Greetings all!
New to the forum and need your expertise
Doing some research on what I should buy, since I've got a used 1960 flat bottom jon w/23 inch sides, 20 inch transom, Skybuster blind (approx. 250 lbs) by Schroeder's, without a motor, and want to buy a 35hp mud motor for it.
I hunt in SD & MN, usually with 2 to 4 bubbas in the boat, so usage is duck hunting in shallow water sloughs with mainly reeds/weeds, etc, so its not like it would be beat up too much.
Been looking at Backwater Motors (great CS and outstanding product!), but I'm a bit worried that a long tail on this size boat and blind (heavy and a bit of a sail) wouldn't work well. So I'm leaning towards a surface drive and I like the idea of gear drives for reliability and I'd like to have reverse.
1. Would a long tail be too hard to handle on this boat? It gets pretty windy (typical 15-25 mph winds) with waves where I hunt and can be some big water at times.
2. Is there that big of a difference between gear drives and belts? I've talked to some guys who say to stay clear of belt drives, but want to hear your input since I'm mainly running in shallow water reeds/weeds/sand/muck/etc.
3. Thoughts on a Pro-Drive 35, GTR35, or a MB Sport V or H for my boat and type of water I'm running in?
4. BTW, what's the difference in the MB V and H? Looked on their site and the pics show different styles, but not sure why, what, etc. Reading their site, the Sport V seems like a great motor.
I've looked around here and seems like many of you lean towards PD & GTR. Price isn't really a factor for me, so I'm looking at reliability, ease of handling, ease of reverse, speed/power, and customer service (live in central MN).
5. I see TOS referenced often. Is this another forum?
Thanks for all your input and post your thoughts!
-Reg

Buy a Gatortail!

F that buy a Pro-drive!

You mean a slow-drive?

Atleast my Gatortail doesn't take 30 mins to put in reverse!

Well, mine has Full Power Reverse!!

Done!

Can't go wrong with the PD or GTR. I love my GDSD, but I don't think it's what you're looking for. The Sport V may not be a bad motor, but they clearly need a little more time to work the bugs out. If you want it for this season and you want reliability and power, get the ProDrive EFI or an off the shelf GTR. You'll love either one, and definitely turn some heads up there!

Few things:
1. This is the review section, but this is not a review.
2. You better not be another troll.
3. If price isn't a factor, then sell that hull and get one actually made for a mud motor.
4. If you're going to be hauling 4 guys, you're going to want to mod whatever motor you get.
5. The sport motors are a good concept, but seem to lack the proper R&D. In the coming months or years that may change.
6. GT and PD are already proven.
7. TEST DRIVE.

Belts are strong. Used on motorcycles with no problems. Ive not broke a belt yet. And out of gears and belts, id rather replace a belt if it were to break than gears if they were to break.

sent from the former Republic of Texas.

If at all possible see if the dealer can put the motor on your hull to see how it runs. Test drive them all even if you cannot put one on our hull

Seriously though. If money is not an issue, why run a used jon instead of getting a boat that is made for these motors?

Kind of leaning towards PD or GTR. decisions decisions
Thanks for the input...keep 'em coming.

Dixie 35 hell yea best one out there by a long shot

All the mudmotors will get you to where you want go , some are alittle more tiller friendly than others , but they are ALL great and better than a outboard by far , test drive , test drive then YOU will know , and you only , reverse is ok I guess if you need it.

Looking for input and feedback before you make that mud motor purchase? Look no further!

If you ask a PD guy you should be close to breaking the sound barrier in reverse! Don't ask a GTR guy because they are royalty and you will be cast as a peasant for owning a PD and asking such a stupid question dumbass. If you ask a MB guy you aren't sh!t because their clutch and trim are top of the line and they have all the aftermarket parts! BTW...did I mention they have the new Sport V and Sport H? If you ask a GD guy it still doesn't matter because you have too many parts that will break so you won't be running your boat anyway. If you ask a Beavertail guy you might hear crickets because they're too far disconnected from reality they wouldn't understand your question to be able to answer. Copperhead? Isn't that a snake?

^^^ Ummm.....

Butt hurt? Stuck with a dud buddy? Looks like your stuck with a GTR.......literally!!

^^^ damn avatar

She makes that chicken head Kate get in the back seat....

You all have to change your avatars...especially you Duck Hearse! I come back to check this post and all I get is distracted. Dang.

Central MN (St. Cloud/Sartell/Avon). How 'bout you?

I see TOS referred to quite often...what does that stand for?

TOS...Ahh...the light bulb just came on. Kinda dim , but I got it. Gonna take my boat to 2 dealers and give it a test run with their MMs to see which one wins. Thanks to all for their help. Big thanks to kmoppert for letting me call him, ask lots of questions, and giving me his 2 cents. Thanks again!
-Jeff

Again, huge thanks to kmoppert and Chauvin!!! Talked to them for a long time on the phone and they were a HUGE help on providing general MM info, their experience, and things for me to consider. They sure know their stuff! Thanks again, fellas.