I recently purchased a 1648 flat bottom and am looking to put a longtail on it. It will be mainly used on the Platte River in Nebraska, which is mainly a shallow sandy river. I originally bought the mud motor plans off ebay with hopes to build a 35hp LT, but the plans seem somewhat difficult to me. I have the necessary equipment to do it, I just want to know if anyone knows if it is worth it when compared to retail Longtails and if it is that difficult if you just follow the directions. Also, how long would I plan to spend on it and what kind of modifications will I have to do since the plans are for a little hp engine?

I am also looking to just buy a 23hp Vanguard and buy the mud motor kit from SPS that fits it. I want to be able to haul a load of at least 2 people, maybe even three. I am not concerned about speed too much, but I just need to know what speeds this motor will run. Also, will running a 23hp be enough to plane out and carry three people up river? Again, this is not the mighty Missouri or anything, just a sandy river that is shallow in many areas. I'm new to mud motors so bare with me!

If your boat is the old light weight riveted model the 23 or 25 will push it around 20 to 21 mph empty, 16 to 17 loaded in hunting trim. That is if the boat is the 240 # model and completely flat with 16" transom. Lots of 23's for sale from 1500 to 2000. That is what I would buy. A couple of guys on the lake I hunt in central fl run 1648's with 35's and they seem to go in the low twenty's with a full boat. Something to consider.

With a 1648 I would get a 23. I have a 23 go devil surface drive and it flies on a 1548. The 23 vanguard is a stud of a motor. It last for a very long time. I had one before in a mud boat and it never broke other than the seals leaked once. I had that for years. I would just buy a new or used already built model. Save the time and money and get the good stuff. www.godevil.com. Check out the 23 long tail. Check Louisiana sportsman for used
Motors.

I'm gonna recommend the 23 from Back Water Inc. I love mine and I run it on a 1648 War Eagle. Call the guys from Back Water and they'll tell you everything you need to know about it. If you're buying a new motor, Back Water is in a whole other class than Go-Devil or any others.

I can't say much to the building or savings over buying one but which ever way you go get the biggest motor you can. I run a 1648 light weight hull with a 35 and have no complaints.

backwater SS 27hp fuel injected Kohler would be my first choice followed by the 23 vanguard

I would take a good long look at the SPS before I bought one of them... They have been discussed on here quite a bit (use the search) they are not even close to being on the same level as a GD, back water, or mud buddy.

Definitely look at Back Water Inc. Call Arlen up and he'll help you out for sure.. http://www.backwaterinc.com/swomp-23.html