Hello to all....I'm new to the board and only 6 months in on the mud motor world. I purchased a 1652 weldbilt with an 18hp copperhead in April and have had an insane amount of fun going where I never was able to in my fishing rig. The time has come though that I believe I have outgrown my 18 horse and need more muscle. It does ok for two people putting around in the creek but to be able to hunt three people and gear this year its obvious I need more power to get me where I want to go in a reasonable amount of time.

Which brings me to this.... After looking around I have come across a couple Gatortail 35's and a Mudbuddy sport v that I have been interested in. Now I have seen on here where people had downplayed the sport v and said choose the HDR or the Gatortail for tried and true, but I am actually wondering if anyone here has or has had the sport v and have bad or good experience with them... Also feel free to chime in as to why you would choose the GTR (if you would) over the Mudbuddy.. The main concerns for me are being able to push three guys and gear in the woods, reverse is something I was spoiled to with my outboard, and that's basically it.

I apologize ahead of time if I butchered mud motor terms or abbreviations...my Rosetta stone mmt edition has not arrived yet..

Thanks ahead!

haha, I know you're new. So, i'll help.
Don't do the Sport V. For every reason you've read on here.
Go GTR, Prodrive, HDR, or hell, even get a BOSS motor.
I want to try a boss, cause theres no electric clutch. which is good to me

Ehh, video isn't everything.
Willet on here, said he had one if im not mistaken. He said they are a little slower in the beginning hours. But loosen up and speed up with time.
If you're wanting instant reverse, its a No-Brainer. GTR, BOSS, or HDR.
And if you want real reverse (FPR) get a prodrive!

The new upgraded sport V is fine!! I have had mine an only thing I do is change the oil! And I'm not easy on my stuff! Now my excel boat on the other hand. That's a different story!! It's beat to hell!!!!!

Coming from a guy that currently has a sport v on his boat. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from this engine. Been terrible in both durability and reliability.

I bought a Sport V 5000 exactly 1 year ago and have put just over 100 hours on it with no issues. It had 50 on it when i bought it. Its a damned beast.