I've had a 35 mud buddy on a 18' gator trax and a pro drive 1848 with a pro drive 36 (I loved this boat should have never sold it). Well due to where I was hunting I switched to a war eagle which I have now. Good boat but I want another surface drive.

I've already made my mind up that I want another prodrive 36hp. I run a lot of timber so I like the 48" bottom. Cause of the tight stuff I run in I'm thinking of going all the way down to a 16' long. I know its only a foot between the two hulls I'm looking at (1648 vs 1748) but I'd like to hear some pros and cons.

No need to sell me on other hull manufactures or motors (I think the others are fine just personal preference) I've made my mind up on that, just wanting to talk size.

Thanks.

Why not do the 18 that you were so happy with before? 2 feet of length really doesn't make a difference for turning abilty to cut between trees. Plus you will have the benefit of a higher floating and easier to ballance rig.

Go back to that 1848.

I got rid of the 18' cause it was just too long, running hard bottoms, and I'm talking TIGHT timber and buckbrush. I know it sounds crazy but that 2' will make a difference.

BUT yall bring up some good points. I know a fare mount about boats but not a ton on the geometry of different setups. Whats the draft/ balance differences etc on a 36hp on the 16 vs the 18?

Gonna squat more on take off with 16' Not a good idea if you're running hard bottoms.

ok, good point. hard bottoms (flooded timber) not river rock though.

I don't think you can go wrong with a18x48. I'm on my 3rd one and my next one may be a 19 or 20x48 if I get a new one.

Get the 17 if those are your only choices


Just my opinion though.

probably right, just worried bout maneuverability. I loved my 1848, it was a bit long but made it most spots... just threw some dents in it. knock a foot off and go with the 17 should be fine.

Get a longer hull and get a pointed bow. Even with the longer boat, that'd help start those sharper turns a lot easier or at least get the nose on the right side of the tree.

thanks for the feedback. any idea the performance on a 1648 w/ 25hp prodrive?

In the boat review forum, a guy just posted a review on a 1648 with a GTR25.

Thanks