Yes I know a lot of yall don't like em, but can you help me understand the difference between the Shallow Water, F4 Shallow Water and the F86? I've downloaded the pamphlet off their website but still doesn't clarify. And I'm assuming only the models with a pointed bow have a v-rake?

F86 Is built with 5086 aluminum the f4 is not believe 5052 not sure. 5086 is the better choice. You can't really make a flat front have a v rake, so I assume all vrakes are pointed

Good to know, and the difference in the Shallow Water vs F4?

I fall into the catagory of people who dont like these boats so please dont ask me what I think about them.

The only major difference between the 2 boats you inquired about is the shallow water f4 is made from 5052 grade aluminum, and the F86 is made from 5086........5086 is a much stronger aluminum alloy, as well as having more noncorrosive properties. For the life of me I dont know why anyone would make a mudboat from 5052.

Haha deal. But you can upgrade the f4 to 5086!
I still can't figure out the Shallow Water vs F4.. Seems like one has a hunt deck and one doesn't?

One is flat bottom and the other is a slight v bottom. U can get the f4 in 5086. The f86 I think comes with more interior options and a half pipe front.

Helps a lot. Thanks

I know they have a bad rap but I love my excel. I also like my mud buddy. I Don't generally have any problems with either one of them and the problems I do run into are mainly self inflicted. So I fix them myself and plus all my equipment is outta warranty anyway. Between me n my friends up here, one of us has the problem covered. That being said, would I buy another one? Possibly but pry not. It'd have to be a helluva deal. But my heavy ass excel and 5500 hd gets me and my gear were I need to go and in a timely and reliably manner and that's why I love it. That and I live to duck hunt. And personally I like the looks and lines of their rigs too and it handles ok once u learn how to drive it. I don't know if the original poster is actually lookin to buy an excel rig or not but Id do my research heavily. Look at all possible options of boats and how U hunt and what ur gonna use it for. Then decide from there. If u decide to go excel/mud buddy, good luck and make sure u buy for a good dealer. One U trust to come through for U if need be. Like I said and has been said before, they're nice boats for the right person, not everyone, but there are a lot of options out there and they all can be explored before buying.

Not A Fan of Excel Boats myself. Very little floor space. Not one compartment is water tight!
The 5052 Alum dents by just looking at it. They look Pretty but that's about it

Is 5052 aluminum .100 grade or is that something different?

5052 .100" aluminum is a weaker lighter grade. Get 5086 .125". My boat is .125" but it's 5052. It holds up but I don't jump stuff or at least I try not too anyway. I did hit a log pile last year and i was surprised it didn't dent.

5052 is the grade (hardness)

.100 is the thickness (in inches)

I'm learnin! Thanks

When former Excel dealers say they don't like them, I'd take that to heart.

I have an Excel as well with a modded dixie pushing it. I do love my Excel and it is a 30mph combo. BUT I wouldnt own another one. Not when theres better options, stronger hulls and lighter weighted boats to choose from....

Anyone who actually has one.. why did you decide to buy it?

I bought mine cuz I liked the layout, the way it looked, it's .125" hull and it was a decent deal. I've been happy with it ever since.

First boat, didn't know no better. Liked the layout. Also .125. It's ran extremely well with the stage 1.