I'm new to the forum and looking to get a mudboat. I live in Homosassa FL and not sure what would be best in this area. I would run Homosassa River, and Crystal River, and go into the Gulf around the mangrove islands, and in the Ozello area. The water in the Gulf gets pretty shallow, I can hang up my kayak. If anyone is running these areas, could you please tell me what you are running? I'm not sure if it should be a LT or SD. My boat would be for shallow water fishing, primarily just 2 people. Any info is appreciated.

Welcome to mmt. I'm not familiar with your area, but if you are making long runs, a SD will better suit your needs. It basically boils down to what you are able to spend on a rig; big block or small block, single motor or duals, remote or tiller steering.

I hunt and fish the same area's your talking about , I fish out of mason creek and scallop , I run a 35gdsd mainly because of the shallow's and the big ass rock's in ozella. Surface drive or longtail will be good where you are but , if your wanting to make long runs... Go with the surface drive for sure. You have a Godevil dealer just down the road from you. Or you can pick up a Gatortail or a Prodrive if you feel the need to have reverse , and if your mostly gonna Fish out of this Rig I would go with the Reverse that gatortail or prodrive has to offer. Godevil does not have reverse or neutral , but is a very reliable Surface drive as well. You can PM me if need further info.

I wasn't sure that SD could handle the Ozello area - I thought it would have to be a LT, but haven't seen any in the area so wasn't sure they could handle it either. I would be interested in knowing of any dealers in the Homosassa/Crystal River area - if there are any. I know of Miller's in Ocala - I think they sell GatorTail. I have been getting impressed with the capabilities of the mud motors watching some Youtube videos.

I recently got a 12hp copperhead and threw it on a 15x42 riveted hull. Been running wherever I want back in ozello, salt river, barge canal, yankeetown etc. Very pleased with it haven't had any issues yet.

I run a mudboat there all the time. Only way to go unless you have an airboat. I just switched and I won't go back. Pm me if you have questions.



Mike

A long tail will dominate a SD on sandy hard bottoms