I’ve recently picked up a Carstens Canvasback boat, 14ft long, about 150 pounds, mostly will be used as a sneak boat for myself and the dog and a couple dozen decoys in areas I hunt but don’t want to bring by big boat to. I’m looking at picking up a Briggs 5hp outboard on the back of it. I have heard some mixed reviews on it so I’m looking for anyone that has actually used one. I know it will work on the boat but all the vid’s Ive seen never really had it in the mud or weeds. The primary areas I hunt are not real muddy but they are not clean water either and occasionally have some weeds plus I can be dealing with freezing temps which also pushes me to this motor. Not looking to get there super-fast, just always get there.

So my questions are if you have used one what did you think
Did you ever use it in the weeds and or mud and how did it perform
And has anyone ever done some mods to them? Looks like I could spend 60 to $80 on a pipe, aircleaner and a couple other items from the cart sites and squeeze out another 1hp to 1.5hp.

A copperhead or LT would be ideal but not in the budget,I’m picking this motor up for $325 so that’s well within my budget which I’m not looking to spend much more since 90% of the time I hunt out of my big boat.

Thanks in advance for the info.

I had one a couple years ago on a 13' gheenoe. It vibrated like hell and was loud but it cranked on the first pull every time. Never ran it in the mud or weeds but since it's air cooled you dont't have to worry about a clogged water pump. I did break a couple props so you might want to carry a spare. I think it will serve you well for your application.