I have a Vanguard 23 with about 15 hours on it. Would it be worth swapping the OLD Go-Devil frame for a Backwater frame?

Hell no. Unless you are under five foot eight you gotta squat to drive that piece of crap. Contrary to what they say here... Godevil is the superior longtail. It's king dick for reliability. Just throw a backwater prop on for a little more speed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Flint, I'll disagree with you, here. I drove a backwater at caddo, and I'm a bit over 6ft. Had no issues.
As far as reliability, I think the name brands all are pretty good. Don't have any experience with ownership of a backwater, but know people that do, and know the attention to detail put into building them and quality control during the process, and wouldn't hesitate if I wanted a longtail to own one.

I drove a gdlt 25 and a backwater 23 on the same boat and preferred the godevil. A backwater with a godevil tiller handle would be great. I Just know I have driven some wore out ass godevil longtails that were even missing parts. Had leaking seals... Etc and still did fine. Tried and true since 1977. On my third heavily used godevil rig now. I'm a loyalist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The initial question is about a frame swap. Logic would say the easiest would be to stick with the GD. Heck, give BW a call and see what they say. They are good folks. I had three Go'Devils and they were sound, but my new 26.5 EFI BW is real nice and IMO a better platform. I do agree a tad that the handle could be a couple of inches curved up, as I am 6 ft 4 in, but the BW is not crap, it is a quality product. Their versa mount, which I have, gives you more adjustments if needed for your particular hull. My last advice is that there is nothing better than a test drive.

I bought a Backwater frame for around 1800 shipped to my door. You make the call on it being "worth it".

Is the motor worth using (plenty of life left), or would you be better off saving for a brand new unit with engine?

That's the key point to think about. It should take you less than 5 hours to make the swap. It isn't hard.

I do agree the handle on the back water was a little low when standing, but it was great when seated. I think they made the best compromise they could. I had no regrets with my Backwater. Putting another one on the boat I'm building now.

Low when standing is the problem. Who the hell drives a longtail sitting? If you can sit and drive it where you go then you can probly get there faster with a surface drive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Frank, I'm in S.E. Wisconsin.

I bought a backwater frame as well shipped and everything was like $2000.. love it! Customer service is second to none!

Good choice! Had GD's before, they are solid, but BW is great. I am 6'4" and I do have to lower my center of gravity a tad, but well worth the smoother planning! CS is for sure excellent!!

you get it set up yet?