Flotation in the rear.

[Browning]

Kent,
I know I've asked this before but I'm gonna ask again because I don't remember what you told me. Is there any way you guys can run the flotation chambers in the back (in the mudbuddy edition gatortrax) all the way to the transom and angle the front (ala wareagle)? It would allow you to make the boxes a lot narrower and clear up some room in the boat. Not to mention, if you weld them to the transom, I would think they would provide extra bracing. I know the boxes you currently use are probably pre-made, and easier/cheaper to put in, but they sure do take up a LOT of space back there. I don't know for sure because Excel, Legendcraft, wareagle, etc. are all doing it (although wareagle is the only one I've seen with the fronts angled).

Maybe you could look at doing it as an option. I for one would certainly pay extra for it.


Just askin.

[Cajun_in_GA]

Hunt Deck...........lol

[Cajun_in_GA]

or u could always tie a few life jackets to your transom..........lol

[Kman]

If you take a look at our transoms, we brace each rib back up to the channel at the top of the transom. If I could figure out how to post a pic on this site, I would do so. These braces are, we feel, very "key" to stump pounding transom abuse. These braces would also go right thru the boxes you speak of. True, the boxes would provide some support in lieu of the missing braces. However, I don't think they would provide the same support. Bottom line is, the transom design we have works and we know it works. I am not certain how the change you are suggesting would work. This is the entire reason the huntdeck was born. The huntdeck has literally NO disadvantages. None.
Your boat is a little longer to draft less, your motor is further back to get it out of the way, your dog has a great perch, you have a way to get in and out of the boat from shallow water, and your flotation issue is not only solved, but you have even MORE room than you would if you did it the way you suggested. On top of that, you wont sacrifice any structural integrity.
Now, if you are set on having a hull built that way, I will be glad to discuss it further with Allen and get his opinion on the structural integrity and actual feesability of doing this. If he feels it can be done at a reasonable cost to you, our customer, and it won't hurt the integrity of your hull, we will be glad to build it for you. Just let me know when you are ready.
Kent

[Browning]

Kent,
Thanks for the reply. I hope you didn't think I was knocking your design because I think you make a excellent boat (I'm sure I'll own several before I'm done). Your explanation makes sense to me. I'd rather stick to what we know works and I hit enough stumps to need the strength in the transom. I may look at the huntdeck for my next boat, but for now I'm happy with my 1744 GE.



By the way. Thanks for the help on the hydroturf. It went in great! I know why everybody says it's addictive. It's hard not to want to cover the whole boat with it! That stuff rocks.