Hey all im new to the site but it looks like a good place to ask some questions. I have never owned a mud motor or even touched one for that matter. I have an 1860 war eagle with a 115hp on it and it just doesnt get in the spots i need to get in for duck hunting go figure! I have a boat im gonna get from a distant family member but im not 100% sure what it is. I know it is an 18ft flat bottom and its from back in the 80s sometime and its all open inside. Im gonna build a duck boat out of this thing hopefully but dont know what to do for a motor...looking to stay as cheap as i can. Wondering if a 23-30hp longtail would do the trick for the boat loaded with up to for people and some gear?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated on motor and building this boat!

Put the biggest motor you can afford on it. You can't have enough hp on an 18 ft boat.

Don't know where you're located at, but this just popped up today. Looks like a good deal. If you could afford a 35/36 that would be the way to go. But this is a decent size motor for what looks to me like a steal.

viewtopic.php?f=61&t=11301&view=unread#unread

I saw that deal myself but im located in Northern illinois! I dont need anything fast since we wont be traveling very far at all from the boat ramp to the blind.

A 23 should push an 18ft boat with 2 people and light gear pretty well depending on how wide and heavy it is. But the boat will handle as much as you can afford to throw at it. Good luck man. And you can find decent shipping rates if you are comfortable working a long distance deal. Maybe pay to have the motor looked over at a dealer before purchase or something? Good luck