I have a 35hp horizontal shaft motor I went through and rebuilt recently. I want to replace the outboard on my 18' flat bottom jon with a mud motor. I figured I could use this 35hp motor to make one out of and be ready to go! First off, I do not plan to build my own, although I believe I have the knowledge and experience fabricating to do so, I don't want to spend the time/effort on it. I was wondering how reliable it would be to buy a longtail or surface drive setup minus the motor and essentially bolt together? Are there many opportunities that come along to buy just the setup minus the motor? And what kind of price range should I be looking at for buying one of them?

I understand the differences between having a longtail vs a surface drive, etc so no need for a debate on which is better haha. Either is better than an outboard for me! Thanks for the help/advice in advance!