Edited the original post.

I've finalized my order with Uncle J on a 16.5'x48'' with hunt deck and removable poling platform.

For now, I'm putting my Backwater SWOMP Lite 23 with a Predator 670 on it. This is only temporary, and I'll eventually put a bigger SD on it - but keep the Backwater for the occasional refugee hunt.

The opinions people pitched in below helped me solidify my decisions, and Jason has offered great and brutally honest advice. I'm going to have some fun with this build, and document some of it along the way to offer others advice later on.

I've got about 6 weeks to get everything ready for the boat, including trailer and motor mods. Time to make the 670 eat and breath a little easier.

Any reason why not go with a 35?

Only reason I say because a lot of folks end up wanting a 35 and don't have enough boat to run it.

16.5x46 will hold it but won't haul a load like a longer boat will.


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Get the hunt deck


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Get the hunt deck and spud pole holes front and back all four corners. There are tons of uses for them. I don't have any seat bases and I don't regret it. We use dove stools, 5 gallon buckets, coolers, folding chairs or whatever ever works and you aren't limited to just sitting in the spot where the base is mounted.


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I believe Uncle J makes some good looking portable pedestal bases. Buys on here have listed them for sale in the past. That's what I'd get.

I'd love to go with a 35+ engine, but most of what I hunt is federal refugees with the horsepower limit.

I had forgot about the spud poles until I wrote this thread, but I think they'd be real handy. Gotta love when you pull the boat out to gather decoys and it keeps drifting off.


What about a 48 over a 46 on width? The first builder I wanted to use pushed the 16.5 x 46 real hard. Only reason I didn't use him is the 6-8 month wait. I don't have that much patience.


Im still no sold on eliminating the single back seat all together, mainly for the storage at the back of the boat where I'll be. He makes these pretty sweet pyramid looking seat bases. I'll get one or two for sure - just trying to justify that rear seat.

I have a rear seat/storage box and that is the only real dry storage I have.The front hatch is dry for what it's worth but it is the bottom of the boat so if two people stand on the front deck and you happen to have a little water in the boat that water runs to the front and will almost get stuff wet. My front deck area always has moisture in it and I always open it up and let it air out. In my opinion wider is better I went from a 42 to a 54. And I would compare weight of those seat bases verses dove buckets. Buying a new boat with a small block and pilling a bunch of crap in and expecting to run 25 mph just is not gonna happen.



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I don't see 2" making that much difference. And if you go 4' and have 18" sides it is even cut on your sheet of its going to be a 1 piece hull.


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It will Not be a one piece hull


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go big i just got my 16.5x48 instigator and wish it was bigger

Just go 1854, it's like a gun safe or a pole barn or anything else, you will always want bigger. Uncle J makes quality stuff, it's a purchase that will last so just go 1854 with a 35 GTR, you will be able to get anywhere you can with a 1648 and 25GTR plus some

The hunt deck is awesome, not even a reason to consider not getting one.

And go V rake, kept me dry MANY TIMES

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Think I got it all hashed out, and ready to put J to work!

Go 48" width and enjoy the extra lift.

I'd go with the 48 or bump to 50. The extra displacement can make a big difference. If you are dead set on keeping the motor within refuge limits I wouldn't go above 16. Unless you keep your motor you have and also have a 35 to the side for when you don't want to run refuge(unless speed isn't that big of a deal to you). The hunt deck is a must. It's very convenient. Great dog platform, easy in and out from the boat, gives you some more room in the boat, and it's a great place to piss off of. Spud pole holes are great. Honestly wish I would have gotten them with my gator trax.

Built in fuel tank in the front deck.

GatorGlide

I texted you last week David, and I'll be getting some ordered this week.

Just got the call that my boat should be ready for pickup next weekend. Great way to start the weekend. Calendars cleared and destination set to Morgan City next weekend. Guess I need to finish building the trailer.

David, I put in a order for Gator Glide yesterday!

Since the boats almost ready, I had to finish the trailer. Picked up used one for 300 bucks, in a fairly poor state. New paint, wheel hub bearings, lights, boards, etc. - and I have almost have a pretty nice little boat hauler.

Received my switches from Otraattw.net and the quality seems to be pretty high. Their customer service was great to deal with.

Boat pickup this weekend.



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First photos!

Looking good man. That's quick for a custom build.

We dont play... Quit school because of recess. LMAO

They just started this past Friday! I said give me a weeks notice so I can plan to come get it. Jason said alright, it'll be ready next Friday. Come get it!

It'll be right at 5 weeks since I first gave him a call.

UncleJ don't be bullshittin'.. Lol. Looks good man!

I recently Got on Otrattw web site and built some switches. They seem to be real durable and heavy duty. I bought their gang-able box becAuse I wanted 9 switches. Here are some pics of them and the recessed aluminum panel I made to
Try to protect them a little.








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That panel assembly looks sharp. Good job on the fab work and painting.

Shes done!

Looks great.