Well I have read tons of post in both I live in mn where backH2O are made but can't find a decent price on a used one and can find GD used for $2000 any day of the week. I will have to up grade the mounts on most of the GD's to swing into the boat so ill factor that into the price as well. But what would you guys do? Save for the backH2O or just buy a used GD update it and call it a day and put the extra money towards the boat?


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Faced the same dilemma myself a little over a year ago. I saved the money and picked up a new 23 SWOMP in July. So very glad I spent the extra ching and got the backh20. its rock solid and the guys up there are awesome to deal with. And if somehow someway you have an issue they are in our backyard so to speak. I know they are good after the sale. Guys that need something seem to be real happy with how they are treated. Where are you at? I'm in Mankato and would gladly take ya out come spring if you want to check out the motor.

Why do you need it to swing around? Parking space? I'm sure backwaters are nice but personally I would save the money and pick up a GD. They are simple and cheap to work on.

I agree with Honky, BackH20 is the way to go. Plus the company is in your backyard and you are helping an up and coming business. No knock on GD, they were the first on the block, I had two and they were solid but had their grease loss and friction issues and I had to make those bearing/seal changes frequently and I then bought an MB LT in 2004 which was/is a superior product IMO but now H20 has come up with even more refinements and user friendly features. If you are that close, your purchase merits taking a test drive with one and then making you choice. I agree that with a few more dollars up front you'll be a happy longtailer.

The only reason I need the 360 swivel mount is for garage space I currently run 14" with a LT and it fits in the garage with the tail in the boat and handle removed. Is the handle on the backH2O easily removed? I will also put a foldable trail tongue on to make up the extra room for the extra 2" I'll have on the new boat. But can't get too long or it won't fit in the garage.


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Thanks for the replies as well guys.


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Right now I have a 14' Lowe mod-v Jon. 48 wide. I have to keep the motor cocked to the side to fit in my garage. It's an old and small garage(20'x20'). Solo and empty I run about 19-20 mph. With my buddy and our catfishing gear we were doing 18-19 the only time I checked the speed. I am gonna do some more accurate tests for speed this spring to see how it carries a load best with the new setup I am going with. Also because guys on here ask about speed a lot. Started some mods right before hunting season and finishing them up now. Or at least working on things on the days I can work without my hands going numb from the cold. How close are you to Mankato, Drah? I'll gladly let you check out my motor if you want, and the offer still stands to take it for a rip when the ice melts. Also, the handle comes off by removing two bolts. I thought about taking mine off for the same reason as you, storage. But kicking it sideways saves the trouble.

Sounds good man. We can def make something work. I'm looking at moving up to a 1648 either this summer or next. Just depends on the cash flow. I think the motor might do a little better on a 1648 with a load compared to my 1448. Alone I'm fine but throw in a another guy and I lose a lot of speed. Fishing not so much but hunting was where i saw the big drop off. I think a couple more feet of boat will actually help. Time will tell on that one though.

1648 is a great boat for a 23. I've never used a gps in my boat but it gets 3 people and gear on plane no problem.

Yeah that's what I have now on a 1436 lowe it's a great little motor but need a bigger boat and more power.


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Riveted polar kraft true flat. I pulled the benches out of it so it's wide open and light. I have run a 20hp on a 16' mod-v and I really think a true flat is the way to go. They get up on plane faster and also skim across stuff when the water gets really skinny.