Ok i just bought a nice homemade surface drive (18hp) and I have an aluminum v-hull boat (not my personal preference but also no funds to buy a flat bottom boat) my question is I know how to attach it to the boat obviously but how do I know where it needs to be setting at for best performance as far as prop angle goes?

6 inches off center.

elaborate please.. lol

I figured if I posted a picture of the motor someone could give me a little more info on where exactly I should place it on a transom. I know on a regular outboard you want your prop fin even with the bottom of the boat but im not sure with a mud motor because it moves up and down as you move it. So where should it be sitting at with the boat out of water not running. This may seem like a dumb question but its also the first mud motor I have ever owned so just dont want to get upset with it because of an error on my end.

Do what?

The Angle of your transom and the height of it are gonna be the big things depending on what brand MM u have the transom angle should be around 20 degrees. As far as your transom height it depends weather your motor is for a tall or short transom. You can just put some wedges in to get the motor to the right angle if need be

ok thanks alot. The mm is homemade so I guess im going to have to play with the transom height until i get the best result.

Just make sure the bottom of your belt housing isn't hanging below the bottom of the boat

roger that