Mud Boat
 

In a couple months I'm gonna be looking at buying a new mud boat. Just doing my homework in the mean time. I currently have a Kirk Matherne hull with a subaru engine in it. I love the boat, has plenty of power and has been reliable since I have had it. Im looking to get a prodrive (because of the reverse they offer) with a 17' x 48'' and 21'' sides center console hull, front deck and such (typical prodrive hull). Total rig Boat, motor, alum trailer is roughly about 16,000 give/take. Question is can I get a hull made cheaper than the 5,000-6,000 same size center console than prodrive hull's. I know that they have more alum boat builders over their on the west side of the state than the east. And if so, would appreciate some names and numbers. Any other suggestions would help as well. Thanks

man, check out go-devil

That's crazy money for a mud boat........get used

Geaux Customs makes Prodrive boats look into them. Also look at Excell if you want a budget. Me it would be a Gator Trax

I agree, it is crazy $$$$, just the motor with reverse, trim and controls is crazy. And I like the prodrive because of the full power reverse. This will be the last boat I will buy for some time also. Plus my boy is getting older and loves to hunt and fish. This would be safer than the mud boat I have now. If it was just for me I would go the cheap route with a tiller handle and a plain jane flat. Plus at times the oldest daughter tags along too. So I need the room and I like the center console boats. I can hunt and fish comfy with both the kids with no worries. Not to mention the surface drives are pretty darn reliable. Just not looking for headaches with the kids and would fish and hunt out of it so it would serve as a dual purpose.

Do you realize what a PITA it is to use the reverse in them things?? It don't sound like you'll be island hopping this thing.....Get the Gator tail instead........I think they're a bit cheaper as well???

If you are looking for instant reverse go with the gator tail. I was a mechanic on the mudbuddy'd for a couple years and loved them but if needing reverse gatortail is the way to go. I can also do some things to wake that motor up!

Thanks guys, I guess I will continue to shop around. The prices with all the surfaces drives are all about the same give or take. I perfer the prodrives reverse over the others as the whole lower unit spins around, not really looking for instant reverse. The prodrive is supposed to spin around in 4 sec's. That should be plenty quick enough for me. Just need to prices some smaller boat builders and compare if its worth the hassle are just get the complete set up from prodrive itself. From the last couple days looking, doesnt look like I will save much money getting my own hull built. The journey continues!! Thanks again for the input. Appreciate it

If you like a setup for fishing here ya go. This is one I outfitted last year. Took motor off of frame and painted it black. Wired entire boat from scratch, power pole, you name it its in there. Boat is powder coated instead of painted.
http://www.mudbuddy.com/Gallery/wate...le=3938&size=1

No pic, no link???

Is it showing now?

Dude that rif is SiCK...........that is cool stuff

right now you can get a custom boat built by the lil welding shops for a good price because of the slow times. got a boat built last year by razorhead in lourevillle for right under 4. total custom with poling platform 17x52

Brother Breaux makes the best skiffs for the mud IMO

I was looking at more of a fishing boat than hunting, 17 x 54, 4' front deck min with door, center console, back bench seat/storage(dry box), middle of boat being open. Wasnt looking for alot of bells and whistles. Really similiar to the prodrive hulls with center console minus the gun box.

Did you check out the excel boats?

Not yet, will check them out tomorrow in the am

South. ......that boat is awesome!!!!


Shawn.........4sec to get in reverse????? Nada!! Especially if your in the mud. More like 10 minutes.......I'm talking from experience here. We were stuck on a log in the mud.....damn near had to sleep there that night if it wasn't for the tide coming in.........like I said.....doesn't sound like your gonna be in he thick stuff, get the gator tail

Are you talking about the full power reverse,or manual? Prodrive is a better in the hardcore mud,no belts to burn up.