I know I'm about to get bashed by the modified v with a surface drive, but im not running mud flats, I'm running stumpy rivers and log infested waters, I was just wondering about putting a 36 hp ProDrive on my 1999 16ft Xpress. My transom should hold up correct? weight wise should be a little heavy but do-able, right? I know I'm going to loose speed going from 40hp outboard to a 36 Pro-drive... but just wanting other opinions...

It will support the weight, but you will need to run your gas tank and possible battery to the bow to balance it out. Is it a tall or short transom? And SD boats aren't flat because they only live in mud, they're flat because thats the best performing boat for a surface drive. There are plenty of people that run Mod Vs and SDs, but they aren't the most efficient machines.

[attachment=0]ImageUploadedByTapatalk1365732646.585649.jpg[/attachment

I've got the exact rig your talking about early 2000s xpress with 36 prodrive, mine was short transom but was built up, I'm getting good speeds, 28 with just me

Just picked the rig up a while back and I love it, it's been everything I need and more comjmh from a longtail

yeah I have a guy that does plenty of welding that's gonna brace my transom up some, just because, how low does your transom sit? backwash bad?

No it doesn't at All, as long as you come off a plane easy it wonlt at all.. If your running wide ass open and just completly let off it will just a little but not enough to matter here's my transom if it gives you a better idea

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1365737453.910897.jpg

He just welded me a piece on each side of the motor that run from the outside to the motor mount and left about a 6 ich gap where the motor bolts on.

I gotcha! I appreciate it, I'll see what I can come up with on it and will post pics later on if everything works out like I plan..

right right, It aint as bad as I put it out to be really, but its not unusual to have to cross a small dam, or cross a few logs getting from A to B.. I've done it with an outboard for years, just getting tired of it, tired of my buddies just crusin on while I have to push over and trim up and then continue on, hahaha getting lazy I guess you could say

Mines got a few hooks in it, but nothing huge, it's the bottom of the boat stuffs gonna hit it..

Yea post some pics and keep me updated, I'm guessing you have about the same hull as mine?