It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:32 pm




Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ] 
 newb questions 
Author Message
MMT Member

Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm
Posts: 5
Post newb questions
I am looking to get my first mud boat. I know ideally it would be a true flat bottom...but there are several 14-16'x 48" aluminum "john" boats with ribbed bottoms. If i coat it with gatorglide just how bad will it be? most of the time i will be in 10" of water or more...unless i'm just out playing. also, how much motor would you use to push that size boat?

I know these are stupid questions...but i'm trying to get this going on a limited budget to see if i really even use it that much before i invest in a surface drive or something like that.

thanks


Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:16 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:25 am
Posts: 493
Location: SWGA
Post Re: newb questions
Are stumps present? That’s the main issue with ribbed boats. I’d estimate that 90% of the people on here started out in a regular ass jon boat and longtail. As long as you steer clear from stumps and rocks, the hooking will be minimal. Longtails aren’t affected by hooks the same way that SDs are since the prop is under the surface. I’d be looking in the 23-27hp range for 14-16x48 boat. Have fun with it.


Mon Sep 24, 2018 8:07 am
Profile
MMT Member

Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm
Posts: 5
Post Re: newb questions
not really any stumps to speak of...mostly just marsh and a few rivers. I have pretty much decided on a 16x48 boat. Probably building a longtail kit with the 13hp predator. I know this will be no speed demon, but do you think it will be enough motor to push the boat? I can always upgrade the motor later, would rather not have to get another boat too. Also, what brand kit would you recommend?


Tue Sep 25, 2018 11:53 am
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 2:51 pm
Posts: 263
Location: Michigan
Post Re: newb questions
A friend of mine that I hunt with has a 1448 with a long tail kit using a 23 horse predator. It does a pretty good job even in muck nearly to the surface. But it does struggle to get out of that stuff with me him and a dog in there. I feel like a 13 horse on a 1648 might be a little lite if you have much mud.


Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:40 pm
Profile
MMT Member

Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm
Posts: 5
Post Re: newb questions
the more i read, im am now thinking 1448 may be better....heck i don't know


Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:56 pm
Profile
MMT Pro Member

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:25 am
Posts: 493
Location: SWGA
Post Re: newb questions
If your going the Thai route, might as well go with the 22hp predator engine from harbor freight.


Tue Sep 25, 2018 1:42 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm
Posts: 1490
Location: south Florida
Post Re: newb questions
Check out the Backwater kit line!

_________________
Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI


Tue Sep 25, 2018 4:51 pm
Profile
MMT 1000 Club

Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:10 pm
Posts: 1872
Post Re: newb questions
I have a 1440 with a 23 go devil LT. Does 20 with 2 people and a small hunt load. I wouldn't go smaller than a 23


Tue Sep 25, 2018 5:53 pm
Profile
MMT Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm
Posts: 13
Location: Lapeer, MI
Post Re: newb questions
Take it from someone who went the Thai kit route- don't you'll be kicking yourself trying to get that crap dialed on right(you never will) and it's a dog to steer/control. I put my 22hp predator on a BackWater SWOMP LITE and realized immediately on the first run how stupid getting the thai kit was.

I wouldn't go smaller than a v-twin for a 14/16-48 boat- regardless of what kit you go with

_________________
SWOMP Lite 23 Glider with 22hp Predator on 1542 Landau mod v


Wed Sep 26, 2018 8:18 am
Profile
MMT Member

Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm
Posts: 5
Post Re: newb questions
Thanks for the help guys...can somebody point me in the direction for more info (other than their website) on the black water kit? Now I’m thinking 23hp predictor with 1442 or so! Just looked up the price...1900 may be a little steep for me....is there a used market for these motors? Any kits for surface drive if I’m looking at that much $


Thu Sep 27, 2018 2:39 pm
Profile
MMT Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm
Posts: 13
Location: Lapeer, MI
Post Re: newb questions

_________________
SWOMP Lite 23 Glider with 22hp Predator on 1542 Landau mod v


Thu Sep 27, 2018 8:06 pm
Profile
MMT Member

Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2014 7:22 pm
Posts: 25
Post Re: newb questions
I run a ribbed 1540 Jon boat with a 9hp GDLT. I get 12mph empty and 8 mpg fully loaded with 3 guys and gear. It’s not a fast set up but it will go anywhere. Also it was a very safe way to learn how to run a long tail.


Sun Sep 30, 2018 8:06 am
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Reply to topic   [ 12 posts ] 

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 175 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  
cron