I have a 1542 Tims Custom all weld flat that currently has a 25hp longtail on it. I am looking to go to a surface drive, and was thinking of going in the 23-27 hp range.

After talking to some boat vendors at the sportsman show they seem to think that I would be able to use a 35hp SD. I do want reverse and power trim so that will add a few pounds. Looking at Mudbuddy or Gatortail.

The boat has a 4' aluminum deck in the front with dry storage that also holds the fuel tank. Other than that it is just aluminum flooring. I have hydroturf in it, and gatorglide on the bottom.

My question is :
Is it safe to put that large of a motor on this size boat?
Has anyone done this and had good results out of the combo?
Or am I dumb for thinking that a motor that size might work?

I understand that I could add floatation pods on the back if the motor adds too much weight. I tried to upload a picture of the boat but it wasn't working.

i had a 35 gdsd on a 1542 lowe. it was a semi v which hurt in performance and also displacement. it sat pretty low in the back, but in small water was manageable. even had the fuel tank and battery in the back, so probably comparable to the mud buddy or gatortail in weight. my buddy used a 1442 g3 rivet hull with his gdsd and it worked like a dream. the square chine i think helped the displacement and it had pretty high sides, 21'' i believe. he never had water over the back and i know after mods it hit 34 on a few occasions. i think it really depends on the hull design as to if it will work well or not. i moved to a 1644 GD hull and it is a little better than the 1542 but similar.