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
Dang.