I'm working within a budget here, and a 1552 and 1648 fit squarely within my threshold. I plan on putting my already owned 20hp on this boat. Which would you choose? Which one would... * Have the highest top speed * Have the shallowest draft * Be better as a fishing platform
Which one has highest side height ? The 52 " bottom will have less movement when you stand to shoot as compared to 48" bottom if you use a boat blind. Which one has the openest floor plan. For hunting you want as much open floor plan as possable. I,d say 1552 will get you more MPH as slightly less draft but that might only be 1 to 2 mph with a 20. That size begs for a 25 at least.
go with the 52 wide. the wider the better for stability and less draft. the 20hp will be "ok" but a 25 or 30 hp would be better. I bought a 1448 this past summer so I would have a smaller boat that I could use by myself. I wish it was wider. I am thinking about how to mount some spud pole brackets on it.
I just checked the weights of the Alweld 1552 and the Alweld 1648 jons. There's only a five pound difference. Still a tough choice.
I’ve hunted 1652’s and 1648’s. While not that much wider the 52 was noticeably more stable. If I were you I would go with the 1552 and as mentioned try to hang something with a little more hp off the back. A really versatile boat I think you’ll enjoy it!
Id be happy with a 1542mv. Next boat rig i set up is going to be FAST. There are places I need to go very fast
