Been reading for awhile but looking closet now at pulling the trigger on a surface drive set up. Been looking at straight fishing rigs for summer crape fishing but having a hard time justifying that money for a boat that will sit all winter. Fish a smaller size Lake so don't run all that much and hunt shallow sandy bottom river most of the time. Don't care for all the extra upgrades like reverse at this time. Are any of the surface drive motors made set up better for what I'm doing? Also, how many hours on a used motor would you consider to be getting on the high side of wearing out and running into more issues? Great site and thanks ahead of time for any advice given.

Also, trying to get away with a $10k budget for complete rig. They sure aren't giving these things away!

If youre not wanting reverse and all the upgrades get you a godevil surface drive. as far as hours it all depends on how it was taken care of. Ive seen motors with 500 hrs look like new and all maintenance upkept. And seen some with 50 hrs that were complete junk already. Just pay attention to detail and dont rush on a rig theyre everywhere no need to rush for one. 10k budget is easily doable, could even get a gtr or pd rig with reverse for that price if you look around some. good luck

You can get a brand new 23hpgo devil surface drive on a 1648 go devil surface drive boat for about 10,300. You can fish all year with it. I fished all year withmy 23 and now I am going to fish all year with my 35.
You can go cheaper if you get a custom boat with that motor. By new if you can and enjoy that 3 year vanguard warranty