I have a 1548 semi v Tracker All weld john with a Merc 15 horse 4 stroke. I want to replace the motor with either a longtail or surface drive. I primarily use it for hunting, but fish some also. Most of the water that I run in is 24"-36" deep with grass and weeds just below the surface. I will also get into some shallow water with a soft bottom occasionally. My outboard will not put my boat plus me on a plane and am wanting something big enough to do that. I simply dont know which style and which size would best suit me. Thanks in advance.

25 mercury 2 stroke

I was in the same situation you are in, and I purchased a mudbuddy 23 hp LA mud special surface drive and I LOVE IT the best thing I have ever done. had it about 8 months and since have sold my 30 hp johnson and will NEVER but another outboard. I run in lillies and some shallow water some mud also, but the mud buddy is by far the best thing i ever used. a little pricey but pushes my 15/54 allweld 23 mph with just me and my 100 lb lab. and you can still use it on the wma properties. as most have a 25 hp max rating . it weighs about half of what a 35 does and cost about half also. make this purchase and after the 1st time you use it, you will thank me. operates as easily as an outboard. pm me if you need any more info.

Swamprat was ur alweld a V?

I just sold my Alweld 1548 semiV I had since 2004. Over the years I had 2 different 25s, a 40, and a 50 on it. All did well but the 25yam elec start 2 stroke was by far the most efficient, simplest, trouble free. Rope and elec start, about 120 lbs if I remember right.

TCfarm as u know it can take just a bit more HP to push a V vs a flat. I have no exp w MM, do these guys use them on V's with success?

I just went through the same situation. I went with a new Mud Buddy Mini 35 on my tracker 1548 (tall transom) and I'm extremely pleased with performance. Moved my gas tank under the front deck and it runs great with light and heavy loads. Ran it with a full (heavy) hunting load this morning and got 24-25 deep water and 27 in the shallows. I considered the 23, because it was cheaper, lighter, etc..., but everything I read/heard says "Get the most HP you can afford". I would advise you to take that advice as well and if you decide to upgrade to a larger rig later, you don't have to buy another motor.

If you're not in the market for a mud motor, buy the biggest outboard the boat is rated for...you can always let off the throttle. Research and test drive.