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axpilot
MMT Member
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm Posts: 5
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newb questions
I am looking to get my first mud boat. I know ideally it would be a true flat bottom...but there are several 14-16'x 48" aluminum "john" boats with ribbed bottoms. If i coat it with gatorglide just how bad will it be? most of the time i will be in 10" of water or more...unless i'm just out playing. also, how much motor would you use to push that size boat?
I know these are stupid questions...but i'm trying to get this going on a limited budget to see if i really even use it that much before i invest in a surface drive or something like that.
thanks
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Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:16 pm |
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Bigbend
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:25 am Posts: 493 Location: SWGA
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Re: newb questions
Are stumps present? That’s the main issue with ribbed boats. I’d estimate that 90% of the people on here started out in a regular ass jon boat and longtail. As long as you steer clear from stumps and rocks, the hooking will be minimal. Longtails aren’t affected by hooks the same way that SDs are since the prop is under the surface. I’d be looking in the 23-27hp range for 14-16x48 boat. Have fun with it.
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Mon Sep 24, 2018 8:07 am |
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axpilot
MMT Member
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm Posts: 5
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Re: newb questions
not really any stumps to speak of...mostly just marsh and a few rivers. I have pretty much decided on a 16x48 boat. Probably building a longtail kit with the 13hp predator. I know this will be no speed demon, but do you think it will be enough motor to push the boat? I can always upgrade the motor later, would rather not have to get another boat too. Also, what brand kit would you recommend?
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 11:53 am |
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JBsuperG
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 2:51 pm Posts: 263 Location: Michigan
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Re: newb questions
A friend of mine that I hunt with has a 1448 with a long tail kit using a 23 horse predator. It does a pretty good job even in muck nearly to the surface. But it does struggle to get out of that stuff with me him and a dog in there. I feel like a 13 horse on a 1648 might be a little lite if you have much mud.
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:40 pm |
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axpilot
MMT Member
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm Posts: 5
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Re: newb questions
the more i read, im am now thinking 1448 may be better....heck i don't know
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:56 pm |
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Bigbend
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:25 am Posts: 493 Location: SWGA
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Re: newb questions
If your going the Thai route, might as well go with the 22hp predator engine from harbor freight.
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 1:42 pm |
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Glades Ranger
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:32 pm Posts: 1490 Location: south Florida
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Re: newb questions
Check out the Backwater kit line!
_________________ Sailing in the sawgrass /1648 grizzly and Swomp 26.5 EFI
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 4:51 pm |
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Wchauvin
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:10 pm Posts: 1872
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Re: newb questions
I have a 1440 with a 23 go devil LT. Does 20 with 2 people and a small hunt load. I wouldn't go smaller than a 23
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Tue Sep 25, 2018 5:53 pm |
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warrenwaterfowler
MMT Member
Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm Posts: 13 Location: Lapeer, MI
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Re: newb questions
Take it from someone who went the Thai kit route- don't you'll be kicking yourself trying to get that crap dialed on right(you never will) and it's a dog to steer/control. I put my 22hp predator on a BackWater SWOMP LITE and realized immediately on the first run how stupid getting the thai kit was.
I wouldn't go smaller than a v-twin for a 14/16-48 boat- regardless of what kit you go with
_________________ SWOMP Lite 23 Glider with 22hp Predator on 1542 Landau mod v
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Wed Sep 26, 2018 8:18 am |
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axpilot
MMT Member
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:18 pm Posts: 5
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Re: newb questions
Thanks for the help guys...can somebody point me in the direction for more info (other than their website) on the black water kit? Now I’m thinking 23hp predictor with 1442 or so! Just looked up the price...1900 may be a little steep for me....is there a used market for these motors? Any kits for surface drive if I’m looking at that much $
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Thu Sep 27, 2018 2:39 pm |
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warrenwaterfowler
MMT Member
Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm Posts: 13 Location: Lapeer, MI
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Re: newb questions
_________________ SWOMP Lite 23 Glider with 22hp Predator on 1542 Landau mod v
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Thu Sep 27, 2018 8:06 pm |
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Quack
MMT Member
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2014 7:22 pm Posts: 25
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Re: newb questions
I run a ribbed 1540 Jon boat with a 9hp GDLT. I get 12mph empty and 8 mpg fully loaded with 3 guys and gear. It’s not a fast set up but it will go anywhere. Also it was a very safe way to learn how to run a long tail.
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Sun Sep 30, 2018 8:06 am |
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