Hi everyone, new to the board! Looking to get my first surface drive and would love some recommendations. It's going on an Alumacraft F-7 (14 ft. V-Bow) so weight is certainly a factor. Would like to keep it around $3k or under if possible. Live and hunt in SD so would be using it in shallow lakes/sloughs. In my brief research, it looks like the Copperhead 10 or 12 might be my best option but definitely open to suggestions. Thanks for the help!

Copperhead would be best for that size boat.

Im very happy with my copperhead, runs great and is simple. However with that hull you may be disappointed with its performance. How many people do you hunt with? lots of gear? Heavy set guys? Is your boat a short transom?

I have generally found that you want as much power as you can bolt on. I have a 15 x 36 Phowler with an 18hp Copperhead, and it is just enough HP. A 23 hp copperhead would seem about right, with an 18 there as good enough. I don't think I'd go smaller.

Speed isn't so much the issue as is weight and $$$. I won't be doing much for long runs with this motor; just smaller marshes and such. It's rated for up to a 20 HP conventional outboard but an 18 HP copperhead just seemed a little much for this boat. It is a short transom. Generally hunt with 2-3 guys, dog plus a couple dozen dekes. This will be more of an early season motor for me.

If it's rated for a 20 u need a 25. www.gatortailoutboards.com

If that is your plan id look into a backwater longtail. You wont see much speed but will fit your budget and go through some crap