Guys: Background: I have had an '04 Mudbuddy Kaw 29 EFI for about 8 years and the first few were just fine but as I have written before I have an engine issue when the motor warms up where it starts to backfire, lose power and basically run like crap until I let off the throttle and let it idle. I've thrown a lot of money at this problem over the past three years with no resolution.

I feel like Mudbuddy just dumped support on the motor. They make a couple suggestions then tell you to see a John Deere dealer who have not been interested in working on it. Have had two other lawn mower Kawasaki dealers unable to figure it out. The lower drive assembly they still sort of support but with my 04' shaft having a bearing issue they don't have shaft's to replace it.

Needless to say I am totally frustrated with this situation. I need a motor that runs and service from a Mfg that stands behind their product with parts, etc. I don't have the money to run out and buy the latest and greatest after a few years. Of course I have used conventional outboards that were 30 + years old and they are still serviceable.

I realize I need a good dealer and there is one Mudbuddy - Beavertail dealer fairly local but do I want to venture into Mudbuddy land again? Don't read much about Beavertail. Hope for some input, Thanks

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

I bought a GTR because I felt after a lot research that their service had a good reputation. I have not had many issues but when I did they have been very good to deal with.

Gatortail has done me solid in my experience. I'm on my second boat.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Where are you located?

That might help.

If you have a dealer close by or someone who knows there way around one of these it would be a big help for you.

That said, PD gives excellent support and excellent "phone" support when you are prevented by distance from bringing it in.

I have not had an issue that they couldn't help me over the phone with and ship me the parts very quickly.

It is one thing to get service when you can bring it in, it is a whole other to spend the time trying to trouble shoot over the phone. Phone trouble shooting takes a lot of patience and time.

The motor part sucks, almost seems like could be carb/fuel issues. The shaft any local machine shop can turn you a shaft. The most recent CS from MB IMO has been nothing like these guys say it is. I've had every single call answered and every emailed answered in under 24hrs.

I have been beyond pleased with the after-purchase support I've gotten from Go-Devil. They have a close knit dealer network and want to see their product succeed. One conversation with Warren Coco will let you know that he wants you to be pleased with his product. Mine has done everything I've asked it to and more. Great company.

GatorTail, ProDrive, and GoDevil are the best in custome service relations.

That's a trick question. Reason I say that is because depending on which site you go to, theirs is the best and the rest are horrible.

From my experience, I have owned GD longtails, MB and PD. All three were great and fixing any issue that had arose during the time I had them. Now, I sold the MB in 2009 and bought a PD simply because I felt MB fell off a tad. When the MB sport V came out or better yet was offered for deposit, this is when the shit hit the fan with their Customer service. Several folks left deposits for the new sport V only to be dragged along and received nothing. I was one of them. So I bought a PD. PD has been there for anything I've needed. Peck also helped me along when I made the Kawasaki swap a while back so that the wiring would be right.

Depending on where you live will play into this also.

GD is not bad, I hate it when you call down there from work or something and they wont help you of you dont have your serial number, the ladies can be down right rude. PD has been awesome since switching brands, I bought a used motor that need a lot of TLC and they have always been more then helpful. I have read good things about GTR, but if you post a picture of a broken one I hear they get really pissy, this is hear say though. Also, I have heard good things about Back H2O if you are keeping the LT route.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

My buddy bought his new, and still gets asked his serial number from GD.
That being said he is a believer in their customer service. He was on a gator hunt and something broke..not sure??
Called the folks that next morning and they same day shipped the part to his hotel room, and then stayed on the phone with him to make sure it was installed right and he was ready to go on the water that evening

The serial number thing is for their record-keeping, theft recovery, as well as to prevent copy-cats.

If someone was to buy my motor 10yrs down the road, they could call GD and get a run-down on everything that has been done to that unit thru GD. They mentioned that they generally catch several stolen motors a year as well. So, if you own one and have it stolen, report it to GD and it may possibly be returned. It takes 10 seconds to write your SN down on the back of a business card and stick it in your wallet, you'll have it any time you need to call. It makes them easier for them to help you and ensures you get exactly what you need.... Makes sense to me...

I vote Dixie has the best customer service!

I wouldn't mind the serial number thing. I personally know two people that have recovered stolen motors because of it. Thumbs up in my opinion.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Love Go-Devil and their customer support. I purchased a used rig and I've had great service from Dawn, Coco and the team. Can't believe you guys complain about being asked for the serial #. They have their reasons, probably legal. If you haven't learned by the first or second call that they are going to ask for it, who is being the pain in the backside? Put the number in your smartphone or in your wallet.