I had the pleasure of visiting the back water shop today and getting the lowdown on what I'm convinced is a great product. Spent a few hours there with Jake learning about the ins and outs of their motors and actually got to see a good chunk of the assembly of a swomp 23. Also met Larry, what a couple of great guys. The attention to detail was amazing and really brought to life all the good things I've heard about them and their company. I'm happy to say I left a downpayment and am picking up a 23 in a week and half. Just wanted to back all the supporters on here and say what a quality all around experience I had. Can't wait to pick up my new motor and get on the water.

If I was a bit closer, I would surely visit BackH2O this summer. I know you are excited and please post a report after you've made your first run in the marsh. I'm glad to see a company take up the mantle from GD, BT, MB before them, and improve a tried and true motor design. I've read reports from both 23 and 35 HP owners but not one 27 HP model. The additional recoil start on the 23 is a good thing!

I like the recoil option as well for that rare occasion that the battery goes bad. Jake started up a 27 on a trailered boat and I couldn't believe how smooth it ran. Like butter. My cousin runs a 27 gdlt and the vibration comparison is crazy, there's virtually none on the back water. These guys are on the right track and I'm happy I waited and made the right decision for my first motor. Can't wait to share more once I bring this sucker home.

Told ya! These things are smooth as glass!!

Hey, Frank, I've noted you run the 1648 WE hull- eventually I will move up to an 18' - does anyone you know run the 1848 WE hull?? I figure with a 27 or 35 HP LT will move that hull just that much better. My grizzly 1648 "works" but I would like the extra planing/ carrying surface and room for three hunters.
Honky, I made the same observation when I went from the GD to the MB LT. The friction/vibration was noticeably less and I did not use anywhere near as much grease. With the GD sleeve bearings, albeit a good basic design, there was a lot of grease loss and I carried my grease gun loaded with me all the time. Don't have to anymore.

I don't personally know anyone with that hull. However I'd LOVE to run that 1848 with a 35 SWOMP! That'd be a bad rig for sure!

H.K., did not mean to hijack this thread! 10-4, Frank! Apart from GoDevil's 1848, I think the WE 1848 is the only one offered in a short transom, unless you went custom mfg.- so the 35 Swomp LT should be a good fit. I know that it was posted that a regular 71/72" BackH2O LT could be adjusted to run a high transom but better to have the lower transom from the get go. I've always had a short transom, even with my first regular outboard, but can understand a high transom on the big hulls/big block motors on big water because of freeboard/backwash issues but since I run mostly sheltered marshes that is not a big deal. Some years ago, mfg.'s like Lowe and others made 1848 riveted models that would also be a good fit with the 35 HP because of their lighter weight. For years most had rivetted models with longtails and they worked well- nobody was running too fast or abusing their hull bottoms. Two years ago, BackH2O had posted on their site that they were going to release their own "brand" of boat hulls but that did not materialize. Too bad, I'd like to know what Jake and Arlon would suggest as best fit hulls for their motors!! Before my present 1648 grizzly, I had a 1544 Alumaweld .080 gauge jon with a 25 Kohler GD LT and that was a good fit- an 1844 would have been even better in that gauge. You hear reports of difficulties welding those lighter gauges and washboarding with the standard ribbed boats but I've never seen it here. My 1544 held up pretty well, even after a direct hit amidships from a speeding bassboat- almost killed me- had it patch welded up and it kept working until I sold it- wanting a slightly bigger rig.

It's all good man, no worries. In my eyes its good to get some random talk going. From what Jake was sayin it sounded like the back water boys haven't thrown the towel in on building boats. It came up in conversation when I was talking about possibly going from my 1448 to a 1648 in the next year or two. I want a good open floor plan and we got to talking about boats for a bit.

Thanks for the elucidation, wm! I'm still a couple of years away from springing for a new motor, but the 59" drive (SS) seems like the way to go for me.
Honky Kong, open floor is the way to go! That's what sold me on the grizzly and I put my own alum floor and saved some $. I use those "bird bucket" seats (Cabelas) to hunt. The open floor is good for both duck hunting and fishing.

Picking up the 23 tomorrow afternoon!

So far only have had my test drive with Jake yesterday afternoon. 23 minutes on the Swomp 23. It was awesome and really hope I can get out this weekend for a little joy ride.

Maiden voyage last night and this morning with the 23. The thing is awesome. Pushed me and my buddy and a cooler and fishing gear about 18 wot on the river. Can't wait get our again. Put about an hour on it.

Enjoy. Stick time and here comes duck season.

I am picking up my swomp 23 tomorrow. How is the throttle? Is there any way to run that motor with one hand. I have no stumps or logs where I am at and it would be nice to set it up to run one hand on motor and one on grab bar.

Yes. The throttle can be set and left alone.

I don't have a grab bar yet but its really easy to drive. Standing or sitting. That's on the river without any weeds. I know the grab bar will be needed when I'm out at our duck spots. Leverage is key in the thick stuff.