Building my first longtail using the mad mud motor plans as a guide. 420cc Harbor Freight engine. We started Yesterday for a little bit and today for a couple of hours. About all I have left is to weld my bracing in and get the shaft threaded and keyed. I had plenty of DOM so I cut my tube to utilize the entire 72" shaft. We are going to run it on a 1436 jon boat for now. From what ive been reading around 15 degrees is the best angle for my driveshaft?

If anyone has any suggestions post them up!

Setting up the engine plate

Bushings and bearings installed. Ready to set the angle and start on the bracing.

I cheated and bought a transom mount from back# water. This thing is real nice.

I'd love to know more about your upper bearing setup.

If you don't mind. Where did you get your u-joint? Part number? Thanks

getting close! I will pull the driveshaft and have it threaded and keyed tomorrow.

"action shots!"

Dose that top bearing take up the thrust load? thanks

Not really. There are a couple of set screws that lock the bearing on the shaft. I guess will help a little.

looks great !how long did you make the dom tube?

I would have to double check but somewhere around 64" I think. I used the full 72" on the drive shaft and cut my tube to fit my needs.

Looking good,i plan on building one in the off season.W do you think it weighs?

Im getting close! I need to put the motor on the actual boat we are going to use it on and cut the handle down, get battery cables on, hook up my kill switch and test it out.

very nice build, i don't see how you could have done a better job, it looks great.was your transom mount your design?

No I bought the mount from Back # Water inc

First test run today was pretty successful. I forgot the GPS but I was satisfied with the speed I got with two people in the boat. It actually does better with two people than one because the person up front counteracts the weight of the motor. Ive got to redo the handle, it too thin of pipe and we bent it. Ive also got to get new seals for the upper housing. I only used one and I put it in backwards and it lets grease push through to the flange bearing. When it gets warm the grease oozes out.

sounds like your first test run was a success,nice job! did you figure out what type of up-grade you are going to do for a handle.

I'm happy to report that Ryan 289 build is still working. A friend on mine bought it and I used it this weekend. I am planning on building a exact copy. Ryan 289 you did well.