I have a 14x48 Tracker Grizzly and I'm looking to get a surface drive motor. I'm looking to get mid 20's if possible. I'm just getting into the mud motor stuff , so all opions are welcome.

The answer is (E) - none of the above

It'll do fine with an sd. It won't be great shallow, and it won't run as well as a real flat with ribs. Mid 20s with a 35 (but it will sit kinda low in the stern with all that weight on the back), low 20s with a 25, but it'll never run just great with a mudmotor. Might suit your purposes fine or even please you, but you might also never like it. Just really depends on your purpose, needs, and expectations. It'll float a 35, so there's that...

Edit: I said a real flat with ribs only to make the point of the semi v isn't ideal for a mm. A flat with ribs still won't run as well as a true flat bottom.

they are right... not the ideal boat but i've been there before. Sometimes you make due with what ya got and work your way to the top. 20 years in this sport and i can't count how many boats... Just finally getting the "perfect" rig myself.

So my personal recomendation if this is the canvas you must work with.... look into pods for the back. Adds some more flotation and surface area to work with. Stick with something light and upgrade the shit out of it. A copper head or a small block from the major companies is a good idea. NO WAY i would try and put a 35 on there (mini maybe not the regulars). I have a buddy that just bought a similar boat with a 23GTR that has the carb and exhaust done on it. It has TOO MANY extras in it like gun box's, wood floors, and all sorts of crap but the guy was getting low 20's solo!!!!! I'm thinking once he strips it of pointless weight he should hold 20's w/ a hunting load.

Think about a slick coat on the bottom too... will give you a little extra and help counter the shallow water limitations of that style hull.

hope it helps and hope you get the ride where you want it

Thanks for all the help.

Seen the OP's dilemma on several posts in the past. Boat is just not well suited for a surface drive.
Options people take:

1- Try to get a motor to fit the limitations of the boat, limiting yourself on HP and possibly having to modify the boat (i.e. pods which as posted above can cause problems)

2- Live with what you have until you can find a rig more suited to a surface drive. Sell the current rig (boat, motor, and trailer) and apply the proceeds to the new (or new to you) rig with a higher HP motor.

Things to consider with option 1:
- You start running shallow with that hull (thin AL V-bottom without longitudal stringers) and hook it all up which can kill performance and the resale value on it.
- You have the expense of modifying the boat (pods) which may kill its performance and affect resale.
- You purchase something less than ideal and possibly has lower resale (lower HP motor) and have to start over when you finally get to option 2.

So you may have less out of pocket initially up front, but end up with a lot of sunk costs which can't be recovered. General rule of thumb is to get the most HP you can afford- you will use it. Getting a 35HP may not be an ideal combo for the boat today, but when the time comes you can move that motor to a larger flat bottom shallow water hull in the future.

Just consider the longer term in your decision. I have seen several people end up in a cycle - buy a motor to force fit onto a boat, then finally replace the hull and compromise on the next hull to fit the motor they have. You can incrementally spend more money that can't be recovered, and finally end up at option 2.

If option 1 is all the budget will allow today, then you are where you. Just some things to consider.

I put a 35MB HD on a 1648 Grizzly tracker
My experiences

Took forever for boat to get on pad

Would not run anywhere near as shallow at mud hull

After 6 months the surface drive started ripping the transom off the boat.

*Save your money to buy a mud boat*