Hey guys. New to ducks and the forum. Brother in law took me on nmy first hunt this past year, and I was hooked. Much more exciting than deer.

I used the search feature here too, but turned up no results.

Bought gear, ventured out on my own, and had a good year for no experience.

I have a 14/42 All Weld with a 25 Evinrude. The outboard has to go. Too much low area in the marshes and bayous around here (Southeast Texas).

I want to keep the cost some what low on this. I'm looking at buying the Predator 670cc 22hp, and put it on a Swamp Runner SPS tyle long tail. Ive looked all over the place for this set up, and am turning up zero. Can find things on the 6.5s to 15s all day long on these long tails. Anyone running a 20-25 horse motor on these, or have experience with the 670 Predator?

I'm pretty posistive I'm going to get this motor. I'll probably buy it after this post, for 575 shipped to the front door. My main question now, is there a better long tail kit I should be looking at, besides the Swamp Runner?

What type of performance should I expect, specifically speed, on this type setup? 14/42 all weld (unsure of hull weight) and 450lbs of people and gear?

Whatever I do, I'll keep the build updated on this topic for other people who might be interested in going the same route. Appreciate the upcomming help and advice!

Robert
Beaumont, Texas

Call the Swamprunner guys and talk with them, they have lots of information on what boats do what with what kit. Also, check out YouTube. I got a small kit for my freighter canoe and love it. I chose Swamprunner based on the two criteria I thought were most important on a canoe; weight and of course cost, and it's been great.

Try searching for for SPS, Thai longtail, Mudmotor kit. You'll find mixed reciews here. Don't confuse some of the other manufacturers with SPS Swamprunner, there is a difference.

Check out backwater they offer kits they cost more than swamp runner but are made ten times better. You could also find a godevil that's got a bad motor and use your new motor either way your way better off starting with an American longtail like mudbuddy/beavertail/backwater/godevil

I've seen a few

Call Backwater and ask them if their 23 LITE Glider Kit will bolt up to the 22hp Predator. If their answer is yes, which I think it is, that is definitely the the best bang for your buck.

Just got off the phone with Aron Gill from Backwater. The setup they sell looks well designed and durable.

Only problem I have is the price he gave me of 1900, plus 160-200 to ship. I did want to spend 3700 on this project, or I would buy a used rig.

Any other suggestions? I'm going to dig around in some classifieds.

1900 scares me on the rig I have now. I know the cost, just doesn't fit this boat. Really do appreciate the advice. I bought the motor, but didn't pull the trigger on a frame yet.

Not everybody can stomach big dollar mud motors. If the Swamprunner is what you can get, get it and go hunting. I know it's not made in America, not much affordable is anymore. The nice thing about it is you can beat it up and replace what fails rather easily and cheaply. I may do that for my "big" boat, only reason I haven't yet is because I already have Godevil LT on it that I can still fix...I hope anyway, I've put as much money into it already as what the large kit cost! Get on the water have fun. If you feel bad about Swamprunner because its an import call them and ask what parts are imported and what they manufacture here at home.

All the advice is welcome, for sure. I have a bad habbit of going all outon things. I always pick up a hobby and get the latest and the greatest. Trying to not to that for once, at least not right now.

My brother in law, who took me on my first hunt, had a 14/42 OB at the time. In December, he took delivery of a '15 Go Devil witha GTR. Like riding in a Cadalliac through the mud, awesome machine. Thats definately on my list in a few years.

Ive been talking to lots of people aroundhere. I might have a a buddy willing to sell me a Mud Buddy frame, who recently upgraded to a GTR. I should know in a few days.

You've all been where I am at one point. Just got my feet wet, and making a good entry into the sport.

Also, could one of you guys direct me on how to upload a picture onto this thread? I have a few of the boat I'd like to post up. Searching for photo or picture turns up a crazy amount of results.

Im on a computer and have the option now. Earlier I was on my phone, and it would only let me upload documents - not image files.

Heres a few pictures of the boat I have. The lightbar has since been raised, the blind (easily removes) has been finished up with attachable fast grass.

I've got this boated stripped down and scuffed up. Cut a hole in the front deck, opened up a storaged area, and welded on a new lid. I'm going to spray some new paint on when the weather clears up for more than a day.

I'm also looking at a slick coat for the bottom. You guys have any preference? I read a good thread on Gator Glide here, with Frog commenting. Sounds like a good product with a helpful dealer.

I really like gator glide. It seems to work well. Being you have the boat, spend time searching for a go devil or a used frame. I wouldn't worry with new. My go devil is around 15 years old. No problems so far. And if you have the new motor and find a good deal, I'd keep it until the current one goes out and BAM like new mud motor.

just found this after under 5 minutes

Appreciate the help Coonass. I e-mail Backwater a few minutes ago. I think I'm going to bite the bullets and get a new Backwater. I'll give them another call tomorrow. New, looks pretty sturdy, and shorter shaft. I'm sure the Backwater guys can tell me, but they off a 59 and a 71 inch shaft. Anyone how the differnt shaft lengths would affect performance?

59" is designed for short transom boats. 71" is for tall transom. 59" is easier to drive due to less felt tiller torque. FWIW, I have the 59" model and I have never wished I had the longer model. Call Backwater and ask them. They are honest and straight up guys.

I've driven both lengths from Backwater and I prefer the the shorter as it seemed a bit more nimble. I could measure my transom heights if you'd like me to. Regardless, I think you're making the correct choice in terms of quality and product. If the day comes you decide to jump up in horsepower or fuel delivery, you'll have made the better investment. There's good reason Backwater owners are so passionate about our motors.

Okay man. You just keep on doing you.

Frank, u do realize standard longtails are built 71"-73"? They were ment for a short transom, small boats..... Backwater made a design to allow it to adapt to a taller transom......


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I never said anything about standard longtails. I said a 59" FROM BACKWATER is designed to work best on a short transom boat and a 71" FROM BACKWATER is designed to work best on a tall transom boat. Gosh almighty y'all take stuff that gets said twist it worse than anyone could imagine.

Geez, I was excited to log in and see all the comments! Thought I was going to stumble upon a mass of knowledge and good advice! I guess the guys who said welcome to the forums, and be ready for some bitching were right! Its fun to read though.

At the very least, Ive been talked out of buying a SPS kit - and at the moment wanting to save fora Backwater.

You have made a wise choice the backwater will serve you well sir.

And yes anybody will argue on your thread just get used to it it's a forum just read through it and retain the useful information then laugh at the bs


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