Hello!

I'm new to the website and to surface drives in general. I currently have a 2014 1550 Edge with a 40 Tohatsu that I use for fishing and duck hunting. I'm currently interested in purchasing a mud hull with a surface drive. My biggest issues are the different areas I play in, I'm not sure if I can get one boat that would work well for both. I live in southwest Louisiana (lake Charles) and the boat would probably be used 40% duck hunting and 60% fishing. Now I hunt in the SW marshes such as Sabine refuge and the calcasieu river. As far as fishing goes I fish the river all the way down to big lake running to the third weirs possibly further then that, and fish the marsh so that all includes solid mud, deep mud, gravel, and oyster reefs.. I'm usually running two people wether it be fishing or hunting maybe three once in a blue moon.

My current rig will run me and another person in the low 40's right now and I know that a MM will not be near that but can still move. I have done a lot of reading on pro drive mm compared to GTR and I think for an all around boat a GTR with reverse would be more beneficial. When fishing in areas with good current at the least. I thought maybe a custom boat would be the only way to get something that would work for both and as far as that goes I like Gator Trax.

But I want to get some opinions from those of you who maybe fish and hunt the same type of area I do. What type of hull,SD, and accessories that are recommended. To anyone willing to help, thank you.

I am right across the river from you in Texas and will be using my new boat for the exact same thing as you. I ordered and 18' x 54" Prodigy with the 37 GTR EFI motor. My boat will be used primarily for fishing the marsh near Blacks Bayou and Burton's ditch area. I've never owned a Mud rig myself so I basically just made my decisions on what I saw and read on the internet and this site.

You can get a Phowler set up exactly the way you want it. Might want to take a look.

PW

If you don't mind me asking what did your rig cost you? And with how the lakes around here can easily get 2-3 chop in 10mph winds would there be a boat that would hold together well and stay up in that, but still be logical for the bayou and marsh hunting? Please let me know how it does for you!

As far as the prowler goes, what are the benefits from having a custom rig from them compacted to Gator trax?

If your running through a 2-3' chop, a Semi-V in front would serve you well. I also suggest regardless of who builds your hull, get a 3/16th bottom. The constant running though rough waters will put a toll on the smaller gauge alum. 22" or taller sides is also a good thing for the rough water your running.

Anyone that actually runs in my area and would like to tell of they type of rig they have and what they would do to make it better. Thanks!

I'm in sulphur. I'm having an 20/72 wc custom built . V take , pointed bow, 24" sides, 3/16 bottom with dual GTR's . Prolly A lot bigger then your looking for but the range of water your looking to fish You might want to go with a longer wider boat with atleast 22" sides for big lake on rough days. Other then that u might need 2 different boats. Good luck on your search

I'm starting to think it may be better to keep my Tohatsu and just get a different hull. Any suggestions as to what time and size would be best for my situation? I'll take any specifics, thanks!

call a builder when you're serious. they'll be able to make a recommendation based on what you're doing with the boat.

Any recommended dealers?