I just picked up a new to me Lowe 1648 modified V with a 31 MB short shaft and I don't know much about these short shaft motors. I have a handful of questions but I'll start with the prop question. Theres a good chance I'll be pushing a fairly heavy load with 3 large guys and duck gear with it, I don't know if that makes a difference or not. I see on the MB website that they recommend a 11x10 for everything between 21 thru 31. Is there a better option? I know its not going to be a speed demon, especially with the load I'll be carrying, but I would like it to perform as best as possible.

Has anyone ran any other props that they were particularly impressed with on the 31's? Thanks!

You just need what MB calls the Big Blade. It will give you the best overall performance from that 31.

I would use the 11x10 - the 35 turns the Big Blade well - but with that load and size of boat ^ Stick with what MB says on their site - 11x10

Thats a big load for a 16ft boat. Drop prop = more RPMs
And i find it carried a heavier load better.

Put heads, cam, and carb on that beast and put a big blade on it. The short strokes take to the mods really well.

Ive been considering doing a stage 1 carb setup on it, but I don't really know much about these motors performance wise to make a educated decision on where to buy and how to install the mods. What would you guess it would cost to put decent heads cam and carb on it? I hate to say, but Im kind of limited on my budget right now because Im in the middle of buying a new airboat also...

Also, has anybody had any experience with something like a Hill Marine 11x10 prop on this motor? or do you think I should play it safe with the MB brand prop?

I just got off the phone with MB and they said that my motor is probably the "HD Sport" and he recommended the Big blade and that it is probably just a hex blade and not a threaded prop.

I have a hill marine 11x10 and it pushes good but its on a 35hp and pushing a 1754 semi v loaded it runs about 19.0 to 19.5. I'm wanting more speed so I've been playing with the gear ratio. Your best bet from what everyone has told me is stick with what you got and do some mods then when your modded out and put is over powered the bigger prop will come in to play

I would do the mods first then mess with your gears and props.

I am the original owner of that setup you bought from Andy. It handles a load very well. I think I ran the 11x10 but try the big blade it might work well.


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I am the original owner of that setup you bought from Andy. It handles a load very well. I think I ran the 11x10 but try the big blade it might work well.


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I bought the motor new in 07 or 08 if I remember right. It was a custom order by a guy that didn't pick it up so it was built a little different than their stock motors. I ran that rig for a year then sold it to Andy so it was perfect when he got it lol. Does it still have pods? Those were the best thing I ever had added. I am running a 1951 Excel with a Mudbuddy 4500 Black Death.


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Yeah it does have the pods, but the bottom of the boat is beat to shit. apparently the front bunks on the trailer fell off and its just been beating the piss out of the bottom of the boat with the bracket that usta hold the front bunks. He also had a TON of 1 in plywood to make a front deck and bunch of custom welding done to it to make it into a bowfishing rig. Im taking most of that off, or at least making it so its removable so it can be a dual purpose boat now instead of a bowfishing only setup. That 1951 is probably a sweet setup! Where do you hunt mostly? Im in the ogden area so I hunt ogden bay and Farmington most. I cant believe how much bigger it is than my 1436 with a 16gdlt. Im really looking forward to getting it running and taking it for a spin.

My boat is a beast! I'm now in Mona so I hunt Utah Lake and South, mostly big water but I before I moved I hunted the Spur, Harold Crane, and Salt Creek a lot...


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You will enjoy that rig for sure I always did. It did have a nice quick flip blind is that still there?


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nope. I wish! that woulda been nice to come with it. I've never hunted Utah Lake. Maybe we'll have to do a hunt swap this next year. I hear UL is the place for carp shooting this year.. I think I'll be really happy with this boat after I fix a bunch of stuff on it.