http://gator-tail.com/motors/gtr37xd/

Is the jury still out on the new GT?

I have but a couple weeks left to make a decision on what motor to strap on the back of my Uncle J 18x54.

I am pretty sure it will be either the GT 37 EFI or the Mud Buddy HDR 4400 Black Death.

I called up the good folks at Mud Buddy. None of the surface drives are being given away, but dad gum the price on the HDR 4400 stings a little bit.

Any thoughts on the this GT XD ?

Back to basics on the lower unit. No more cast, but it is long like the cast lower. A few more bells a whistles, and a really nice planetary cover. None of them are cheap....
I rather the way the GT reverse locks up the planet carrier, vs the way MB uses trailer brake magnets to grab a brake rotor. GT uses another clutch.
The efi bugs are working out and they are some really nice engines for a stock unit. You will have the typical briggs issues so make sure you got a dealer nearby to repair it under warranty at your convenience.

I called Gator Tail today to see if they are in stock, and they told me to call back tomorrow.

Is the lower end on the XD different than the regular GT 37 EFI?

I think they might be going back to all machined lower units.

I saw a new gatortail in person this weekend with the new lower unit, but was not the new XD

Can kind of see it here

I don't see it.

Is that 3 motors on that?!

cB just what i was told. The prop rides up against lower, mine has a pretty decent gap between the lower and he prop.

Will - yep. Midnight Blue Bowfishing has a badass triple rig for his charter already.
This is another one I just saw on the gram.

Similar to a Mud buddy Merc prop. It helps keep most of the JUNK from tearing seals. People do not think to check the prop for trash... and they ruin seals a lot.

Ranger, just get a Pro Drive and be done with it.....

Haaaaaaaa. I knew someone was going to push me in that direction, or at least sling some poo in the middle of the discussion. I almost purchased a Pro Drive. The closest dealer to me in NW Arkansas sells PD. It would be nice to have a dealer that close. Because of the size and weight of my boat, I have had a number of folks tell me that the GT and MD would do a little better getting a heaver boat like mine up to speed. I do not know if that is actually the case.


I have no loyalty to any one of the big three makers. In the end, who ever gives me the best deal is what I will most likely end up with. I am betting I would be just as happy with a PD as any other brand.

From what I have read on here, and from what Russ tells me, I want to stay away from the cast lower.

Russ doesn't know anything.

I would assume new props would be compatible with old lowers, but new lowers not compatible with old props, unless the grove is added.

If you like simple, not going backwards, or standing still, but always getting where you want, you should consider a GoDevil surface drive in your search.

Seriously though. I have not had the first issue with anything that GoDevil has built. It's all been Briggs issues for me, which they all use and are subject to. You just have to know and accept going into the purchase that the powerhead on whatever you buy will leave something to be desired in some way, shape, or form.

No option went unconsidered. If I was only going to hunt, the decision would be easier. Being it will be used for fishing, jugs, baskets, trot lines, bush hooks, and bow fishing, I want a reverse.

About to sell my rig....there is a Mudbuddy HDR in my future.