Hi, I new to the forum after lurking for a couple of weeks. After 25 years of duck hunting out the same boat (Devlin black brant with a blind top and 40hp) I'm going to put together a new rig. A 1648 boat and I'm thinking a 23 or 27 hp surface drive (don't have to go far and hunting out of private blinds so I don't need a rocket ship) although I may still go up to Horicon and fight the crowds. Right now I leaning toward a Gator Trax with a hunt deck.

So help me out with a couple of opinions: 1) Is having reverse worth the cost? ( I suppose that's a dumb question after having reverse for 25years but do you realy miss it?) 2) Any clear winners on brand reliability? 3)Maintenance vs an outboard, My Merc's have failed only twice in 25 years (1 fowled plug and one bad primer bulb both fixed in 10 min)

All I can say is..... You don't know how much you love something until ts gone . ( RIP 2-Pac)
with this said, Reverse is a Must. Unless, you only go through shallow water. No mud, lillies, or grass.


Hope this helps...
Uncle J

"RIP 2PAC"

YOU HAVE GOT BE KIDDING

I don't have reverse and have found few situations where it would have been a 'must'.

There are two options for Reverse in surface drives- two very different applications.