https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0X6L9L8cC8

Not sure what engine is on there (looks like a VW?) but that one boat is carrying 18-20 guys in full battle gear. I like the MG 34 on the front too.

Joel
norcal

Awesome vid! Talk about load carrying!

I saw this years ago and sensed that we still have room for improvement for the longtail. In the 1920s there were small HP longtail motors in use here in Florida in the estuaries. There are thousands of small to mid diesel longtails in use in the Bay of Bengal, thousands more in the Amazon basin, and thousands of small to large motors in use in Southeast Asia. It is a stubborn dinosaur!

Thank you Glades for a fun over view of a great idea. I enjoy youroften comments.

Mark F. Cheney

It gave me a bit of hope when I came up with the idea of putting a VW engine on a long tail. The boat I want to build is basically an 1869, weighs 1000 lbs empty and I want to carry 5 big adults, 1 munchkin, 1 dog, 2 ice chests, and fishing gear. So I figure 65-80hp from a Bug should get me up the river or lake at 20mph or close to it. For the money, I think it's the most bang for your buck. If Harbor Freight sold a 30+hp engine, then I might go with duals to get me into the HP range I need. The main reason for going with such a heavy boat, is for weight capacity and the bow ramp option, and I can build it myself out of plywood, 2x material, and fiberglass. Still doing research, but that's the direction I'm heading.

Joel
norcal