War Eagle or XPress for Surface Drive

[Big Hutch]

I need some advice. I joined a new marsh lease and I am upgrading from my 9hp Go Devil long tail to a 23 HP Go Devil surface drive since the distance to my blind increased from 1/4 mile to 2.5 miles. I have an opportunity to purchase a like new GDSD at a very reasonable price so that is why I am choosing this particular surface drive. I'm not interested in speed other than that I would like more speed than the 9hp would provide.

Here's my question. I have 2 boats I own on which I could mount the 23 GDSD. I have a 15' 42" War Eagle and a 15' 46" Xpress. Both are flat bottom boats. The War Eagle has a modified vee bow vs the flat bow of the XPress. The War Eagle seems to be a stronger made boat as far as bracing of the transom but both are listed as .80 gauge. The War Eagle has taller gunnels but is a little heavier. I will be running canals and across an open lake in 12"-24" of water. Sometimes 3 men plus gear through vegetation like dollar lilies and wigeon grass but not the super thick stuff.


What is your honest opinion about which boat would be better suited for the 23 GDSD?


Sorry for the information overload.

Thanks for the advice.
Robbie aka Big Hutch