Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 — A Close Look at Two Flats
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 are flat designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeGator Trax
MakeGator Trax
Model16 x 38
ModelMud Buddy 21 in. Sides
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Width [transom] - Detail38 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Height - DetailSides: 15 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Meters0.38
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Inches15
Height - Inches21
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches192
Beamnot available
Beam69 in
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.75
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches69
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]16 or 21 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 or the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Are the Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax 16 x 38 2012 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 21 in. Sides 2011 are built by Gator Trax. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.