Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum, and mud motors for that matter, but I could really use some help.

My brother and I recently purchased a 23 horse Vanguard Mud Buddy on a 15' - 48" and we are having some issues.

The motor runs great and sounds great, but no matter if you're at 2500 or 3700 RPMs, the most we can get out of her is around 10 MPH.

We have tried trimming up and down but no matter what it always seems to just lose power after that speed and won't get on plane.

The best we can tell it's a 20* transom and there seems to be a shim under the motor now but it doesn't seem to help.


ANY advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


TL; DR:
23 hp Vanguard Mud Buddy
Won't get on plane
Top speed at 2500 RPM

Is the motor new? If not measure the prop. Is the motor tall or short transom, is the boat tall or short transom? That would be where i would start.

Make shure to distribute your weight in the boat. put moore (fuel tank)in the front to even it out, this plays a key factor in performance/speed

Check all the clamps on the fuel line. If it seems to be losing power, might not be getting quite enough fuel under load. After that, clean the carb. That should be enough motor to push a boat that size onto plane with two people and a bit of a load. Shifting weight around will help maximize speed, but it should still get up.

Check the prop and try re-distributing/lightening the weight in the boat.

Thanks for all the tips guys.

I'll speak to my brother and see if I can't get more details about it.

I know it's a 2008 motor.

I can't remember prop size off the top of my head but I will measure when I get back this weekend.

What else should I measure on the motor/transom?

We just shimmed the motor more properly today and will give her another try this weekend as well.

What else should I measure on the motor/transom?

Make sure you don't have a tall transom motor on a short transom boat or vice versa

take a picture and post up of the motor and transom

Measure tye prop it should be 11x10. My mud buddy mini with a worn out prop only did 5mph until i changed the prop.

From bottom of powerhead to lower unit, then of course measure your transom. The two should be close to either 20 or 16 inches, via tall or short transom could be your issue, but when these props wear they loose Performance fast!

Sent from my shitty cell

Hey yall.

Turns out it's a tall transom motor on a short transom boat. Got that all cleared up now by extending the transom up with some aluminum tubing that should rememdy the issue.

Only problem now is my prop is worn down about an inch from where it should be.

Ordered a new prop, should show up today, and tomorrow, WE RIDE!!!



Thanks for all the help yall. Will post pics of the transom fix when I get them uploaded.

Good deal man glad i could help and if you're missing an inch of prop that will make a huge difference