I picked me up a cheap 1540 and Im wanting a to put a smaller motor on the back..that being said Im really leaning towards JB mud motors 15hp. It comes standard with belt drive and a clutch..is there any other motors that would compete with this espcially in this price range??? open to suggestions.

Copperhead 18

with a copperhead at 4k and JB mud motors at 2750$...Im trying to stay in budget.

The statement you get what you pay for is a big deal with this topic. My question is when your stranded, does how much money you saved matter?

My S5

I bought a JBMM 15 but first looked hard at Copperhead, I chose to go with the JBMM because of the fact they offer a clutch with neutral and momentary engagement. The price is right as well. I have 128 hrs on mine with no issues.

the only one ive seen in person looked VERY home made. not that it wont hold up but wasnt much to look at.

I say give them a whirl.

I went to the mud run they held at woods reservoir in Tennessee and watched 2 of them break there chains in the first 10 minutes

I'd go with copperhead..... they are the most competent of the smaller manufacturers and from what I gather have great cs. .... you may save 1500 dollars up front .....but what will it cost you in the end?

You can buy that little surface drive I have forsale

None of their units are chain drive anymore I dont believe..maybe their 6.5..Like stated before I really like the fact it is a father/son operation. I think the fact that they called twist and informed him about their chain/belt switch was great customer service..in my book. Might I add I live an hour away from their shop...I think I may give them a shot fellas.

I thought about them myself as a small motor back up, was interested purely because the offer a clutch, and priced right. Now that predator engines have a 22vtwin coming out this summer thinking that would be a awesome match up

I would give it a shot. I've never run a surface drive but am looking forward to your review. Everyone had to know a more economical reliable version would pop up sometime.

I was at the mud run they put together and had a great time, and as far as I know only one chain broke, I was there with my JBMM 15hp motor with the popping sound going on at take off, It was the chain slapping the box. I think I was the first one to actually get the belt driven motor, which improved the motor leaps and bounds above the chain driven design they were using. A few weeks into using the clutches they decided to add a larger stater, They called me up and I dropped my motor off and had it back in 3 days, every time they change something you are kept in the loop and the upgrade is always 100% free. They may not be a big brand, they may not be as attractive as something almost twice the price but id bet on my JBMM taking abetter beating than any other. and the customer service is second to none, they enjoy talking to you, if the motor breaks, it will be made right 100% free.

X2, Ive gotten the same treatment. Cant wait for their 25 hp, I will be ordering one those fosho

Some pretty good reviews on them and just checked them out on FB. For a smaller boat/ less investment they look like they will hold up.

I say give them a shot, my JBMM15 is a tank. The belt drive and electric clutch is unbeatable for the money. Two thumbs up JB Mud Motors