I want a copperhead surface drive. I'm not sure of the perfect set up yet . Do they perform better with a semi v or regular flat Jon. Which hp is the most durable motor ? Which motor to stay away from . Any copperhead owners please give me some feedback. I want to pull the trigger soon.....thanks

Their all B&S motors their just as durable as the next. Just depends on what HP you need/want. Other than that their all the same. The 23hp is probably the best decision though, I believe the 12,18, and 23 are all within 20lbs of each other so why not get a 23

no point in getting the 18 unless you cant afford the extra $400 or you hunt 20 hp restricted areas which I personally have never heard of. Get the 23hp. It ways 138 dry and slap it on a 1548 unless you do all your stuff solo maybe a 1448. I have one on a 1442 and it scoots but i would sacrifice a little speed for a 1548 in a heartbeat.

I have the 18 on a 15x36 Phowler sneak. It is great w two grown folks or me and my two kids. Three men drop the speeds to 20mph, which is pretty slow.

I have had 2 buddies that owned them. one owned an 18 and the other a 23. both had TONS of issues. not with the motor but the frame and drive system. both stripped the handles out within hours of owning them. they had to bolt them back on or weld them. the 23 has just under 40 hrs and he had to send it in to get a new shaft and belt box put on because the belt box bent and in turn bent the shaft when he ran it without noticing. copperhead claimed that just the frame was under warranty and he paid out of pocket. just the things that I have heard.