I'm new here, fairly new to mud motors.. I have an 18ft flat bottom, currently have a 20hp outboard on it, but I'm wanting to build a long tail for it... What motor size would you guys suggest i go with? I do have a 13hp Briggs laying in my shop. I thought about using it, and possibly squeezing some more power out of it. But wanted some input from some experienced people. Building the long tail shouldn't be to big of a project. I've built more complicated things before. Just want to be sure a 13hp motor is gonna work out. Or am I wasting my time with it. I'd appreciate any info and suggestions.
Thanks

In my opinion your wasting your time if you want it on the 18 ft. boat. I run a 37 hp on a 20x60 an I wish it was smaller. The 13 would work on a 14 ft. boat. Again this is just my opinion.

Definitely a waste of time with a 13hp on an 18' boat.

I mean you might plane out, and put around, you won't like it. Built small block or a 35 would be ideal.

H Finn

Back in the stone age(when I was younger and could hang on to a LT easier) I ran a GDLT on a 16x44, 1+dog and decoys was good, but throw in another hunter or 2, and most definitely you want more. IMO a smaller motor will not spin up a large enough prop to get the push on heavier loads. And a single cylinder motor just ain't got the balls.(without major mods) IMO

Ok thanks for your guys input. I will be looking for a bigger motor. On a typical day of hunting, there is usually 3 of us, dog, gear, and about 48+ decoys depending on where we are hunting.

35hp would be the most ideal, i wouldnt go less than a 25

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Where are you located? I'm just north of Minneapolis and you can bolt my 35hp on and then my 10hp, take a few laps and go buy a 37. I'd buy a 90 if they made one..

as much HP as u can aford says Ronbow

I agree with the previous posts- a 35/37 EFI would be the ticket...if you are DIY, I suggest give Backwater a call, they are/have introduced a lite version frame with no U-joint of the big blocks, and it might be available!