Looking to buy my fist MM and having a hard time deciding between a GTR 35 and a Blackdeath 5500 from Mudbuddy. Seems everyone has their favorite. Do the Mudbuddy surface drives have neutral? Thanks for any real decision making suggestions.

Mud Buddy does have neutral but no reverse. I love my mud buddy but would like to try a GTR just to see how much I use reverse. If you go with a Mud Buddy go with the Black Death 4500 it has the single carb you can always add mods. The twin carbs dont give ya much more and its more shit to fine tune. I like to tinker with stuff but if you dont or dont know how stick to somthing stock or easy to use. I think both companys make a great motor.

Yes...mudbuddy engines have neutral and forward.

Gator Tail engines have neutral...forward and instant reverse. GT is also available without the reverse feature at a reduced cost.

either way you'll be in good hands, but reverse is nice, both motors run about the same depending on the boat

Thanks, this is helping. Anyone know what the stage 1 kit is from GT and how much? Can't find it on their website. Does it make that much of a difference in performance? I assume it would sound better if it includes an upgraded exhaust.

Thanks fowlhabit,u just saved me $600!

Not sure what the Stage 1 cost but its way cheaper to do it yourself. I have the carb kit, exhaust, heads, and a cam in mine. I built it up for low end torque power and it is a huge difference. I can now carry 4 guys as well as I could carry only 2 without the mods it keeps the rpms up even with a heavy load. You have a better hole shot and better load carrying with the mods. Your throttle response is better also. I know when I did mine I saved a ton of money buiding it up myself instead of ordering it that way. Just a thought

I recently put mods on my GTR35 I am pusing an 1860 GTB (full flotation) so its a heavy boat... Before mods I was running 28MPH after mods I am running 33.4 mph average I have bumped 35.6 with a tail wind & current

I agree with fowl habbit. If you get the MB just get the 4500. I run the 4500 Black Death and I love it. I have never driven any other motor though.