Well I'm in the process of getting my boat sold and have started the "shopping" process which completely sucks. I've looked at new, I've looked at used, custom and "mass produced"... You name it. I have all but given up on buying a good used rig since folks want basically what a new one costs most of the time. I don't blame them for asking what they do though... But why spend 15 on a used one when a new one isn't much more.. My thinking, anyway...

I've pretty well gotten my two possibilities narrowed down to either a PD rig or a GD rig... And trust me, I've looked at damn near every aluminum boat setup out there. Is there an advantage with buying from a dealer or direct from the factory? I'm in close proximity to both dealers, and not too far from either builder.

Also as for the GD hulls are concerned. I'm looking at either the 1660, 1856, and the 1860... Is there going to be much of a speed difference between these hulls?

I have an 1848 and it performs really well. I wish I would have went 1860 because it would have given me more space and a wider deck. Solo there is a differnce from all of the boats. However, the 1860 can carry a load better than most. The 1854 cost the exact same as the 1860. The 1854 has high sides and that sucks in the wind. It blows the front of the boat and gives you a little tiller torque. The problem I have with the 1660 is space. I need more room for my big ass ice chest. The 48 inch bottoms turn 1000 times better than the 60 inch bottoms.
As far as dealers, I live 20 minutes from a PD and GD dealer. I bought my last two rigs directly from Go Devil and I would have done the same with PD. It is just a personal preference. I like to have a relationship with the guys who build my stuff as much as I can. I also like to order it with the the accessories I want in them. You will have to wait for a rig at PD and GD. You will not have to wait at a dealer most of the time but you will pay more and get only what they have in stock. Both of your choices are very good.

I know the turn around for GD on a new build is 4-6 weeks (isn't bad)!!!! I'd order straight from manufacture if possible!!!!!! Cuts the middle man out and it's easier to get things done ! I live 30 min from GD, buy stuff from them often..... I know people that bring their boats straight to them to have work done


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The reason I want the width is ill be fishing out of it more than hunting. Its not so much the need to carry a lot of weight but like you said, ice chests etc. just bulky stuff that takes up room. Plus, I want the kids to have room to play in the bottom of the boat or whatever while I'm fishing. This is going to be a rig for the fam, not just me. Whatever hull I get will have basically the same options list except if I were to choose the 1660. I wouldn't have room for the extended deck and the front storage box that goes behind the deck, I'd have to choose one or the other. There's just not enough boat. You can do it on the 18ft boats and still have decent floor space. That's good to know on the side height differences. I didn't see that listed on their website. I want a short-sided boat for sure just so it's lower profile and easier to hide. I don't hunt out of the boat, ever. The only way I ever end up in "big" or "rough" water is if I'm somewhere and get caught out in it with my head up my ass. If I pull up to the launch and there's rollers across there, she stays on the trailer. That's not my living and I'm not going to risk it. Plus, to me that's shit is nerve racking, not fun.

So I guess the choice would really be 1660 vs 1860...

Bought the motor from a dealer because I live so far away from the manufacturers it's not worth the drive. Have had great service from muddy bay. Haven't had any issues with my motor but when it comes time to get a new boat I'll be going to prodigy because their only a few hours from ke


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I'd have to pay the sales tax and registration/title once I got it back in Texas but that's not a huge deal either. Just adds a step to the process.

I bought my 16x60 from Heritage Marine in Beaumont and he usually has several different models to choose from. I like this hull better than the 17x48 PD hull I had and the only time I wish I would have gone 18x60 is with a really heavy load. Only thing about the 60's is they are flat bottom and slide more than the round GD or tapered PD.

He has a 1660 right now but it's not optioned like I want... I HATE the middle bench seat. I want the split seats and don't need or want a poling platform. He has that and an 1844. I like the extended deck because it's a good place to put fuel and batteries but the front storage would be nice too. Id like to have both but like I said before, it's really not possible with a 16' boat. If they would build a 1760 that would be ideal for what I'm wanting...

What happens when the local Dealer is not used is pretty soon they are no longer there!!!!!!
That's the Bull shit about dealing with Boat/Motor Manufactures that also sell factory direct.
They FUCK there own dealer out of sales

From my experience, most manufactures will not undercut their dealers. Instead they offer their product at a slightly lower price to the dealer and then the dealer makes the $200-$300 markup.

Yeah, I know he can order wherever I want. But if I can save a little on the shipping Id rather take a day and make a ride to GD and pick it up, go visit some family etc... Unless there's some real big advantage to buying from the dealer.

I went with a dealer and the shipping was way cheaper since they get a semi-load

MN to LA is a little different than my situation. I'm a little over 3hrs away. Tops. My next weekend off I may make a trip over there just to survey the situation and maybe setup a demo. No matter which way I go, I'd like to actually see them being built.

Go custom

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I'm surprised it took this long for someone to say something about a custom build. The bottom line is, I don't need one. I can get the options and construction I want from a manufacturing company. I'm not saying custom boats aren't great, nice etc... But I don't think I need one. If I made my living out of it that's different. I just want to hunt, fish, and ride a little. Im sure just about any quality boat out there will accomplish what I want. Not to mention from what I've seen there's no real cost advantage going custom like everyone claims. All the quotes I've gotten have been at least the same if not more than a production boat.

The GoDevil rig I have had quoted is going to cost right under $14K before TTL.... If a custom builder can do that with the options I want then I'm all ears.

Well custom boats are the best lol. But that's just my opinion, and a lot of times you can get them cheaper than a mfg

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Just looked up phowler quick and an 1860 .125 hull with ext deck, standard floor and galvanized trailer, price comes out to 9,403. Add some seats or box configurations amd you will be around 10k. When I was in the market, I remember apples to apples prodigy was less expensive as well

I had a quote done up from Prodigy too and a bare bones boat with very minimal options and a PD on a basic trailer was over 15K

Was the phowler with any motor on it?

19x48 Mad Man Custom
Solid 1/8 hull
Extended deck
Double bottom floor with gutter
Extended deck
Trolling motor plate
Spud hole in bow
Pointed bow
Shark running lights in bow
Wired
Bilge pump
3 switch panel
Removable dry storage box
Removable polling platform
Three seat petestaks
Dry storage in bow
Bow fishing rails
Painted go-devil green
Grab bar

$6300

Just talked to him about adding 4in cat walks, would be another $300

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I've heard the go devil hulls are pretty badass

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I know, it was a joke. That other guys hulls have no cross bracing, least none of the ones I've seen. Nothing on top of the long braces that's tied into the sides.

I've been shopping around for hull and trailer alot over the past year and I'll tell ya it's frustrating as shit. Phowler is my closest option but holy hell they want an arm and a leg for a boat and trailer compared to other custom builders and some of the mfg. Apparently convenience is alot more expensive that I thought

Central IL

Haven't had any problems with my rig, nor have I heard of any problems with any of his rigs, I have two friends that put theirs through the gauntlet and they have yet to have any problems.

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How do you get ahold of mad man customs? I've heard good things

I can vouch for those good things 985-285-0978. MAD MAN CUSTOMS

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Bahahhaha, all these responses is going to mess your decision making all up. The good news is if you go prodrive, go devil or mad man customs you still win. That is the beauty in all of this. They are all good builds. I saw pintails rig at a ride and it is bad ass. I been in a prodrive rig and my go devil rig many many times. You can't go wrong with either choice.

I'm pretty much set on the GD at this point. If nothing else for the simplicity of it all.

My dilemma now is do I get the 1660 or the 1860. $300 difference in the two so thats not the issue lol. My main concern with the 1860 is that it's going to end up being a slug that's got me gun shy. If they made a 1760 Id split the difference and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.....

Custom builder will build you a 1760:D

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