So I could use a little help in weighing the pros and cons of these engines (35 PD, GDSD, or MB). The engine will be put on a 1852 Alweld flat.
A little background. I've owned 2 PDs (a 25 tiller and 35 steering setup) and liked both, but am considering a different option for a work boat. I'd for sure get another PD if I was doing another steering steering setup, but since I'm looking for a tiller, I might change brands. The PDs are easy enough to operate, but take a little stick time to learn how to not tear your arm off when you hit stuff (stumps, rocks, logs, etc are the norm here), require the hydro tilt to be remotely located which will be a pain because I plan to regularly switch out a tiller jet, and (so I've heard) dont do as well on hard bottoms as MB and GDSDs. This boat will strictly be a work boat so the operator may not have had any time on a MM before so ease of operation, reliability, and safety (ie something that wont throw them overboard if they wack a log while making a turn or something with a floating handle to reduce the chance of crushing ones hand when the tiller handle bangs against the rear seat) are the main priorities. Hydro tilt would be great, but not completely neccessary. It would also be nice to have a setup that is easy to operate standing or sitting. The GT is out (though it probably would have been towards the top of the list) because there is no local dealer and I need a local dealer for service. And of course, it must work well in rocky rivers and hard and soft bottom marshes (the PD does great for soft bottoms but I've heard there might be better options for hard bottoms (rocky rivers and hard packed sediment lakes).
So... with all that, please let the opinions fly! Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
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And if you hit a lot of rocks, def get the rock guard.
