Hi guys, brand new to this forum. Over the next 6-8 months I'm looking to purchase a boat and surface drive motor. I'm looking to get a modified-V and a SD motor in the 30-35 hp range. A few specifics about my situation-

-I'm going to be hunting a major river that moves pretty damn quick in the channels, so I need a setup that will allow me to go up-river with a maxed out load

-I'm leaning towards a SD motor because the sand bars in the river like to move around throughout the season pretty quickly, and I like the toughness and versatility of the SD over the standard outboards.

-based on my experience and based on the size loads I'll be running, I'm looking at an 18 ft boat or so. I'd like it to be at or close to 60" wide, preferably with at least 24" sidewalks.

-I'd like the floor plan to be as wide open as possible so I can do what I want to with it

With these facts I need mind, and a budget of 10-13k, what recommendation do you guys have? What am I failing to consider? I'm not at all opposed to buying a used one, but are there any specific models that will fit my criteria well to look out for?

You have pretty specific criteria. Use a custom builder and a lightly used motor (some builders can source them for you) and you can come in under your $13k budget of you don't get too fancy with it.


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have you considered a 18x60 or so grizzly or G3 type boat with a 90 or 115 outboard and a hyd jackplate? it would run real shallow, and still haul whatever u want at a much better speed.
plus it would have a instant reverse.
a tunnel setup would run even be better for sand bars.

might not be what u want to hear, but in sand i'd take a properly setup outboard any day.

good luck!!!

Seaark and a outboard on a jackplate.

Tunnel hull with a lily keel welded in place with a jackplate and outboard. A buddy of mine has a TNT tunnel rigged just like that. It does well.

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my old southfork 18x36 tunnelhull has a keel welded in the tunnel for the grass. [vented as well]
if u got the balls to run it, it will pass in some skinny places. lol