Hello all new guy here about to take the plunge into the mud motor world. My question is right now I have my eye set on a 1542 tracker topper with a 23 horse backwater long tail. Anybody have anything similar? What can I expect out of this boat? In my eye it's perfect boat for the marshes I hunt at home. Not to big not to small. Light enough to pull over the rollovers. Should work great. Just curious what everyone else thinks. Thanks.


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Not very familiar with the back water brand. I have a godevil surface 23 hp on a tracker grizzly 1648. I'd recommend getting a godevil or mud buddy long tail just hardy more reliable they been doing it for years. My 2 cents. The tracker isn't really designed for this application. I was going to purchase that same exact boat. Glad I didn't but also not happy with the tracker. A riveted boat really won't stand up to a ton of abuse. I have run over pretty much everything thinkable. Haven't gone on land though. Cuz I have a mod v. A true flat bottom width adequate hull gauge is required. My 2 cents. But for an affordable quickly put together rig it will definitely get the job done so go with what you feel comfortable with. Good luck!

The size you're looking at is fine. Ran a 24 on a 1546 xpress for many years (17 OR something with the longtail, it now has a 27 mini surface drive on it). I would recommend that route if budget is going to be the deciding factor. Whatever size you want, but they're light boats, welded, and will last longer than the topper would. Alweld or weldbilt would likely be very similar price, weight, function, and durability. They aren't perfect, but they do the job well, won't break the bank, and should last a long time. If they don't last, just know the topper would've given out even sooner.

I have the exact setup. What questions you got

How is it stability wise? Anything you would change? Hunt 3 guys comfortsbaly?


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Three guys in deep water is not really fun. If you can pull onto some kind of solid ground that would work. If you will be floating than all three guys have to be centered. I removed the center console and that freed up some room. Mounted a winch on the front. That is a must have where I am at. The boat is actually holding up well. Only replaced about a dozen rivots so far after 3 years. Gator glided the bottom which helps. Don't get me wrong the thing looks like a crumpled pop can underneath but it floats. I drag my rig over 500 feet of the nastiest shove ice you can imagine on lake erie so it is bound to get beat up. I love the light weight of the boat. 3 guys can pick the boat up with motor and gear if needed. Get a winch and you won't have to worry about that. You have to beef up the sides if you take that center console out.

I like the idea of an alweld or weld built like RUSS suggested.

What about a g3


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Can't speak from experience on the quality, though I expect it's fine. The 1648 lw and wl look ok, and while the 1544lw looks ok, it's awful thin. If you expect to get some life out of it, and using the motor you're planning, I'd suggest the 1648, either model.

I'm in the process of rigging out my weldbilt right now. As soon as I get the motor mounted I'll give er a run and let you know how ot does if you'd like. It's a 1648v. Mod v as many call it here

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

I have a 1644 alweld with a 23backwater full frame. could not be more satisfied with this rig. never checked speed however plenty fast enough. prob around 22 or23 with me at 260 and two full size labs. handles so easy gets on plane real easy, runs super shallow. jake and arlon are great to deal with. anything I can help with let me know. good luck

I am probably around 14 to 15 with 3 guys and gear

I have a modded 23 backwater , 26 solo , 25 with my daughter , 23 with two man hunt load with dog. Now this is on a long skinny made for a longtail boat. Great little motors ,and with upgrades and regular maintance you can really wake these 23's up.

H Finn

The tracker topper is rated for a 25 horse motor


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Don't mind that rating plate. If it makes you feel better you can put a 9.9 sticker on a 35lt