surface drive. what size do i need

[cootkiller22]

i have an 1995 bass tracker TX17 i bought for fishing but fell in love with duck hunting and trying to make the best of both worlds. im currently tearing out everything in it and just putting an flat aluminum deck in the bottom of it covered with eva foam and possibly building small fishing deck on the front. i'm looking into surface drives. i can't decide if i want an 25 hp or 35 hp ill be using it for duck season fishing and just going out on the boat to the local sandbars i run about 35 mph now with the motor i had on it expecting to lose some speed but whats everyone's thoughts and experiences? also what brands suggested

 

[Bullet21XD]

35...or bigger. They all weigh the same after 35hp.
Brand...flip a coin.

 

[cootkiller22]

35...or bigger. They all weigh the same after 35hp.
Brand...flip a coin.

appreciate it! what brand would you recommend? i am leaning towards mud skipper i like my long tail i have from them.

 

[Bullet21XD]

I have an HDR...but really no loyalty to Mud Buddy. It's been a great motor, and no issues at all. I wouldn't hesitate buying a Gator Tail or Prodrive either...but I would certainly stick with one of those 3. They all use the same powerhead.
If reverse is important, Prodrive has the only reverse that actually is worth a damn!
When I purchased mine, MB had the closest dealer. Main factor in buying that brand.

 

[cootkiller22]

I have an HDR...but really no loyalty to Mud Buddy. It's been a great motor, and no issues at all. I wouldn't hesitate buying a Gator Tail or Prodrive either...but I would certainly stick with one of those 3. They all use the same powerhead.
If reverse is important, Prodrive has the only reverse that actually is worth a damn!
When I purchased mine, MB had the closest dealer. Main factor in buying that brand.

back and forth on the reverse i have done okay without it this year but it is good to have!

 

[Olefart]

If possible, stay with a carb motor 35HP or larger. They are easier to maintain and may save you a trip to a dealer. EFI motors need a computer hooked to them to diagnose problems. Also they usually have two fuel pumps which can be effected by moisture in Fuel. Keep it stock and don't run it up on the rev limiter, it will last along time. IMO

 

[HaydenHunter]

I have an HDR...but really no loyalty to Mud Buddy. It's been a great motor, and no issues at all. I wouldn't hesitate buying a Gator Tail or Prodrive either...but I would certainly stick with one of those 3. They all use the same powerhead.
If reverse is important, Prodrive has the only reverse that actually is worth a damn!
When I purchased mine, MB had the closest dealer. Main factor in buying that brand.

I ran Mudbuddy and Prodrive shorttail motors for 15 years before going back to an outboard. I would agree that the big four: Mudbuddy, Prodrive, Gatortail or Godevil are all good. The Full Power Reverse feature on Prodrive is unique. Head over to their website, watch videos and decide whether this would be good for your intended use. Otherwise, reverse on mud motors is a convenience only and one that you can do without. Your push pole is your friend. I will second the comments made that a nearby dealer is a plus. My buddy and hunting partner was a Mudbuddy dealer for 15 years and still does service work on their motors and others. A lot of guys without the time or knowledge to mechanic on their mud motors would be SOL if not for him. Most mud motors I have seen put into service have broken at some time.

The EFI motors on recent vintages of mud motors are nice and have increased usable power, but my buddy has had to troubleshoot a couple lately. A carbed motor (even aftermarket carb like Mikuni) is easier to work on yourself or fix without special tooling. Just my opinion.

You should go for the max HP your budget will allow. If you put anything less than a 35/36 HP mud motor on your boat you will end up kicking yourself.

 

[tcc]

And get you a Voodoo exhaust!

 

[metalworx]

And get you a Voodoo exhaust!

Absolutely! So EVERYONE can hear you coming out!!!

 

[Gmack]

I have a Prodrive and it's my first surface drive. Bought it in November. Really like it. However I wouldn't hesitate to own ProDrive, Gator Tail or GoDevil.

Mine has the reverse where you manually have to turn the lower unit. It's combersome but did get me out of being stuck high and dry on some lilies in the middle of the night.

One thing I really like is that the motor has a clutch and a momentary switch. It's more that could break but it's so nice being able to bump in and out of gear. Especially putting out and picking up decoys.