So I'm trying to decide on a size for the rig im going to order soon. It will be a prodigy with drop deck, so my understanding of their sizing is that the length is the total overall length including drop deck so those are the sizes I will be referring to. From what I have read, 1854 seems to be a popular size for speed, stability, etc. so that's what I am leaning towards with 21" sides. While I will obviously use it for its intended purpose of shallow water, it will see some larger water too.

I want to build the boat to be as versatile as possible so I will have multiple setups for hunting but it will also be used for fishing and bow fishing fairly often so stability is important to me. I enjoy building things and many of my small water runs to hunt will be quite short so I will be building a removable hard blind for the boat so just something to keep in mind as far as weight.

It will be pushed by a modded motor as well so that may make a difference as to what you all suggest, will likely have exhaust, heads, cam, and EFI (its cold up here) which I understand to be a Stage 2.

First of all, how important is it whether the size and side height I choose can be done in 1 piece or 3 piece hull?

While I am leaning towards the 1854, I started to think what about a 1954, 2054, or 2060? Are there any other factors besides space, stability, and speed (because of weight) and where is the "sweet spot"? Seems like the Prodigy in a 19 or 20 isn't going to be much different than say a Gatortrax 18 because the GT measurement doesn't include the hunt deck, and Im sure there are plenty of guys that run GT 18s.

I don't care so much about 1 or 2 MPH but 3-5 might affect my decision, my biggest factors are probably space and stability. Still want to be in the high ish 20s empty with the Stage 2 if that's realistic. Sorry for the long winded post but I wanted to try and give as much info on my use for the rig, etc as possible.

I run big water in my 1754, the v rake helps allot. As for length and speed it's going to depend on your load. You can put a stage 2 on a 1954 and run high twenties with light load. My 54 is stable, I stand on my cooler, and can have people walk around boat without problems.

Chad has done a boat in the past that be something you are looking for. He put a small slit running through the catwalks that allow for removable decks to be added in and everything. You can use them for benches or slide them together to make a giant front deck. I think this is the only one that Chad has done, or at least that I have seen in pics, so he should remember it.

Here are some links to Chad's pic's on facebook.

I like that but I like the welded in boxes too...but I got a feeling Chad and I will figure something out I just want to be as informed as possible when I head down there to meet with him that way we can figure the details out and get her ordered up. Never hurts to have other opinions too so I definitely wanted to see what you all thought

Yeah, wanting two rear half boxes. Going to get the cat walk treys too. I was referring to having the welded in half boxes with the movable deck pieces you linked pictures to, my bad wasn't too clear on what I was talking about

Update: just talked to Chad at prodigy, he said the weight difference for an extra foot is like 30-40 lbs so im leaning towards at least 1954 what do you all think?

I run a Gtrax 1750 HD that's 18'8" long (basically 19'). It rock solid stable, regardless of what you're doing in it. I've hunted 4 customers plus myself out of it.

With my old MB 55 mag, I run 33 empty ( just me and 9 gallons of gas), and 26 with 5 grown men, 6 dozen decoys, blind, guns, gear, and whatever else.

I think you'll be happy with the 1954 and a stage 2 whatever.

My sides are 21, a 19 and 18 will be almost same speed wise. The 19 will carry a load better. As for stability you'll be good

I will say I saw heath boat at the shop those removable decks are sweet.