I have an older 1236 jon boat. The only thing I can read on the recommended load plate is 3 people? I plan on buying an sps kit from swamp runner. My dilemma is what hp motor to buy. don't want to go to small or too big. I have beefed up the transom substantially. I welcome any input.

get a copperhead or Backwater motor.

But that's a small ass boat.

my buddy has a 1236 alumacraft. with a 10 copperhead it would step a light two man load pretty decent. We aren't the first in the buffet line however if that helps. I would go as big as you can afford.

10-12 hp would be fine for that boat. Much bigger and you might wind up wishing you had a bit more boat. Get more hp, flip it once or twice, and you'll understand lol

^You sound like you've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt Russ!

But like it's been said BW or a copperhead would be the ticket for that rig


Sent using smoke signals

I've never done it myself, but have spent a bit of time with a 16hp gd getting the water out, bailing the boat (never had a bilge pump, not sure why now), and laughing the while time. I think that occurred 4 times, possibly more. He never did figure out it was his fault lmao. But no, a 36" wide boat isn't terribly unstable, but it's definitely a case of if you over power it, sit down to run the motor, and be very careful. We were always on small water, and near his uncle's house. Not a situation that would be funny in nowhereville and cold.

Check out the backwater glider kits , would work well being lite and for a small framed block.

H Finn

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=ht ... are_type=t
1432 Alumacraft w/ 12hp Copperhead

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copperhead 12 with 1436

No one here has much good to say about the SPS kits. I haven’t been able to tell if it comes from experience though. I have a the “small” Swamp Runner SPS kit, with a modified 6.5 predator. I actually think it’s a pretty good setup. I have it on a tin can 14x32 Alumacraft.

Be realistic with your expectations. This motor is meant to be affordable and run through shallow waters. Mine handles vegetation great for the horsepower motor it is. It handles soft mud decent. Anything hard you hit (stumps, debris, etc.) will likely break a prop. It’s designed to be the shock absorbing point and to break first before anything else. They are less than $10 a piece and take just a few minutes to change. It’s not a big deal at all.

You can get the kit for $399+shipping, a 6.5 predator for $99, and spend $200 bucks on parts for the predator and be in pretty good shape. Check out NRRacing.com for some parts for that predator. You’ll probably have to cut down the length of the tiller arm. With a boat that small, it’s probably going to be too long. I used a 6.5 that was built for one of my race karts, but it pushes the 14x32 alumacraft 30-32 with just me, at 7,200 RPMs. 2 man hunt load it only runs about 18 or so.

I understand not wanting to spend thousands of dollars for a motor on a boat that’s hardly worth it. I bought this kit when I first got into duck hunting and wanted to access shallow areas. If you buy one, join their web form on the swamp runner website. Stick to the Swamp Runner brand at MudMotorKit.com. The web forum is a pretty good group, and the owner is super helpful. He knows his product very well.

Since then I’ve bought a Backwater longtail and a GatorTail. If moneys not an option, go for the Copperhead. If you think you’ll move on from the boat soon or are on a budget – try the Swamp Runner. The boat won’t be hard to sell either way if you decide to upgrade.

Thanks to all of you for responding so quickly. Yes, I had a big rig which I hunted out of with popup blind etc. got stuck a few times,killed some ducks,had fun. But now that I am older(72)I can no longer wrestle with a heavy rig so I decided to as light as possible but be safe as well. Its usually just me and my 100lb chessie and I no longer try to go where I shouldn't. I hunt on a private marsh and the only deep water is an air boat canal(6-8ft). I don't need to run far to get to spots where I can get out of the boat and walk short distances to spots where the ducks are. MY brother-law told me for years to "GET OUT OF THE BOAT IF YOU WANT TO KILL MORE DUCKS"He was right. If anyone has more input I would like to hear it. All the input so far has been very helpful.

If you’re 72, I would get away from the small SPS kits. I’d look for something with an electric start option. Not that I’m calling you old…I just know I would want the luxury of electric start when I get to be that age. Also, nice to see you embracing technology and this website. Knowing a little more, I would consider looking more closely at the surface drive options if they are in your budget. The long tails can wear a fellow out.

I agree with you reharbert about the electric start but I am not wanting to spend any more than I have too and want to get lightest motor and out drive I can find and still get the job done. I am not that concerned about speed although I would like to go faster than I can run. No matter what I wind up with it will probably out last me anyway.