How's it going everyone? New to the forum. Currently I have an Alumacraft 1546 MV with a 25 hp Tohatsu on the back. I'm planning to sell that motor after the season and get myself a Backwater Swomp 27. The question is: has anyone used their Versa Mount? How reliable is it? Jake, from Backwater, suggested I use the versa mount since I have a modified v and it'll work better getting the prop in cleaner water (Your thoughts?). Any input will be greatly appreciated. (I know the alumacraft mv isn't the best option for a mud motor, but it's what I got to work with.) Thanks.

Good choice! This will be my next LT product for sure! After having owned and driven both GD and MB LT's for years, right off the bat, BackH2O gives you several more adjustments for their mount/motor position. I test drove a big 35 BackH20 last summer and was real impressed-it had noticeably less vibration; the frame, the welds, the integrity of the design was very convincing. It is a step up in the longtail world. That 27 HP will power your 1542 admirably but don't expect it to be a speed demon. If you have never driven a longtail before you must observe caution: wear the kill switch lanyard, ease into turns, balance your load, and get pleny of stick time before the season. I expect you would be wise to get a grab bar installed to provide a good measure of safety, and yes, wear your PFD. Enjoy!

Thanks for the input! You have any word on the versa mount?

By the way, I'm from south Florida as well. Hunting the lake most of the time unless we got an STA permit.


Be safe. Take care

Longtails take big nuts to drive. That's why so many guys on here have surface drives.

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

Jalva310, I recommend Lamarr Cox in Melbourne, Florida, Florida Mud Motors, he usually has some units in stock and you can probably get a test drive, plus he is reputable and provides good service for these and other motors.

All the best, Stu! Are you hunting on the north end? I am scratching out a few birds here and there.
Have not seen one mottled or teal!

Ranger, Ya that's right. I'm hunting the north end. Hoping for a good one this weekend. I heard good report coming out of the south side of the lake. I'll just stick with what I know for now. Lol

Goodluck.

Be safe, the wind will be tricky!

I have the versa-mount on my 10HP. It makes a huge difference in handling having your motor pivoting level with the water, and adjusted to match your transom.
Once you set it up to match your hull, you can always thru-bolt the adjustment on the versa-mount if you're concerned about the clamping bolts working loose As far as reliability, I run the snot out of mine and don't have any problems with anything, and if I did, I know Backwater takes great care of their customers.

Ive ran a Backwater SWOMP Lite 23 all duck season this year. I love it. Everyone that has seen it and rode in the boat, have been really impressed. It kind of breaks the mold of traditional American long tails; and its not as cheap and awkward as Thai-style long tails.

I can operate it with just my thumb on the throttle lever with no problem at all. My ONLY complaint is some places I hunt with a bunch of tight 90 degree turns are tough to get through.

They are solid! My only criticism is about the throttle- for years I have been accustomed to the friction lever style (GoDevil), kind of like "set it and forget it", which allows me to use all of my hand to control the tiller; the spring type that BackH20 uses I can understand for safety but I would prefer the friction type if I am running a 23-35 HP motor.

Thank you, Frank! Glad it comes stock! The only choice I am wrestling with is do I get the 27 or 35 SS? I am not getting any younger (62), but at least my left arm/shoulder are good.

I put a dirtbike handle on mine. Love it, I'm clumsy and tend to fall alot

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

If you ANY questions, CALL the guys at Backwater (Arlon and Jake). Awesome customer service and response. They give you the time of day, and know their product inside and out.

I actually ordered three props from them this week. Jake said try them all out, and send back anything you don't like or don't want to keep. As long as its not beat up, they'll refund 100% minus shipping.

They've also been very helpful and given advice on a little side project that's in the works.