I'm building a Mad mud motor. How easy are longtails to turn without them being mounted on a bearing for steering ease? Am currently trying to design a bearing set up. Wondering if its worth the trouble.

Not worth the hastle.

my longtail wasnt hard to turn at all with the long handle,maybe hard to hold on to,but not hard to turn.
dont know if im on the same page as you but,im thinking the bearing deal may allow the longtail to have more tiller torque than a "stiffer" setup??????just my opinion.
if its a lil biddy motor aint gonna make much diff. anyway....good luck.

I'm building an11 HP Honda for my 1442 Grumman. Curious how it will do. Mainly two people equipment and dog. Still stuck on which prop to use. Speed isn't my priority. Gotta get to the hot spots in the Arkansas timber.

bearing unnecessary. bronze oil impregnated oversize flat washer between two plates with a bolt through it is all you need. doesn't even have to be oil impregnated, just keep it greased.