I hate it when people post new topics when the answers to the question they are asking is on the next page. So I have searched and read through MMT for 4 days now and still can't find exactly what I'm looking for, although I have learned a lot. I'll kick myself if someone points it out as a pinned topic.
What is the difference and pros/cons of the longtails and surface drives? I've gathered that SD's run faster than the LT's but is that it? There's got to be more. Weight, maneuverability, power, etc.

Also, I thought I would be able to find some guys that have used motors other than briggs, Kohler, vanguards, etc. I know those are the standard motors used by MM mfg.'s but what about sled, quad, and other small engines that have good power to weight ratios?

I've got a 1760 flat bottom that I've made universal for fishing, bow fishing, and duck hunting. I have some new areas where I need to go that require a mud motor (min. of 6" of water, rest mud and no stumps). If it requires 60hp to push the thing then that's what I'll make for it. I'd like to get a ball park answer as to why people choose what they do. Not sure if ALOT of power is necessarily a good thing here.

Does anyone have any pictures of their surface drive motor with the covers removed so I can see what the drive system looks like?

Long post but I'd sure appreciate the help.

long story short, long tails tend to do better in heavy mud you can place the prop wherever youwant it. if youre high centered on a log at the transom,youre sol in a sd, but a lt prop can still be put in the water. there will be many opinions following me i can assure you. oh and atv engines wont work because there is a transmission attached to them.

Look at the harley longtails i think they are up to like 60+ hp on them things. Long tails SUCK at turning, but are great in thick heavy mud. They are alittle slower then the surface drive engines, but still good motors.

You have to be able to hold this 100 hp engine in place and not rip a transome to pieces, and thats going to be heavy as a mother

A small light boat with a 16 to 25 hp LT --- is likely the most versitile go
anywhere rig there is.... And the LT over 25 hp will whup yer azz or pull
your shoulder smooth outta the socket if you aren't carefull....

But with bigger hulls or longer runs to the "spot" the 23 to 35 hp SD is a
faster - easier to drive - bigger load haulin machine that will go almost anywhere
you wanna go that would float a decoy....


Best short description I have heard - both are like a bad azz 4x4 on water
where the LT is stuck in 1st gear and the SD is stuck in 2nd gear !

As to engines - torque at lo rpms = MM performance.... A lot of those other
type engines lack torque and don't put out the power until the upper end
of the rpm band - not ideal for MM performance....

PS -- welcome to MMT and the addiction to running shallow ! ! !

LT= 4 Low
SD= 4 High

Ok. Now that clarifies some things much better. Thanks. When I come up with something I'll have to show it off. I found a video on youtube of that beavertail Harley LT. That was pretty sweet.

I have a 35gdlt love the thing but i wouldnt go anybigger . I am 6foot 4in tall and 240. all the motor id have wouldnt go bigger than that it would hurt u or kill u.

There b a difference in skeered and dumb hope u be the better of the 2. lol theres alot of difference in run a long tail then anything. 35hp dont sound like much till it picks u up and throws u out or down in a doat. at 4 in the morning. when u less expect it . the quad sounds fun thow. lol

i drove a 35LT on a square chine boat, that was hell. then we put it on my ol 16x38 GD hull and it was soooooo much easier to drive! ran like a bat outta hell.

here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1d7_s0fYVc

I am runing it own a 1656 gd boat love the setup alot better than when i had a 25gdlt own it.

if you want the best comparinsons, go to go-devil.com and on the left side it will have it a topic named engine comparinsons, answers all your questions rite their

A floating handle on a sd makes a big difference. once you drive both its pretty clear! depending on where you go! and 35 horse = about 900cc so unless you put a ninja motor or an R1 your just adding weight. I wondered this same thing when I first got on here. everybody wants to go fast why not a tranny and a suicide shifter. Go devil has been doin this since 1977 just something to think about. I grew up in Az went to glamis all my life! ported polished on methanol with a hot shot extended swing arms! We run bad sand drags out there! its a whole different game in a boat! Theres no clutch and no brake and a 3 blade chainsaw chasing you! By all means I would love to see something come out bad arse! So youtube it case your not around to tell us about it.

If you want so much power why not go with a imboard, they wont throw you out as fast.