Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — A Close Look at Two Flats
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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 5 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 18 x 38 2012 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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
Model18 x 38
ModelMud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides)
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
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 - Feet18
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches204
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 18 x 38 2012 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 or the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008?
The Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 is certified for 5. 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 18 x 38 2012 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax 18 x 38 2012 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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.