I am looking to build my first mud motor, on limited funds. I am looking at the 22HP Predator from Harbor Freight and the Swamp Runner Large or Mud skipper kit. Does anyone have experience with this setup?

My biggest concern is, will it be enough motor for the boat and payload. It will be going on a 1648 Jon boat. Max payload could be up to 1200# with four men, a dog, and gear. Will be running in water 1-2' deep up to 2 miles in. I do not expect to win any races but want to be able to push this payload with confidence.

Any help would be appreciated.

4 guys seems like a lot to ask of any longtail that size. Haven't heard anything bad about the predators, but if you do a search on the Thai longtails, you'll probably change your mind. I think you would better off spending more on an American made unit with a SS prop the first time around.

Dang! I have done that with a 25 HP GD and it was mighty slow, but we were in a sheltered marsh and enjoyed the ride, but we ran more than twice the distance. I also have a 1648 but would not load it today with that much weight, it is downright scary and unsafe. I'd feel better towing two guys and gear in another boat- and I have done that several times when others broke down- but only for that purpose. If your budget is limited, I suggest the used motor market for at least a 25 HP longtail. The amount of money spent on more HP is well worth it over a newer, smaller motor, IMO.

Thai longtails are fine of your environment doesn't involve stumps. On my mud skipper kit I run the nylon bushings and replace with bronze when the go out. I also added grease zirks so the internals can be greased without pulling the shaft out. I'm a fan of the aluminum prop because they are cheap to replace and it will break before anything else does. I go through 1 a season. But at $15 a prop it's not a big deal

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