Howdy, I'm going to get a mud motor - haven't decided on which kind (longtail or surface drive) or horsepower. I have a 1999 Seark 1548, which is ~ 355lbs (according to Seaark website) - with gas, batteries, gear and hunters ~ 900 to 950 lb without the motor (this is a guesstimate).

Questions: Which motor (type and size) will most efficiently put my boat up on plane? I've seen recommendations on previous posts for the 27 hp pro-drive, approximately how fast will this motor push my boat?

Maybe I should just sell mine and buy a mud boat....???

New to this...thanks.

I think robin2 used to run that boat with a 23 GDSD. did well just wasnt a mud hull. I think he was running low 20s with it, maybe more. he could run 2 people but add the 3rd and it plowed really bad.

I had a 1544 weldcraft with a 27 LT that only ran 17 with 2 people after that it was practically idle speed.

In my opinion your best bet would be to buy a mud hull. I was very suprised when i bought mine and love it.

I have a 1546 all welded with a 24hp hyperdrive and with me and another guy run 24mph. I have also gutted the exhaust got rid of the pre filter and put a K&n filter in.

I got a 1648 Weld-craft jon and 27 GDLT. 21 mph by myself. 17-18 mph 2 guys 3 dz dekes, guns, spare battery, huntin chit. 13 mph guys, same load + 4 dz.mo" dekes, 5 mo' gallons gas.

My Personal boat is a 16x48 Rivited Sea Ark With Modified MB Hyperdrive with 12.25 x11 prop 36 tooth sprocket on motor and 50 on shaft we have a cloth covered square tube frame boat blind,36 duck decoys, 6 goose decoys, propane heater, winch and my 275# son plus other neccesities. We can run 27.7 mph at 4140 rpm. Motor started out as 35 Van and moded with homemade exhaust and reworked carb& kn air cleaner. With out Blind and a lite load it will run 30.8 at 4320rpm. Govenor spring moded also.