I run a Weldbilt 1648 open floor .80 boat. Duck load includes two men 250# plus, dog and 2 dozen dekes plus guns and ammo and Avery blind with grass. I'm wondering which of the two would best suit my boat simply because I love the boat just not the way my Dixie MM is set up. I know the Copperhead weighs in about 92lbs less than the GT 25. I'd like to get some input from folks that run somewhat of the same set up I do as well as people with experience with both motors. Kind of been having an issue of my current motor having a problem with getting up on plane empty and full. Any info would be greatly appreciated

Pm sent

One has efi and reverse. What does the other have?

Reverse, efi, power trim....

All depends on your needs .. Reverse,power trim ??

Power trim is a huge plus but reverse really isn't a deal breaker at all. I'm just trying to do as much research as possible before i drop 5k plus on a new motor

One is Junk!

GT: has reverse, power trim, efi, and will actually push a load well.

Copperhead: really only good if you have no weight in the boat

My biggest concern really is the weight of each motor and if the extra 92lbs is gonna make a big difference in my boat getting on plane. I'm not really concerned with going lightening fast but more of getting on plane and staying there and having low end torque to get in and out of the thick mud and vegetation

to me unless you're in a restricted area ,you're better off with a 35 gtr, not a big weight difference!!
the Copperhead 23 on the other hand is a lightweight motor design for lightweight boats .
with a racing background, the Copperhead wins the horse power to weight ratio hands down !!
question for the GTR guys, how much torque you lose
with that clutch?
what effect of another hundred pounds on the transom with the gtr?
great post what is the best small block?
which motor is easier to mod?
which ones cheaper to mod?
the Subaru GTR's a great motor, but is it the best small block for life boats???????

Yeah I'd go with the 35 GTR if my budget could handle it, just had my first child a little over a month ago so I'm trying to spend wisely. I just really want to know if either will get my boat up on plane and stay there even under a decent hunting load as well as get thru the thick stuff. Don't care much at all about going fast lol

well if it's just about getting on plane, I'd go with the coppeehead.
fuel injection, would be the only reason I would choose the gtr25..
but the 35 don't weigh much more!!!

The Duck Commander runs a Copperhead!

What more do you need to know?!

I've pretty well made my mind up on getting the 25GT without the R. I'm pretty sure it will be able to handle the extra 92lbs without a problem. If anyone can prove otherwise I'd really like to know

No reverse?? Why???

with that light of a boat, reverse is not a necessity.... pick the bow up and turn it around....duh.....you will want to beef up your transom for the gt...... copperheads are good machines and with a good reputation in the customer service area unlike your current dixie and there are mods for the 23 unlike the 25.....the 25 should push that boat really well if you can keep the nose down. go with the 32 inch shaft.....its drive angle will help with that......

If you're going with the gt get the reverse. It will not sell well when you decide to upgrade to a 35 HP at some point. Its a really nice luxury to have as well

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You might as well just get a copperhead and save some coin and weight if your not going to get the reverse..

Talked to Gil From copperhead today. He told me out of his own mouth that he would suggest with going with the 25GT with the current boat and load I normally run. I was amazed that he pointed me in another direction really. Still a toss up about the reverse. I don't plan on re selling the motor as long as it holds up. I just am not sure if the extra $800 is worth it

What is the upgrade price for reverse later?

Haven't really checked on it

I haven't decided 100 percent against it at all. Just trying to make a sound decision. I'd go with a whole new rig but with a 6 week old boy at home it's hard to blow that kind of money

I first thought about going GT instead of GTR for a while for reasons of simplicity and a little bit of budget, but I will tell you right now the reverse is the staple of those motors.. You may think you can do without it, but invest just a little more and don't sell yourself short. You'll be thankful later

Wait a lil longer and save some, If money is tight. Get what you want. Duck season doesn't start till next November.

I don't think it's blowing money, I think its a better investment.
if you ever get in a pinch with your new young family Way easier to sell the GTR.

Cody if it was me go with the reverse!!!! I wish I had it everyday getting in and out blinds!

Yall have just about sold me on the GT with the R lol. What kind of longevity are the reverse units getting? Anybody having issues with the reverse unit itself?

No issues. Just some mantinence. Changing brake pads and bleeding lines. Thats about it.