I am new to this site and to mud motors. I am thinking of buying a 15' bateau with a 20hp outboard. I my plan was for the future to buy a long tail. My question is would this be a good boat? What kind of modifications if any to the boat would I have to make? What recommendations on motors to get ie: what sized type? I do not have a lot of money to spend i am just looking for something to get me on the water. Any input would be appreciated.

good starter, but be aware that bateaus have thinner metal than mudboats, stumps will dent them up bad.

no mods necessary, just slap a LT on it, as long as the transom is good.

assuming a 15x42, you could run up to a 23 LT. Get the biggest up to 23 that you can.

Stumps and logs are what tears a hull up. Take it easy in the stumps and slow roll the logs and you will be okay. The extra reach of the longtail give you the ability to slow roll the logs slower than an SD.