New guy about to take the plunge into the mud motor world. As of right now I have my eye set on a 1542 tracker topper Jon boat with a 23 horse backwater long tail. Wondering if anybody has a rig similar to this and what I can expect out of it. I'm thinking this rig will work perfectly for the marshes by my house that I hunt. Not trying to be the fastest boat in the marsh or the slowest. Just want something to get me from point a to b with 2 other hunting buddies comfortably and safely. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a good choice of equipment to me....although the boat might a bit small for three adults and hunting gear. For one hunter it will be excellent. It will be okay with two adult hunters, but three full-sized adult males and gear will move the hull from the planing category into the displacement category.

That combo will be light and sporty, make sure you are not going to hit any stumps or rocks. Boat is very light and will come apart quick if abused, it will last for years if you are just mashing grass. Should run close to twenty with two normal men and light hunt load. Good luck.

Like was said, if you don't abuse it, a riveted hull will last a lifetime. I'd go 16-18' /42/44 riveted or .100 welded and you will be even safer and the 23 will still push it admirably.

Had same boat w 24 honda LT (loved it too)
We ran w 3 people but only gonna get about 14-15 w that load
Ran 18+ w just 2

I have a 03 set up. 15/42 with a 23 GD. We have beat the hell out of it. Frog spit the bottom and look out. I have had to weld the seems a couple of times but that was after 10 yrs of beating the hell out of it. It's not that great of a boat for three but it will do the job. I gator hunt 3 all the time out of it but I have no desire to haul butt. If you listen to these crack heads they will have you thinking you'll bust a riveted boat the first time out. They have been drinking to much koolaid. You can go way more places in a light rig than they can. When you come out of the marsh they will be sitting in deep water asking you if there's any water back there.

I would second the above information. There are thousands of the rigs like you mentioned out there.

Mark F. Cheney