Howdy guys! I'm new to the site and new to mud motors. I have a 14ft V bottom and I just bought a scavenger backwater 25 hp lt to put on it and the motor pushes the boat plenty fast for me for now but it's really hard to control when turning. Is this Normal?Or is it my boat an motor combination? Thanks in advance for any and all info!

normal.

Yeah man lt's suck when it comes to turning but they're good motors to have. Just not as user friendly as a sd

Ok thanks guys! Also my oil light is coming on after a few mins of running the motor? The oil is full and the motor only has 3 hrs on it... Anone have this happen?

Congrats, Duckslayer1986. The longtail motor is not designed for comfort or speed but it is a viable platform for getting you to the ducks pretty much in a straight line. Exercise the usual caution, wear a kill switch lanyard, pfd, balance your weight onboard, and slow down a bit on the turns. I suggest a "tiny tach" to monitor engine rpm. Not sure about your motor but the sensor light may be at fault if your oil level is ok. The positive- your left arm will definitely gain strength. The motor and drive are simpler than a shortail, and repairs are generally less costly. I don't have real long runs and I just get up earlier to go hunting. Enjoy the marsh!

Well thanks for the advise! What is this tiny tach and where can I get one?

It is a small tachometer and can be bought from several places online including tinytach.com.

Ok I'll look into getting one. Whats the importance of knowing the RPM'S?

Each motor has their prescribed idle setting (rpm) and max; you can gain some improvement perhaps by tweaking the throttle advance and getting a couple hundred or more rpm at top end. This may gain you 1-2 mph more depending. It gives you some guidance about your motor's performance in the water under load as you can accurately see the rpms. This tach is also an hour tach and good for knowing for servicing and your records and resale perhaps. You will also have something substantive to talk about when you begin to experiment with different props and settings, trying to optimize your rig. Other than that, you could spend the $45 on something else.

main advantage of the tiny tach is knowing your prop is becoming worn as the rpms increase at WOT over time. if they start creeping up, and you are going the same speed, you know your prop is wearing. if your top speed drops, time to get a new prop, and you then know the speed/rpm range of your set up.

Tis true. On my two previous GD props, they were 9x6's on 25 Kohler motors, I actually gained around 2 mph after some wearing of the prop.

I see. Well thanks again guys for all the help and info!