I started this build about 6 weeks ago and am getting close to being done so thought I would start my build thread. I decided on a 22 hp predator engine. My plan is to get a 1542 or 1448 boat.

Transom mount





Shaft
I went with the backwater lower bearing assembly with a bronze bushing in the middle and flange bearing at the top.



I'm waiting on the prop from backwater right now and it will be ready to put on a boat

Looks good... Not sure if I see it correctly or not but usually the handle coming off the frame is on the left... helps when making a wide turn... good job though...

I put it on the right side so I can steer with my right hand and stand on the opposite side of the boat. It's just more natural for me to steer with my right hand.

All the best , man, wish I had work space/equipment and knew how to weld aluminum! I would suggest the 1542, longer is better for the LT, and if you morph to a bigger motor, that hull is better. This a nation of "tinkerers" and that is how GoDevil and others started and how we get changes and improvements and more choices.

Here is a couple finished pics. I went with a 9x5 backwater prop.

I'm getting ready to do this exact build man. few questions for you. What was the cost of the build ( not including the motor) and also did you use the mad mud motor plans?

I don't know for sure because I already had most of the metal lying around but I would I think with everything but the motor I would be around $650 or so. I didn't use any plans for this.. I just thought it out as I built it.

Was just about to order the mad mud motor plans this morning as a reference for parts and locations to purchase but realized that it's for motors up to 20 hp. So don't think it's gonna work for me. Was wondering if you had a little free time if you wouldn't mind posting or messaging me a list of parts you used. I've never made one before so I don't know 100% what I need . If you could I'd really appreciate it man

The mad plans are a good place to start but you gotta beef it up for your own needs

Pretty sure most of MMT is humusexshuls in hiding

Here is a parts list

These are from backwaterinc.com
Lower bearing assembly
U joint
Shaft
Throttle and cable
Kill switch and housing
Prop

From mcmaster Carr
Flange bearing
Bronze bushing for middle of shaft

Harbor freight Predator 670cc engine

The DOM tubing for the shaft housing was ordered from onlinemetals.com
I used 1" sq tubing and 1 1/4" x3/16 flat bar for the frame

It's been awhile but I finally got some time to get the bot finished up and took it on it maiden voyage today. It ran pretty good but I do have a few questions.
I'm getting 17 mph with just me (150 lbs) in an alumacraft 1540. Does this sound pretty close to what to expect?
I'm also only running at 3600 rpms wide open.
Is that where I should be or should I get more out of it.

Sounds pretty good speed wise, jakehawk was getting similar speeds out of his motor. does it want to blow out of the water?


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It blows out a little unless it's wide open. I think I need to adjust the cav plate a little more.

When I madethe cav plate I cut the back edge with a die grinder, and welded the cut so I could bend that back edge. Mine blew out quite a bit too. Took me about 5 runs to get it tuned in. What prop are you running?

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

I'm running a 9x5 backwater prop. It only blows out when I'm around half throttle so I don't think I'm too far off with the cav plate but I need to adjust it a little.

Yeah in my case it would only blow out WOT. He motor would lift out of the water. Had to bend my tab up. Also running a 9x5

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

1648, motor is same as yours as well as prop. 15mph

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

You think the mod v os what os making that 2hp differences? Or maby because that angle of the shaft o the motor is different


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My shaft angle is 13 degrees, I'm almost positive the mod b is making the mph difference due to the fact it goes the same speed unloaded and it does loaded

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

Took it out scouting today and ran it for a little over 2 hours and it's running pretty good. I do have a fuel issue I need to fix. If I run it wide open it doesn't pull enough gas so it'll die. I can run it all the way up to 3000 rpms and it runs great but I can't open it up. My tank is at the front of the boat and has 5/16 line. I read the other day that 1/4" was better for running that far of a distance. Do yall think I need to go to 1/4" instead of the 5/16? I am also going to vent the gas cap and see if that helps any.

I have a vented cap on mine and it's in the front of the boat as well. Running 5/16th line and it does fine. I can't tell what what rpm it's running at cuz it's the stock gov and I don't have a tach. Just an hour meter. But I don't even have to squeeze my bulb to start the boat.

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

And the one time I thought I had t squeeze the bulb before starting it the bulb was already full

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

I'm still having problem with he motor not getting enough gas. I vented the cap. Will smaller fuel line help any? If not what else could the problem be

Here's a basic question, did you try to manually move the throttle on the engine to see if it will open up all the way, or did you just use the remote throttle on your tiller, I ask because I had a hell of time getting mine to go from idle to Wide open. At first either the idle was too high or the open was too low.

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

Smaller fuel line would help. The fuel pump built Into the motor wouldn't have to pull as much volume of fuel to get it to the motor, also. On some other forums, guys using this motor could never get it to pull right with the fuel pump on the engine so they put electronic fuel pumps on. I'd try smaller fuel line first though. And check to make sure your throttle is actually all the way open
Also. You may have a loose hose clamp. If there is any kind of pressure loss between your tank or motor in reference to the plumbing it could make this happen
It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.