I know they are knew and I have heard skeptics say there will be major failures but the EFI surface drives all talk positive. Concerns were about if the modules would be shielded enough from use on the water, and the other voiced fear was electrical surges causing malfunctions. What say ye longtail new EFI owners? I will be in the market soon so that is why I am asking, fearing to be just another guinea pig! My other question is about the EFI and throttle setting. On all my three previous carbed longtail motors (Briggs and Kohlers) I advanced the throttle to c. 4400 rpm out of water and got some good gains. Will this be unnecessary or futile in the EFI motors?

I have a 37 EFI Backwater and love it. Throttle setting from factory 4700 rpm out of water and 4100 in water. I didn't do anything but drive it. As far as problems it is mechanical and electrical it is not a question of if but when will it break. In probably 5 to 10 years everything will be EFi. All I know is it cranks in cold weather every time no gummed up carbs either. Priceless!

Glades. The 37's I've personally seen are stout and seem to get better after break in hours.

H Finn

Good to hear that, thank you! I know they will cost an additional $500 or so from the carbed models, but they should not have the ethanol related issues the carbed models are subject to. I will probably go with the 26.5 HP model because that is enough for me and heavy enough to deal with. Can you run 87 octane gas with the EFI and do you still need to run Stabil or Seafoam in the gas?

I run 87 in mine, also I would use stabil if it was going to be stored for a period of time. I use mine year round so it don't set more than 2 weeks at a time.

I've got the powerhead, different frame. Mine has been great and did improve with time. I run 87 in it a lot of the time simply because I'm there filling up my truck too. Takes half as much time. I do run 93 in the summer and when I know I'll be working it especially hard or making exceptionally long runs, simply for the added detonation resistance that the premium fuel has. Never ran an additive in the fuel and I don't plan on it. I don't see me ever fighting with a carb again after owning this thing. I've got about 70hrs on it now and had a wiring harness issue at about 30hrs which was handled quickly and at no cost to me. I was back on the water running as good as ever. If I were in the market for a Longtail right now it would most definitely have the 37EFI powerhead. the weight difference in the 27 and the 37 can't be more than 20-25lbs? I'll gladly tote that much extra for the additional Hp and Tq most of all. With the low and mid range power these things have you can turn a Longtail mudmotor into a weapon instead of a tool I highly recommend it.

The difference is 40 pounds (185/225), somewhat negligible but I am 62 and I think I can handle the 26.5/27 for another ten years but not sure I can heft the 35/37 HP! I usually hunt solo and some times 2 hunters and gear so the 27 does suffice though all LT owner are always dreaming for more speed/oomphf factor. The cost is also significantly more. I am sold on the BackH20 LT!

The advantage with the big block is you won't be dragging it when you might the others. Put it on a 17'+ long hull and you'll have the draft and Hp to get out of most any situation. Being a more seasoned fella I would assume you know when to say quit and avoid the bad stuck unlike the younger guy who may run off into a situation and end up real bad off before he sees it coming. I know of more than one operator in his 60's and beyond who still doesn't mind throwing a Longtail around. I can only hope I'm in that kind of shape when I get there.

I am tempted by the 35/37 HP; mid-20's MPH would be bliss. I know to avoid big water when there is big wind about, ease into those turns, avoid sand/marl/gravel/rock- a heron is a good indicator of water depth usually- and I enjoy my cruise control.

Anyone running a sub 30 HP EFI on a long tail yet?

Got my eye on the BackH20 26.5 EFI model...no reviews???

Can your local repair shops handle the new EFI's?? Meaning do they have the "diagnostic" tools to read the new electronics?

Does the "new" Kohler 26.5 EFI motor use the same RC 12 YC plugs as before? Is the gap still .030"? I am pretty sure I am going with this motor!