Would I get good/alright performance with a 20-24hp longtail mud motor on my 1542 Alumacraft (riveted). I'd like at least 20mph. Or would it be to heavy. What if I add flotation pods, would it be lots better? Thanks

What is the boat rated for. I would think you would get close to the speeds you are loking for with that horse power. It will also depend on load and how the weight is distubuted. On the pods it will help if the motor is to heavy, go to fisherbeavertail.com and you can look at there pods there. I think the ones they have for your boat would give you an extra 300 pounds on the rear. Remember these motors are no speed demons but will get you where you want to go.

The rating for the jonboat is 25hp. I have a 13hp beavertail that does about 13-13.5mph avg. I just don't want to spend $$$ on another motor and find out that the speed increased 2-3mph. I'd be very happy with 20mph+ and it's gotta be a LT. I can't get another boat either due to having to push across an area that is an inch deep at times (my boat is very light to push and is why I like it). I've talked to two dealers about a 24hp LT and 1 said I'd be lucky to push 16mph due to the 1542 not being long enough to give good performance. The other dealer said I'd be flying in this boat since it's light, about 20-23mph by myself but that it wouldn't carry a good load and would bog down with too much weight. Don't know, and is why I'm wondering what to do. thanks

I ran a 23 GDLT on a 1542 Quachita for quite a few years. Myself w/ hunting load and dog 17-18mph, add a second person and loose a 1/3 of the speed.

i would put a 25 or 27 on it with pods

In 07' I ran a MB LT 20hp on a G3 1542. One person and gas= 18-19 mph. Miss that little rig....RIP

My 23 GDLT on a GDSD 16x48 -- does 23mph with just me and a 9x7

with the 9x6 - 20mph - one man and 18mph two man - third man no plain

but my boat is about 500 lbs and slick bottomed....

Thanks for the info. guys. I'm gonna move up to +hp. I just need to sale my motor and save some $.