I am about to graduate from college and have been dying to finally buy a mud boat, however I am very unsure of what I want to buy. The main things I will be using the boat for is bass fishing and duck hunting. I need the biggest front deck I can get for bass fishing out of my boat, but also need a boat that can get through some thick mud for hunting the marsh. I have been saving my money for awhile, so I am willing to sacrifice money to get what i want.

The question I have are:
Do I buy a 18x48 or a 17x54? If I get a 18x54 will that hinder my ability to maneuver through mud for hunting?

Also I would really like a center console, but will this also hinder the boats ability to get through mud compared to a stick? what are the disadvantages?

Should i buy a Gator Tail or Pro Drive? Who makes the best boats and motor?

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Search, search..... Aaaand search.

This has been beaten to death and back to life twice.

Go test drive and buy the one you like the best.

Big console can hang in the mud. The only time i miss a tiller is in very tight trails.

1854 is an all aroud great size. Good for carrying a liad but still fast light. Plenty room for hunters and gear ect..

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So....why no interest in an HDR?


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I would get the 1854 as stated above it is a good size for speed and can carry a good sized load. With a boat that size you will want a 35-37 hp HDR GTR or Prodrive. Each motor has their advantages it is all about personal preference. Gator tail gator trax Prodrive go devil prodigy Unvle J's and many more brands make good boats. Are you going to get one built or buy used?

2460 with two freedom outboard 60hp on a CC setup


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Thanks everyone the help is greatly appreciated and all the comments have been tremendous in aiding me for my purchase. I was never too sure about the size boats these motors could handle efficiently, that is what had me questioning boat sizes, but it sounds like if i purchase the 1854 (which is what I wanted for fishing purposes) a 37 Hp Efi motor will have no problem hanging the boat. I am also learning more towards the center console model, I think it will be much more enjoyable all around for hunting and fishing, however I am not concrete on that as much as the boat size at this point.

I keep seeing a couple post about a HDR what exactly does this mean?

HDR is the muddy with reverse, Hyper Drive Reverse


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http://11583-presscdn-0-46.pagely.netdn ... /deals.jpg

this is the boat I have been looking at.
any positive and negative feedback would be appreciated.

18x54 with the 37 Hp vanguard reverse model

I have a similar setup, look in the review section

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Where are you located?

I am from Eunice, pretty close to where Gator Tail HQ is. Also somebody asked if I am looking to buy used or build. To answer their question, I am looking to built that way I can get the extended deck, a small back deck, and possible the gunnels that are offered on the side of the boat by Gator Tail.

That's a very nice rig.



Gator Tail and Pro Drive are both very good motors, each with their own (relatively small) advantages and disadvantages.

The Gator Tail in your link is a very well made boat. So are many others.

Boat width is a game of give and take. But I'd think that for most people, most of the time, a little extra width (say, 54" instead of 48") won't hurt.

What are some good website to find these used boats besides here and the sportsman?

Yeah like I said I do a good bit of fishing, I hunt everyday I can during the season, however I still spend way more time on the water fishing. So Im pretty concrete on the extra width at this point, From my understanding the width from 48'' to 54'' does not make that big of a difference on the motor, nor does the extra foot from 17' to 18' correct?

If u find a used one u like GT or PD can build u removable deck extensions for fishing that u can take out for hunting. Just a thought


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There is a 2013 gator trax 18' can't remember the width with a mud buddy 35 at the bass pro shop in Macon ga. This boat is brand new and it has been on the show room for 2 years. There is not a big market for mudboats in the area. It might be worth a call to see if they will cut you a deal to move it off their showroom and they could possibly ship it to you nearest tracker bot dealer.

Louisiana Sportsman for used rigs....and the classified forums on here and TOS.

You should buy an excel boat with a 23hp dixie mudmotor.

best advice I got for you, seeing as u live right there in Eunice, is to call pd and gt and go demo a 1854 setup like u want.
plan one demo for the morning and the other that afternoon. the two shops are in the same small town.


don't be a douchebag and just show up, call ahead and set it up so you don't have to drive twice.

demo ride will be the only way for you to see what works for you. plant that sob in the mud/lilies and dig your way out.



listening to a bunch of people on the internet is not the same thing as going run them yourself. lol

good luck


good luck.

You're a smart man, da

My .02--I would NEVER buy a CC boat for duck hunting. I know there are guys on here who use them but they significantly cut down on your storage room for decoys/gear and flexibility in the way of blinds and seating arrangements for hunting out of the boat. I don't even want bench seats in my duck boat. Completely open floor plan works best for hunting. I own a CC jet boat that I use for fishing and a second boat for hunting. At times, I have considered consolidating into one "all-around" boat but having a CC in it would not be a consideration for me whatsoever.
If you go down and testdrive some boats, try to envision yourself with 2-3 guys, a dog, several bags of decoys, blind bags, guns, and a blind in a CC boat. Then try to envision yourself trying to walk from bow to transom and maneuver around in the boat which you WILL have to do. I think it'll help you see the light.

Op you plan to hunt from tge boat?

And catwalks are a nice way to navigate front to back in a loaded boat. Regardless of steering setup.

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Yes that is a great Idea and I will for sure do it, I never new they will let you demo boats like that.

Just a thought if you want a regular front deck during hunting season you could add some drop in exstentions made with a couple square tube pockets with some pins just drop in during fishing season and remove during duck season

18/56 , or in that range is a great all around size boat ! I have owned 3 CC boats and will never go back to a tiller handle. Console rig is a little slower going handling in mud but with a little practice you will get out of nasty mud just fine. Comfort wise console is the way to go especially if you make log hauls like me. I hunted from my last rig and had no issues. I have a 20/72 now but still wish I had my 18/56 at times.

All depends on where and how you hunt. Tiller for timber (like green tree in arkansas and Ms). Places like LA I would think a console would be the ticket.

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