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 So why did you... 
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Post So why did you...
Decide on a longtail over a suface drive?

I've run a LT since 1988.
First an 11HP GoDevil, then a 25 hp MB and now a 35 MB for the last 10 years.

I moving on to another and my buddy who has a 35 MB SD is giving me crap about getting another LT.
From my experience, when I see a SD, they look great and fly across the water and are easy on the body to run. But when they set down in the hard bottom shallows, they struggle. Most videos I see, they are run in the thick mud where the prop can dig in. Don't see too many running a hard bottom marsh or rocky river.

Last fall I watch a conservation officer struggle with his surface drive going from hunter to hunter to the point I went out and ask if he needed a tow out to deeper waters.

For me, the LT is more difficult to run and has no reverse, but I never seem to get stuck. I seldom ever have to get out of the boat to push. When I go with my buddy we have to get out and push every trip.

And now with the 40 coming out, I don't think I'll have to worry about speed and getting up on plane.

So why did you go with a LT and not a SD?

OH! Thanks, Frank for posting the Swomp review on youtube, nice work. And to others also.
Send my order in Monday :D


Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:38 am
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Post Re: So why did you...
Good choice !! You will enjoy it

H finn

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Thu Aug 02, 2018 11:27 am
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Post Re: So why did you...
Fowl, you said it yourself. Hard bottom shallow conditions, longtail is viable and reliable. Began in 1988 and my latest is 2016 BW 26.5 swomp. I am going on 65 and will run an LT until it is no longer physically possible. Have fun!

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Thu Aug 02, 2018 1:55 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

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Thu Aug 02, 2018 10:45 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
Fowl, are you going with a swomp 40, 37, or 35? What hull is it going on? Where are you located? I hope you post a review after your maiden voyage!

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Sun Aug 05, 2018 5:10 am
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Post Re: So why did you...
Going with the 40.
Going on a 2001 Lowe 17/60 with pods I added years ago.
They definitely have help with the longtails I have used in the past.
I'm in McKinney, Tx

I will post up once I get it. Jake didn't give a shipping date but He seemed to think it would be quick.
If I get it Friday(fingers crossed) and I get it mounted, I'll run it Sat and Sunday.

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Sun Aug 05, 2018 12:05 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
Ive thought about the idea of trading my longtail off for a surface drive cause i really want more speed.

But in the end with the river i run a surface drive wouldnt stand a chance were my longtail might struggle a little but always gets me through.


Sun Aug 05, 2018 1:00 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
My longtail rig runs 20 - 19 with two people and a dog. My surface drive runs 32-34 with 2 people and a dog. I have never been stuck or stranded in either boat. Bought the surface drive because of the speed and ability to push a bigger boat faster.


Sun Aug 05, 2018 4:02 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
on plane a SD will out perform a LT every time

not on plane/idling over hard bottom and rocks, a LT will win bc you can place the prop in clean water with the long reach.

i've had both LT's and now a modded SD and I do seem to have a tad bit more trouble getting through the hard bottom with the SD, but I still manage.


Mon Aug 06, 2018 12:02 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
Ran LT’s on a 1448 all throughout high school. Work for a bit and figured I’d treat myself to a new 1854 with a 37EFI for the speed and comfort of driving. After about a year or so I find myself wanting another 14’ with a larger LT. Easier to hide, easier to man handle, and with the LT you have a 6’ pole out the back of the boat that you can reach out and touch water around you. Lots of advantages in thick vegetation. I'm thinking a welded 1442 with a BW 23hp is next.


Mon Aug 06, 2018 12:50 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...

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Mon Aug 06, 2018 7:08 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
Those skinny kids in SE Asia do fine!

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Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:48 am
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Post Re: So why did you...

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Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:28 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
[quote="Gigafowl"

What I dont understand is why folks want a 35 or larger LT cause they are a biatch to drive...


LOL...[/quote]

Honest question, Giga....

Have you ever ran a big block SWOMP?

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Wed Aug 08, 2018 10:36 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
IMO, if you trim them surface drives high, they are harder to muscle than a longtail (which I own as well), and I'm 240 lbs :D


Thu Aug 09, 2018 12:08 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
Ok, I am 67 and my boat is a Go Devil 1656,Frog Spit on the bottom,31hp long tail.The fastest on gps was 19mph. Where I hunt I’m lucky to do 10mph. The bump and grind trail that I use is a old logging trail.Logs,stumps, and just a plain nasty trail. Now I have a couple of friends with Surface Drives that have a terrible time,the big thing is they can’t go fast, and they work there motors way harder than I.Now on open water duck hunting they just plain leave me.Now my two deer every year is a hell of a lot more meat than all there ducks for the year,And deer meat tastes better than ducks.So pick the areas you hunt,fish,the most and apply what kind of motor.Now for frogging well ain’t nothing better than a LT.


Sat Aug 25, 2018 9:00 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
I now have both. 15/40 boat with a backwater23 lite. And now a 20/54 3/16 bottom pushed by a new GRT 40. I live in DFW also. And I'm tired of crossing our lakes with high winds in the smaller boat. A LT is a pain in the ass to steer in high winds. I never considered a LT with my new rig....really dumb idea.


Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:35 pm
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Post Re: So why did you...
I think that suicide boat 15/40 would suck crossing the big lakes. I'll give you a ride in mine and you will change your mind about being hard to control.

With that said, I do like the GRT40 and look at it very seriously. Went with the LT for all the reasons in this thread!


Fri Aug 31, 2018 8:34 pm
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