Contemplating throwing down lots of cash for one of these rigs. For the past 20 yrs or so been hunting around 15 of them in an old 1955 14ft Jon boat w/25 hp evinrude, so we are not a newbe. Selling it some time ago and hunting private waters.
Ok my question for my fellow THF guys is could I get all your info and knowledge (good or bad) and everything in between on this boat-rig. I would appreciate it so much. Thanking THF in advance for your time and info, be patient and successful in our upcoming 2016-17 waterfowl season.

I have no direct knowledge of the boat you are talking about, but I have a mud rig and absolutely love it. I ran a small 14ft w 25 horse too, it's nice to have the room the space and the ability to go practically anywhere w such a rig. It's Def a nice upgrade. I don't regret purchasing mine one bit

I don't know about the Gen4 part. I thought there were only 3 generations of lowers.

I upgraded from a 1436 Jon with a 6hp longtail. I'd run the long tail a decade and the 1436 class hull since I Was a kid fishing.

I have a 1754 SBX center console, 37EFI delivered last August and ordered last June. It's a pretty bulletproof setup. It's a pretty modular foot to replace anything under the waterline that gets bent. The auto rotate full power reverse takes some getting used to. It's not as convenient as reverse on the gator tail or outboard, but it sure will back you out of a jam.

Top speed (just me the dog and fishing gear) = a solid 26 bouncing off of 27 and bouncing off of the rev limiter at about 2750. The two blade props are set to move mud and carry a load, not necessarily go fastest and the SBX is also heavier than the commercial hulls. This was at 11 hours before I wore down my prop and right after the first oil change.

Two hunters, the blind, three dozen blocks and the dog. 23-24 depending upon wind direction with a good prop. 20-23 with my worn down prop.

I got stupid in the shallows during duck season and wore the prop down a bit. Now running 23-24 with me the kid a fishing gear 24 is at 4590rpms. This is a solid 350-400rpms higher than when new. Ordering a new prop tomorrow. I'm going to send the current prop out to be redone for a summer speed prop.

Hardest thing to get used to is the rapid side slip of a flat hull in high speed turns and maneuvering near the boat ramp on windy days.

I would not go back.

Lots of other options out there other than Prodrive, especially if you run a lot of timber and stumps.

Buddy of mine runs a WC Custom 17x54 with a 35hp Prodrive and really likes it...

Thanks THF for your replies....

Bump....

Buy the boat!

I'm running a WC Customs 1854 with a 36PD EFI and love the set up. The boat size of the boat is about perfect for everything. My boat has a 3/16" thick bottom and 1/8" thick 24" tall sides. My only complaint is that the boat is heavy and on a good day with the 36PD EFI I manage about 25mph solo. If you toss in gear/decoys, dog and another hunter speeds are limited to about 20ish. If you toss a third hunter and his/her gear in the boat then you are lucky to get on step. The tradeoff is I'm not too worried about damaging the boat or getting in and out of harsh environments.

Although I don't have a PD boat, I am running one of their motors and I LOVE their customer service. My occasional dealings with them have been beyond great. They treat their customers right. I don't think you will ever regret going with Prodrive boats/motors.

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Yes, PD customer service is outstanding. I ran a 17x48 PD Hull and a PD motor for 2 years and only issue I had was trim button, which was replaced by PD free of charge.

I just switched to the three blade prop they sent me under warranty.

Way more better. Same top speed, but at 350rpm less. My motor is happier too.

It could be my imagination, but it doesn't seem like the stump hits are as hard with the three blade either. Which I also like.

Outstanding customer service.