Hey guys, I just joined this forum because I figured it would be a good place for some opinions and input that I am seeking. I am looking a trading in my current rig, the boat that I have my eye on is a Beavertail 17 ' with a 27 hp Kohler long tail on it. I am completely new to mud motors, I have never owned nor operated one, so I am wondering if this engine has a good reputation or not ? Also , is this a good motor/boat combo??I also have heard that longtails can be a pain in the ass to drive, and I am wondering how that is?
All input is appreciated.

Thanks.

If you have shallow water, hard bottom, little mud, relatively short runs, and don't require speed, the longtail shines. I know many that had conventional outboards and bought mud motors both shortails and longtails, and went back to their outboards because they ran fairly clean water, little mud, and the outboard sufficed. I have had three Kohlers, two 25's and now a 27 HP. All have been very reliable. I do agree they are a bit cold weather finicky to start but not a problem. I have my 27 on a 1648 grizzly hull, not ideal but a workingman's rig- 19.7 mph by myselfr; 17.5 two hunters and gear-gets the job done. I believe most of those BT boats were .100 gauge which is enough (like my grizzly) unless you run stump fields, cypress knee bayous, and beaver dams, or just like to abuse your boat. The longtail requires more exertion than the shortail; greater turning circle, more difficult to operate in big water, chop, current, etc. but in protected marshes is right at home. Even though I own one, if where you run is not like I described, get a shortail

My buddy has a 17-50 beavertail with the 27 hp motor. Very nice set up. He loves it.

Yeah, the water I run is usually 2-3 ,sometimes 4 feet deep, but lots of grass and the water is real dirty. I sometimes get on bigger lakes, but they dont produce big chop.