Ok guys I'm starting to look around for a new hull to slap my gtr35 on. I'm currently running a jon boat style 1648 and want to get something else before I trash this thing. I use my boat mostly for hunting but do some bowfishing and what not in the summer. I've been looking at prodigy a little bit and they seem like nice rigs from what I've seen and read. Also looking at gatortrax. Unfortunately I live in Virginia and mud motors and boat builders are practically non existent from what I've seen so I don't have a way to see something in person. Whatever I get it'll need to be 3/16 bottom as the places I run are shallow rocky bottom and I also go to Arkansas every year and hunt flooded timber. Any suggestions on what to get and what options I should get on it? Also not sure what size to go with. The 1648 fits me good for the loads I carry but I'm wondering if a longer wider hull would give me better performance with the gtr35. I've never had a true surface drive hull or driven one so Im new to what to look for and what to stay from. Any input is appreciated.

Look at uncle j for a custom build.I recommend a poly bottom for rocks.

I think a road trip to Louisiana is in order. Virginia's not that far away. You can visit a few of the builders and see their operation and boats first hand.

Louisiana is bit far to be driving just to look at boats. Driving there to pick one up wouldn't be too bad but with my work schedule multiple trips would be hard to swing. Any one have any other suggestions on builders to look at or input on what size would be best?

Call Kevin at cooper River marine he is in South Carolina and is a dealer for gatortrax and prodigy


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Going to Louisiana to visit mud boat builders is like going to Wanchese, NC to visit sportfish boat builders, you are visiting the area and the people who gave rise to the design. Given enough time and money, it would definitely be worth the trip. However, I would not let distance be a deciding factor. You can do your preliminary research right on this forum. Once you have used this resource to narrow your search, call the builders you selected and see who you find easy to work with.

Keep in mind that it is easier for a builder to give great service to a customer who lives in their back yard and always drops by when he needs something. That customer is also harder to put off too. Look for builders who are just as dedicated to the customers 15 hours away as they are to the ones that they see at the mud runs. Those are the guys you want to build your boat. Be sure to ask them how they handle long distance warranty matters.

Once you get down to a short list, ask the builders if they have delivered any boats to customers in your area. Odds are that there is an example of quite a few builder's boats within an easy weekend drive. Customer boats with a season or two on them are what you should see anyhow.

If you want to take a look at a Phowler (I'd strongly recommend it) PM me. Although my boat is not in the size range you are considering, you'd get to see how Paul and his crew build them. Best of luck with your purchase.

Give us a shout, we can build it just the way you want it for how you plan to use it.

PW

Look at Deadfowl Custom Boats too. Rj is as good a dude as you'll meet and builds as good a rig as any you'll find.

Thanks for the info guys, looks like I got several different choices to look into. I pretty much know I want it laid out just need to decide on a size. Is there any reason to go with an 1854 vs a 1754 as far as performance goes?

If you have a Prodigy dealer in South Carolina, I would go that route if it was me.

Good luck.

I'd go 1754, and keep accessories and other shit to a minimum, unless you want to mod the engine.

Since your current 1648 fits you and the loads you carry, I wouldn't change much on the size of the boat. I'd just go with a 1748 so you'd have an extra foot to help balance the engine. Or a 1648 with a hunt deck.

Wanchese NC...why is it that people who make a living off the water have there own language dialect and accent almost as bad as some of dem Cajun coonasses

1754 will be my next hull for sure 18' just maybe to much I run a 1648 too and it's great for fishing and two man hunting but I'm going up next year to a 54" the length isn't the issue for me read through these guys here are pretty open and don't hold back on shitty builders you can get a lot of info if you search through...

If you want it to perform get the GatorTail Extreme hull.I tried to save money with the Alweld boats then got a so called custom/garage built hull and just wasn't happy so went and did some demo rides and had to have the Extreme hull and that is the only hull I will ever run so good luck

As always, GoDevil is left out of these conversations There is a reason the company has been around since the 70's. They have a very well established dealer network and do business all over the planet. Virginia wouldn't be a problem I'm sure. It also appears they have some new things coming down the pipe and build many different sizes of hulls with different style chines to fit your needs and driving style. It would be worth giving them a look.