Ok so here is the story, I have around $4000 saved and I am trying to plan for next season. I bought a 31 hp go devil a few months back and have used it probably 8 or 9 times just to realize not only that long tails suck at maneuvering but this thing weighs a ton and really weighs down the back of the boat and I run a heavy load already. So i will be selling the go devil for around $1500 which is what i paid for it. My boat is a 16 48 modified v flat bottom. It has 20 inch sides and the transom was customized to be 17" tall. This boat had a old 35hp mudbuddy hd on it about 8 years ago then that was sold because of no time to hunt. I remember going scary fast in this boat with 2 guys and that motor. I know this boat is not the best for a mud motor but it worked good in the past. Unfortunately I don'thave enough money for another 35 and also i think it was too much weight.

So now I'm thinking either the 23hp mudbuddy withe the mikuni carb and upgrade exhaust or the stock gator tail gt25. Which one will run better on my boat? Which one weighs less? What are the pros and cons?

I'm not ready for a complete new rig (boat, motor, trailer, thousands of dollars in accessories) but will be in 4 years or so. just in time to hand my current rig to my son for a starter rig. (I got a canoe for my first rig) haha. I do want something that will work though. I'm kind of leaning towards the gator tail but I have had a mud buddy and that thing was a beast.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

The weight difference between the 25 gtr and 35 is only 25 pounds, not sure on weight of 23 mb. The mb you can mod, the gtr has reverse and efi. Really just your personnel preference and what your willing to spend.

That's good to know on the weight. Between what i have saved and what I'll have after selling my current go devil I'll have around $6000 to spend.

pretty sure a stock mb 35 is not a whole more than 6

They are $6403. Random ass price haha. With tax and and whatever other charges my local dealer has it would cost close to $7000.

On their website the mud buddy mini 23 is about 165 lbs. The gator tail 25 is 235 lbs. 35 gator tail is 260. Your longtail is probably around 175-200. I would say stick with the mud buddy if you are thinking of upgrading everything in a few years. Save over $1000 and put that towards a good flat bottom mud hull and 35 hp when your ready.

Yea i know a 35 is not gonna work because of weight. My godevil weighs 225lbs. I like the weight of the mini I just don't know about the easy trim on how well it works.

Buy a used 35 GTR