Well, as the title states, I'm new around here. Been on the site multiple times over the past year, but never registered. Currently in a 1436 riveted boat that was passed down to me. Last year, I got a 15hp longtail to push it, and now I think I might want to upgrade.

I've got my eyes set on getting into another longtail rig. Not trying to buy new, and trying to stay in a reasonable cheap as possible budget. I prefer the longtails, because in the areas I hunt/bowfish , I find myself teeter-tottering over fallen trees at least 2 times a week. In places that no SD would be able to bite water. Sometimes the boat being as much as 2 ft out the water.

I've been looking at picking up a 23hp vanguard, and buying a longtail kit, or fabricating one up.

I have done a fair amount of research, but it seems as though there's 3 million different opinions on my subject. I just want to know what the best hull size for that set up would be. 16x44? 16x48? 17x44? 17x48? Can I go a bit wider without sacrificing speed? Longer? I'm left completely clueless, and after reading multiple similar questions, They've all got me second guessing what I thought the right choice would be.

Also , If anyone else has a longtail in the same power range, I'd love to see it on whatever boat you're running, and get some REAL speeds. With my 15hp on my 1436 , I'm seeing a constant 12-13 mph average, with two guys (180lb each) , 5 gallons of gas, and about 4 dozen dekes. Just not wanting to spend the money on this , and be stuck in the same boat. (no pun intended)

I don't no much either but if a 23 hp is what you want I would suggest no bigger than a 15x48 or a 16x44 any bigger boat than that you might be dissapointed with speed. With my boat there is places I can't go because my boat is a 20x60.

I appreciate the input. I was thinking the magic number to be somewhere around a 16x44 , or maybe a 16x52 at the very most. I'm not terribly worried about much weight distribution, as I pack pretty light on most of my outings. Never really get too crazy with my luggages.

If you want to get a 23 and want to stay with your current boat why not add some pods they will help the rear end with the extra weight so your ass isn't dragging with all the weight in back from you and the bigger motor after you install the pods move your gas tank and if you have one trolling battery up front under the front deck

They also help keep water from coming over the transom at sudden stops

My first boat ever was a 14x36 with a 23 godevil long tail.
Go for it, you will be fine.
Sure, a 16x44 would be ideal, but you can make it work with your current boat.

I have a 1542 that i had a 25 godevil longtail on it. I agree with tshot about his suggestions. I have the small size beavertail pods that you can order through cabelas and with the width of my boat the longtail shaft barely cleared the pods at extreme angles. I would not go narrower than 42. I do like the pods idea with a long tail twin cylinder, as they can get quite heavy. I estimated my go devil to be around 200 lbs. I had consistant speeds of 17 with two smaller guys and a light hunt load.