I have a 1448 monarch. Its an older flat bottom Jon boat. I was looking to put a surface drive on it. What would be the best brand and size to put on? I have a 35 evinrude on it now. I will hunt mostly Lillie pads but will also hunt some timber. Any help would be appreciated.

That boat isn't big enough for a sd unless you go with one of those little copper heads

MB Mini Lite 27 or MB 23 LA Special. Not gonna run anywhere close to how it does with 35 Evinrude no matter what you go with.

Well, do you think it can handle a 23 GT? I thought it would, but you said no. If it will, then that's another option for the fella. I know 1st hand it would handle either of the 2 motors I mentioned. Not gonna get into the mine's better than yours BS, just trying to help the guy out.

18 copperhead

The transom is reinforced already. Had to do that to put the 35 on it. But you would suggest a new boat?

If that's an option, then yes. Sell that boat as it is & buy a bigger boat. You'll be happier in the long run.

By handle do you mean stay afloat? Then yes. But will the hull hold up to the abuse of a sd over the long haul, and will he get optimum performance from that boat/ motor combination? Then No.
Like I said if he is set on keeping that hull and wants to put a sd on it then the lighter copper heads would do best. But if he wants a larger sd with more hp, then he would be better off getting a longer boat.

I agree 101%

You know I have to take my shots at mb when ever the opportunity presents itself.

I know, it's part of the service agreement yall purchased.

Well damn. I was wanting to get a new Polaris rzr 900 but the way it sounds I need a new boat. Although I do hunt more places that are accessible by land than water.

Airboat, solves both problems.

I'm not 100% but I don't think they allow airboats on public land in MS

That boat will get torn to crap in short order no matter what mud motor you go with.

If you are planning on limited use and want the razr you may want to look at buying a used longtail and then save up for a new boat motor combo. W/ the boat you have you will tear the hell out of it w/ a surface drive trying to run too fast and it won't perform that well.

If you hunt more land than water why worry about buying a $3-5k motor when you already want a rzr? Just use the boat til it falls apart and by then ull have more saved up for new rig. Plus u can use an outboard in weeds. Ever watch swamp people?

Get a 23hp longtail for that boat and keep your outboard for fishing.You can probably pich one up for a little over a grand,used but in good shape.A surface drive will be faster but at 30 mph you can travel 10 miles in 20 minutes.At 15 mph you will cover this same 10 miles in 40 minutes.Save your money and wake up 20 minutes earlier.