Alright I know there are a ton of gator tail owners on here so Im sure yall can help. I am trying to decide on what size and setup to go with. The boat will be used for hunting, fishing, bowfishing, and just havin fun in. I dont really need to haul anymore than 4 people at a time including myslef. After doin a little research I have been leaning towards the 18x54 or 18x60 extreme series with extended front deck, dropdeck, flip up rear bench seat, and a gun box with a stock or stage 1 gtr. Anybody run this setup or have any input on this?

Either one of those size would be good. Id definitely go with at leaset a stage 1 though

Wouldn't go stock with that big of a boat and that many ppl I got a 1846 when it comes to a hunting load wish I had a stage 1 so I would think about a stage 2 for that big of a boat

Wouldn't go stock with that big of a boat and that many ppl I got a 1846 when it comes to a hunting load wish I had a stage 1 so I would think about a stage 2 for that big of a boat

Here you go.

http://youtu.be/LLa8mw2mw90


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Here you go.

http://youtu.be/LLa8mw2mw90


Sent from my beeper

Sounds like the 18x54 would be fine cause about 75% of the time it will be 3 people sometimes 2 and sometimes 4

I dont know why people think a 1848 isnt wide enough. Its plenty wide I run a river and am even comfortable in it when its flood stage. I wouldnt go over 1854.

I've ran a 1748, 1848 and 2048 and its fine for me. A 48 is stable enough for 4+ guys.


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I have a 1448 jon boat that I put in the small ponds around my house but for the open water we hunt and fish on the big lakes I would prefer somethin a little wider. Especially when it comes to bowfishing.

1854 stage 1 don't short urself with the motor. No mods u will have a turd with 4 people and all y'all shit.


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Have any of yall had any experience with the flip up rear deck? I like it for fishing but dont want it to take up too much space.

Yeah im not lookin for a speed demon. I just want somethin thats gonna tote a load. My pos excel with a 5500 wouldnt even get on step with 4 people and a load

Here's a pic or two of the rear deck setup.


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Still looks like a pretty good bit of free space left in the boat. I guess I need to just go to a dealership and look around a bit.

Marrero, Chalmette, and Metarie are the closest dealers to me. Anyone done business with them? If not where would yall recommend goin?

.

It will be at least duck season before I can buy one. I don't expect it this year. Just tryin to decide what I want and get my finances lined out

It'll be at least 12 weeks unless they are catching up.

I'll probably just wait until the end of the year and try to get it in time for bowfishing next spring

Ordered the 1854 pointed bow extreme in April. Should be in any day and I'll let you know how I like it

What size was your excel, and gauge?

Ordered a GTB 1860 extreme w/ GTR35 on July 9th was told it would be ready Oct 24th. Got the pointed bow, gun box on port side, Rigid LED's & the rear folding deck in gator grass camo. Not looking for a speed machine however after putting some hours on it I'll start adding mods.

buddy of mine has the rear deck and wishes he wouldnt not have got it in the boat

I bought a used boat with the rear deck. Ended up taking the middle section out of the boat. I like it like that, but would see no need to buy one like that new.

Yea wished I'd had the chance to see one in person.. I've been giving some thought to ditching the rear deck for a gun box on the starboard side for symmetry as well as a place for people to sit or maybe add the front winch plate option.

IMO 18x54 stage 1 and gt is goin to have their own efi at end or beging of the year so you won't have to worry about a carb if you wait long enough

I have a 1854 gtb extreme with a 35gtr stock 3 blade prop. 4 people and a dog with a little gear 22mph.

I've had my 1854 for a little over a month now. 15 hrs so far. Mine took 15 weeks. I had them build me an 18x54 extreme hull, with the 35. 2014 boat 2015 motor. 18x54 extreme, ss exhaust, extended front deck, bow rails, winch mount, 55lb MK saltwater trolling motor, 8 ft PowerPole Blade, nat gear camo, aluminum trailer. With a 3 man fishing load, (250) (210) (210) plus weight of gear, in a chop, against the wind, deep water, 3300 RPM I'm running 20 on the 3 blade prop. Get EVERYTHING you want, you won't regret it.