I have used a Mud Buddy 29hp Kawasaki surface drive with a 4’ shaft on a Gator Trax 1750 since the fall of 04. I used it everywhere from flat open flooded fields in MO to flooded timber in AR. I love the fuel injected engine and the way it starts and idles smoothly but the 4’ shaft is a pain to maneuver through thick brush. It easily plains the boat with three hunters and dog and gear. It still runs 17mph with everything in it and for me that was plenty fast enough so I wasn’t really looking for increased speed. We started hunting private ground in MO three years ago so the only time we ever used the boat was after MO season closes and we drive to AR and hunt flooded timber. I was looking to upgrade this year and felt like the reverse on Gator Tail was the way to go. I just got back from three days of hunting in North East AR and I am a bit confused. I didn’t expect to compromise anything when I upgraded but it is obvious that the shorter shaft will not climb over debris and logs nearly as effective as the 29 Kawasaki with the 4’ shaft. Also the larger prop will not push the boat in as shallow of water as smaller prop on the 4’ shaft on the 29. I think the harder mud bottom might have something to do with that. The reverse is ok on occasion but realistically its lack of torque pulling the boat in reverse doesn’t cut it most of the time. If you are trying to back against any current or off of a limb or pull away from the bank with the nose setting slightly on the mud it is easier to find the paddle. It does have a tremendous amount of torque jumping out of the hole in deep water and flies along at 23mph with a full load. Maneuvering through the woods is a dream with the way it is balanced as long as the logs you are trying to get over are not above the water more than an inch or two. The larger prop also has a tendency to constantly draw up logs and sticks and grind on them which is a bit annoying. The power tilt on the Gator Tail is WAY TOO SLOW! I liked the Mud Buddy power tilt better. Considering the way I use the motor now as opposed to the way I used to hunt and considering I am getting too old to fight the longer shaft I do think the tradeoff between the two was a good move for me.

I spent about $3500 for the Mud Buddy when I bought it new in 04
I spent $6,600 for the Gator Tail this year.

If I were a younger healthier man and wanted to get back as far as I could away from the crowd I am sure the Mud Buddy 29 Kawasaki with the 4’ shaft will go places the Gator Trax will not go. Since I am not, the Mud Buddy is for sale. I am asking $2600 for it.

Good honest compare and contrast....

Gotta agree that the longer shaft is better for
log climbin at slow walkin speeds as it lets you
reach further for water and power....

Hope ya enjoy your new horsepower....

Trim it down in reverse It will pull hard!

Pros & Cons to every motor good honest comparison.

comparison bueno

sounds like you need a Pro Drive to me

work great in flooded timba and reverse is da bomb

Fair comparo......they all have there strengths, Pd hands down with FPR, nothing can touch it when your in a bind.......My MB was better with shallow hard bottom situations, and running stumps, I was able to lift the lower unit not hitting them, where with my PD she just slides over'm......I try to limit impacts as much as possible.........With FPR, I have no regrets with my switch....

Big D

Call Gator Tail...We got something in the works for you

Glad to see you joined Kyle!