I bought a 1448 tracker riveted mod-v and I am stuck on what size of motor to put on it. The guy that had it previously had a 22HP predator on it (not sure what LT kit was used) and said it ran pretty well with 2 guys and a dog. I have the option of going back and buying the motor, but I am worried that it may be overpowered and weigh too much . Any suggestions?

I run a 1436 lowe with a 15hp lifan SPS kit. bare boat and kit with just me, im getting about 20mph. I am putting a stage 1 kit on the motor to see if I can get a little more torque and HP out of it. I don't really think you will be over powered with 22hp. I have seen guys with 1448 trackers and 29hp go devils on them.

Ive been running a 22hp predator on a Backwater SWOMP Lite kit. Its the way to go. Best bang for the buck, and a quality product and great customer service. On my 1442 Alweld, 21mph solo. 17 full 2 man hunt load.

I also have a SPS kit with a 6.5hp honda clone that was built as a race kart engine, peak hp being just under 22, and turns 7000 rpms. The kit has been solid, but you arent going to get around tight places with it too easily. Straight runs and vegetation - its great.

The Backwater kit will cost you another 1100-1200 over SPS - but its well worth it. I dont think you can go wrong getting a 22hp 670 Predator either, especially if you get the extended warranty. I've got some good time on mine now turning 4100rpms and running long distances.

Come to find out the LT is homemade. So I don't really want to give and extra $1500 FOR THAT, but I was cruising craigslist and found a 16hp SPS kit with a duromax engine for $750. I am not looking for a ton of speed, just need something to push my buddy, dog and myself to the hunting spot.

Not sure if this is where to ask but I see everyone speaking of Lifan and predator engines. I'm look in to build a short long tail with the twister kit from the same company that sells the swamp lite long tail kits. I've found a Briggs 13hp snow blower motor with a 3/4" shaft which is the only size the twister kit comes in. Does anyone have any idea what the largest hp engine you can get with a 3/4" output shaft? Also any experience with the twister kits? Thanks

From my searching it looks like you are doing good to find a 13hp with a 3/4" shaft. Would it be possibly to buy a larger engine and have a machine shop mill the shaft and redo the keyway? I just bought a carroll stream 16hp on sale for $380 and i know the mounting from 13hp to 16hp is the same. Are you looking at the mud-skipper twister?

23 would be a great match for that boat if you are worried about weight. Just make sure to evenly distributed your weight and don't over load the back end with gas and battery. I got a buddy who runs a 35 on a 1448 and I run a 25 on a 1542