New to mud motors, and looking to get my first Long Tail this year, and I am not sure on what size to get ! I have a 15 48 Sea Ark, and 90% of the time will be 2 people and gear, We hunt in a area thats primarly back water mud flats, with scattered milfoil beds !

First I want to say I am on a budget, and would like to get by with the smallest I can, BUT with this said I don't want to be too underpowered either, I guess I am looking for a happy medium !

Not looking to win any speed races, just get me from point A to point B and be reliable and get us there and back !

I am thinking a horse power somewhere in the 18 to 20 range, BUT I maybe way off ! Any advice ? Like I said I am completley new to the world of mud motors, I have considered used, but a very leary of going this route, especially with a pieace of equipment that made to be used in extremley rough conditions, and not knowing exactly what kind of hell a used unit could have been put through, kinda shys me away from the used route.

Thanks for your input !!!

No less than a 23, I wouldn't be scared to put a 35 lt on that boat but they can be a handful.

Get the biggest you can afford and thank me later.

no less than 35...

a 35 long tail is a hoss if you dont need reverse

^^ A 23 is best bang for your buck. A 35 is a beast - not great for newbies but a powerhouse and moves quite fast.
I use a 20 GDLT on a 1542 mainly 2 ppl plus dog dekes and kit - lighter than your setup - but I get pretty good speeds. A 23 would be fine - a 35 would be a beast.

Seaark makes tough jon boats, from what I've read and seen up close. I agree with the 23 HP being a good fit- I would also recommend a 25/27 as well. The 23 Briggs and 25/27 Kohlers are good reliable motors.

Im running a 23 gdlt on a 1542 and it has plenty of power. 2 guys with a hunting load runs 18-20mph. I dont see the need for the extra weight of a 35.

if you're thinking 18-20, go ahead and get the 23. You won't regret it.

I have a 15/48 g3 with a new 23hp go devil works great with just me but with 2 people it pushes a lot of water. Wish I would have went with a 16 or 18 ft boat

Where r u located if ur close ill let you run my 20 on ur boat so ull have an idea of wat u need