I have an 18x44 go-devil and currently run a 50 hp Yamaha four stroke. I am looking to re-power with a mud motor. I am in Texas and mainly will run coastal marshes, creeks and shallow rivers. I'm thinking of going with a 27 - 35 hp longtail. Am I on the right track? I know the long tail is slower, but have been told that my boat is best suited for a longtail, and when running the coast and sandy rivers that a longtail performs best. Also might be interested in a trade for the right motor.

Thanks,
Brad

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Modify the transom and go with a 35 GTR. Long tails are a pain in the ass to drive. My buddies got a 27 HP longtail on a 1648 and he is doing 18 mph

I have a back h20 35ss love the motor, puts all other long tails to shame. Great product and customer service is great. If your going with a long tail check these guys out, but yeng is right they are stiff steering and slower. I'll be getting a 35 gtr this fall. For those reasons... Easier steering and more MPH

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I had a 20 hp long tail and now have a 35 gtr now stage two my wife thought it would never end with me buying new boats getting mods but I can honestly say I'm perfectly happy only thing better would be an airboat but then I'd have to get a new truck to pull it and a better job. I run in matagorda which is south of Houston when you hit a shallow sand spot in a long tail your going so slow its either burn your prop or push when you hit it in a 35 surface drive you usually hit it so fast you have enough momentum to slide over it or enough power to push threw or your struck burning prop just like a long tail... Just comes down to finance

i would deffinently consider getting a surface drive. Like these guys said long tails are a pain to drive especially if you have a long run with a load. Go devil Surface drives are like a step up from a surface drive but way easier to drive and you get some more speed out of it and not much more than there 35 hp longtail brand new.

Ok, so if I went with a surface drive, I would probably look at a 35 hp go devil. I figure since it is a go devil hull, I should get my best performance out of that. Would y'all agree? I already have a bracket on the transom that raises it by 3" +/-, would that be what I need for the surface drive as well?

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I think it is more of a transom angle that matter. If its not the right angle you can shim the motor

Im going to have to be the one who goes against all of you guys. Yes SD are good motors. Theyre easier to handle and faster. BUT, I ride with a friend of mine and he has a MBSD and I have a GDLT. Yes he will beat me in a race anyday. Yes he may turn slightly sharper than I do. BUT when it gets down to brush and mud and logs in shallow water I get through it much faster than he does. He has trouble while I push straight through it. A little practice under the LT and youll be fine. Save the money and get a longtail. Less moving parts that is easier to fix, and you will be pleased I promise.

Robin on here had a modded 35 gdsd on his 1844 gd boat and would run 32-33mph all day long. It was a fast rig.

He may still have the motor and willing to part with it if your into that kind of thing.


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He lives in Houston I assume will be running the coastal bays and marsh not much timber, stump, and log littered woods a long tail would just piss you off in the bay

Think he sold it couple months ago

Thanks for the input guys. I found a mid buddy 29 hp longtail for a great price, so I bought it. I am going to keep my outboard and swap them out as needed. I think I will be happy with my purchase.

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Good deal and good luck with the new setup. Be sure to post up in the review section once you run it some.

I think there is a template of some kind somewhere.


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