Who makes the best 23hp longtail and why im lookin to buy one for my 1448 alumacraft. Im really interested in the backwater but not 100% sold just want to make sure i get the best product for my money.

what changed your mind? you seemed eager to get one a few days ago...?

I still am about it i just dont want to have any regrets about it if i get it.

lol

if you dont like it you can always sell it for sure on this forum =)

Yeah true i just wanted to see what everybodys opinions were on them. The godevil and mudbuddy look about the same to me but the backwater looks like its built like a brick shit house and it just plain looks cool.

Like many, I started with a GD LT. When MB introduced their LT's and the roller bearings and other improvements, I was interested and finally in 2004, after three GD's, bought the MB 27 LT. I believe Backwater has made another "paradigm shift" with their newer cavitation plate design and tubular frame and other refinements...I would definitely suggest the BW 23 LT for your use. A local, long-time mud motor mechanic, recommended them, because he knows the LT is still a viable powerplant. Like I said, I am holding off until MB releases their SLT 35 and we get some positive, independent field reports- and then I can weigh BW's "Swomp" 35 against it.

Backwater is pretty sweet and customer service is awesome

Oh yeah ive got no complaints from arlon he told me since i bought a prop last year from him he wouldnt charge me shipping if i orderd a motor they are actually the chsapest price to at $3250. The mud buddy is $3000 plus $275 to ship and go devil is $3450 before shipping.

I've owned two MBLT's and I might catch some shit, but I think the MBLT has a lot more thought and higher quality parts put in it than a GDLT.

If I was in the market, I'd give backwater a serious look though.

after all you raved about with backwater why would you be thinking of changing you mind ? new longtail i guess i wouldnt change my mind if i were you but thats just me................................

Loke i said i havent changed my mind i just wanted to hear what people had to say about em.

I'm interested in y'alls opinion too. I'm looking for a 23hp also and am having trouble deciding between a go devil and a backwater. I've also been looking at an 02 model 24hp go devil and an 08 model beavertail. I'd like to get a new one but saving some cash is good too. Not trying to hijack yer thread but I didn't see the need to start a new one.

the problem with what you guys want to know is the gd guys will say theirs is the best mb guys will say theirs is the best and so on the only thing backwater doesnt have on any of them is amount of peps pushing it for them and thats simple how long each company has been building them...that being said backwater does have their chit together and they will take care of you as you already stated mudduck1448 with shipping they are right their in price with if not better then the rest. i ran all big name longtails this season as otheirs tried mine out and ill tell you not just from me but from the guys that drove mine they were very impressed with quality, and easeof driving versuse their own, as for new versus used well ill take a new motor for more money any day just for the warranty just my .02 worth

I was wondering if you were ever gonna chime in and help these boys out.

what do you want me to say cb ??????

I dunno. I thought you liked it. Tell um you like it or something, shit.

im pretty loyal to them boys they take very good care of me and i know them very well so its hard to give a point of view with out some people getting the wrong idea i will tell you i love the chit out of it and will be getting a new backwater inc 35 and have one of their boats in a couple months then i will run the chit out of it and give a full review as of now what is their to say after running all otheir brands i will take a backwater over any of them 23 hp to me is comparable to an outboard as fare as ease of turning and running but im 5'10" and 200lbs so i can only speak for myself

Wm yer right I guess a better question would be new or used. I wouldn't buy a new beavertail so I guess I shouldnt bother with a used one. I have a gd now but I'm looking to get a bigger lt before next season. I'm partial to gd cause I've owned one but I like what I see in the backwaters. Unfortunately the closest dealer is 4hrs away so I can't easily lays hands on one. Input from owners is what I am looking for and your input may push me in their direction. Thanks

I will test drive a BW as soon as one is available locally...I hope Backwater is here to stay, I like the marketplace with choices. GD had a virtual monopoly some years past as they had the only mud "toy" around. While I applaud a pioneer like Coco, ours is a nation of "tinkerers", which rewards innovation (Article !, Section 8, No.8, Constitution). All the current mud motor mfg.'s have made innovations and give us choices. Hurrah!

I've got a 35 backwater w/ 8 hrs for sale in the classifieds. The frame design and quality is top notch. The main difference w/ the BW vs MB or GD is the balance point is adjustable w/ 3 different settings. You can set it forward to be about neutral balance, slightly prop heavy. Or move it back to put more weight on the prop, w/ the easily adjustable bump stop set where the prop rests just under the water this makes it handle similar to a SD. If you hit something the prop will kick out, and go back down without you having to force it back in the water. When you stop the bumper keeps the prop from sinking to far down.
I like the motor a lot and wish I didn't have to sell, but I've got too many toys rt now.

Wish I had your "problem", gd1838. I'd love to have a smaller rig at times, when I hunt alone- like a 15' hull with one of those Copperhead motors that move real quick and would be easier to push around and hide. On the other hand, I truly want an 18' mud hull w/35 LT to carry three hunters and gear safely and reliably, as well as serve as a freshwater fishing platform when I am not duck hunting.

I like my GDLT, it has been bullet proof and I abuse the crap out of it. The staff at GD have always been very helpful when I have an issue. I have a similiar set up and run extremely heavy with gear. It will get you where you need to go its just slow!