So I crossed over to the world of Surface Drive MM having been a LT operator for quite some time.
Here is my review:
Unloaded and empty in shallow water: 24.8 mph
Deep water: 23.9 mph
2 Man hunting load (Gun Box, blind, guns, ammo, full tank of fuel, chairs,spare battery, 185 lbs each) 20.7 mph in shallow water - with one man on the front deck.
Now the fun part...
3 man hunting load at approx 850lbs
Struggled to get to 11.2 mph.... ouch.
That being said - the boat weight distribution needed to be done - guy on the bow, me and another guy on the back - the boat plowed pretty bad.
I can probably change this by having them both sit in the middle of the boat. (duh)
this speed will be re-tested at a later date.
The boat has a reinforced transom - 2 x extra brackets welded on for support - its a very sturdy setup.
Not a mud hull I know, but up in Canada - hard to come by those here.
The Mod V goes through mud easily, and does even better through weeds. What I really like with the 21'' transom and higher sides - hitting big water (Lake Ontario).
Handles big waves great.
Reverse on a Mud Motor - ok fellas - you sold me on it - then I tried it. Love it.
Intentionally lodged myself in some muck and couldnt go any further forward - ratchet into reverse and managed to get out - not easily mind you - but still got out. Pretty cool stuff.
The neutral, and 'bump' to engage the electric clutch - awesome for setting/removing decoys
I like the setup - it works for my requirements - I'm happy with the 1-2 person speeds - however talk about bogging with a load - wow major fail! - I was warned - but I rarely hunt 3 guys at the same time so...Doesnt really bother me.....kinda.....a little bit....
more info to follow when i start moving weight around and see if I can get those heavy loads to improve at all. I'd be happy with 14-16 mph with that load.
Oh and the skeg pics up a lot of weeds - kinda sucks - but easy removal.
There is my review, enjoy!
Cheers!
B.
