I am trying to justify buying a surface drive and boat for it. I duck hunt Central Florida and would be hunting big lakes such as the Kissimmee chain. I currently hunt out of my great grandfathers 14' Crosby sled that I inherited and have completely redone but with all of the duck dynasty wannabes my lakes have become harder to hunt and I am having to get deeper and deeper into the nasty stuff. I have been looking at surface drives and would like some opinions on motor size vs boat size because I am fairly ignorant to motor size for boat size.

I would like to get an all welded aluminum boat such as a sea ark or G3 and I would like something between a 16/48 -16/60. These boats turn up around here often and I could pick one up for under $2k. I would really like a surface drive boat but can't justify $5k on a boat. I would be hunting two people and occasionally three with guns and gear.

I have been looking at used 35 hp and think that is the way to go but see deals all the time for 25hp and 27hp motors but fear they would not push the boat that well. Am I wrong in assuming this? Would a boat that small need flotation pods for a 35hp?

I know I want a belt driven motor instead of a chain driven and I like the GDSD's .

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

You need to do some searching on what you're interested in. These mud hulls cost more for a reason. The GDSD is a tough, simple, reliable setup that has earned its reputation over the years by basically everyone out there. It will run at its best on a Go Devil hull. It is designed specifically for that motor. I understand if you've never owned or ran one it seems a bit unecessary at times but they really do perform and hold up better when it matters. Others will tell you otherwise but if you're really using that boat and motor for what it's made to get you through, you'll hook and ultimately ruin it in no time. If not, chances are, you don't need a Surface drive or mud motor in general. Chances are you need a big block (35/37) motor to start with unless you run Hp restricted areas. I'd be willing to bet the vast majority of people who buy small surface drives and hunt more than 2 regularly end up buying a bigger motor.

Something else to consider for that area is a long narrow hull and a big Hp longtail. I'm wanting to see a 37 Backwater Swomp Lite on a nice 18-19' narrow mud hull. That would be a weapon in some of those waters over your way.

I love the go devil boats and I may end up just biting the bullet and going with one.

I thought about the long tail but when you get into it for a bit more money I could get a surface drive that would be a bit easier to handle. I don't deal with mud, it is mainly hydrilla, pads, and grass.

I figured as much though about the boats made specifically for the motor. I appreciate the input.

Yeah damn those duck dynasty wannabes who wake up earlier than you and get to the spot first! I even saw some once that took their children and grandchildren! The nerve!

My comment was referring more to the guys who show up at daylight and set up 75 yards away from my spread and shoot at any bird within 100 yards. Nothing to do with bringing your kids out with you. I was just askin a few questions to those that are more knowledgeable on the subject of surface drives. It was not my intent to offend, but if the shoe fits......

I was all decked out in black face one morning wading out to pick up a can who went down far... and someone who rolled in late and setup within unreasonable range said, "fuck you niqqer!". I was probably set up too close to him, in his eyes lol.


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If you put a surface drive on a G3 or sea ark it's just going to cost you more in the end when you destroy it and/or aren't happy with the performance.

Have a friend with a G3 and a PD pushing it, he hasn't trashed it yet and is working on his 7 year with it. Also I had a 1548 SeaArk with a MB 35 on it, its still running today without any issues, sold it 8 years ago to him. My 1648 Riveted Alumacraft with Moded BD MD 45 is still going strong, no leaks and only a couple dents which I've hammered out. Its on its 8th season with several hundred Hrs on it. IMO if you use your head While running a surface drive rig, boat should hold up pretty well, and in most case go anywhere a high dollar rig will go, and faster because they are hundreds of pounds lighter.