Is it okay to drive a go devil without a grab bar? Everyone I know has one but I don't have one just yet and I'm wondering if it'd be safe to go run my new motor without one?

No you really do need to get one. Especially if you are new to long tails because they will throw you out of the boat very easily.

Yes yes yes. And the kill switch as well.

Wat they said

Yes you really do need one. Standing is the only way to operate in shallow water with a loaded boat in the dark. It allows you to see over everyone/everything in your boat and spot obstacles.

It's safer and far more comfortable.

I also agree to get one as standard equipment, especially for new mudders. I've been driving one since '89 and never have put one on but it makes sense. You can buy a ready made one or fab one custom. I have also been wearing a kill switch lanyard since day one.

I agree it is for sure needed. U never know when u might hit a log under the mud that could throw u off balance

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I don't have one, never have. I've never been thrown out. Good place to put a beer though....

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I'm guessing you have a lt? If so they are nice to have but with a sd I've never needed one.


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No. Not if you mind swimming in cold water with 40 lbs of wet gear on your back. Its a refreshing way to wake up at 0430 and kill a good hunt. As for me I use mine. Use your kill switch at all times and in TX its law if operating a tiller steer outboard. Which includes your longtail you must have a pvd on.

The only time I wish I had a grab bar was navigating a stump field.......

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Posted my review of my setup earlier this season. I thought a grab bar was not needed.uuuuuunnnnnnntil I fell back and decided to put my hand down to brace myself right on my cherry red muffler. My palm print remains on it.

Here is a couple pics of the one i made, i made it 2 piece so i could get it out of the way when blind is set up


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^
This is an awesome design (Very clean) especially for a horizontally ribbed boat. Those bolts go all the way through the rib with a nut on the other side or are they self tapping screws sunk in?

I had one in my boat. It was attached to the back of the middle seat. It went when I removed he seat, honestly haven't missed it. I'll probably add one something like what's pictured above just to have a place to put a beer holder

You need to have something to provide support. I bought 3 of the Go-Devil grab bars and they are great. Easy to install if you have a middle seat or bulkhead. However I could not mount one easily in my Gheenoe so I went with what i believe is known as an 'Alaskan Bridle' (help me Stualaska!). Basiacallly it's a length of stout rope with a loop to use as a handle under tension. I recalll reading that the guides use them on the freigher canoes in Alaska. It provided enough support for me when using my 6.5 GDLT in our club's marsh. However if you are running into stumps I would recommend rigging a grab bar.
Or you could follow the instructions from my 1991 16GDLT and always drive from a sitting position......
And,
No matter what you install/use for support, as all the other wise men said above, always, always, always wear your PFD and killer switch lanyard. Stay safe!

Actually, I've had a "grab bar" from Day 1. AFTER the hunt, I always grab a cold one from the cooler. Can't afford a Yeti but I get premium beer! Imagine a 400$ Yeti filled with cheap beer!