. This year I bought an 1838 GD boat and love it. It runs really shallow and alone Im getting 21/22 mph. Recently i had 4 guys, a dog and all our gear and got 15 and also went thru some extremely shallow hairy stuff with no problem. In my opinion best boat for a longtail

Thanks, Stu! I had forgotten you had the big block! I would love to learn a bit about the marsh up there, I'm only familiar with the area down south- it can take a lifetime. Despite the contrary wind the next couple of days, I am going to brave it- have to get my mind off my father's passing last week, and maybe even shoot a duck!

Glades, sorry to hear about your loss. It's been 14 years to the day this past Jan. 1st when I lost my dad. Needless to say New Years eve / day ain't the same to me anymore, he was my waterfowling mentor.

18x42 all day!!!

Perfect size boat IMO