DuckSouth.com

I have a 1652 Allumicraft with an Offshore Mercury 60 Tiller handle on my boat. Over the last couple of years, I have had problems in shallow water and am now considering a Prodrive style motor.

Do you guys have any recommendations as far as the kind of motor, local dealers, Price, Etc


Any info would be appreciated...

Test drive them all before you buy, and remember speed will not be anywhere close to your outboard. They are great motors and I have run darn near all the major brands and I personally will never go back to an outboard again, but depending on your hull conditions ect... you may be waisting your time as with out a true mud hull you want get optimum performance. I guess what I am trying to say is this, dont waste your $$$$$ just b/c you think it will get you back there, as it might be in your best intrest to upgrade you hull as well.

One more thing, if you decide on Pro Drive then go ahead and get FPR. I have never had FPR as I run mostly Go Devils and I dont need FPR that often but its well worth it when you do need it. Be prepared to get stuck doing stupid things as well, because if you never stick one then you should have kept an outboard as you really have no use for a mm

An all optioned 36 PD here runs about $6220 (motor 5095, reverse 475, trim 475) + tax. Granted this is directly from prodrive, so if you buy it from someone locally there, they will add their markup to make money.

PD is the only one with a full power reverse. Gator Tail has reverse, but it's basically like an outboard, prop just spins in the reverse direction. Good thing about the PD reverse is it tends to lift the back of the boat which is a major plus when your stuck. PD is the only one that is direct drive too. Everyone else is side shaft motors with belts. Spend the money and get electric trim. The older style friction screw takes alot of getting used to and is slower when your actually trying to work the motor.



Not sure if anyone has seen these or not, http://www.boghogmudmotors.com is a company that sells a kit to build your own. They don't have reverse, but they have electric trim. $2250 + shipping for the kit and you supply what motor you want.

My order would be:

1. Gator Tail

2. Pro Drive

Do a search on this subject, it has been covered a bunch here. If you have questions after you make the search, PM me.

You will also get varying opinions on this subject, much like I like GMC pick ups and many hate them but love a Ford. Same deal, probably all are good enough, but I have my preferences.

if you are looking for a gator tail, a mudbuddy or a beavertail i can help you. I dont sell prodrives though. And mudhog most dealers sell them for less than the factory not marked up.

Thanks Lip.

It's always nice to expect higher and get lower.

I've driven the mudbuddy and a godevil 35. MB is alot easier to drive the godevil works you more but is no nonsense and gets on it.

I would test drive for sure. Jimaire (www.deltaspecial.com)took me out on a test run and I was sold on the PD.

There's lots of money involved, be sure you really NEED this type of equipment.

I got one of the first PD's from the factory when they came out. It is still going strong. I haven't bought the FPR kit yet but have been thinking about it. I agree that if you buy one, definitely get it.
The only advantage that some of the others may have on PD is speed.

I have a 36PD and have been very happy main reason i went with PD was it was the most outboard like of the mud motors can sit down and drive it and it turns on a dime

I have a PD36 FPR on a 1854 Phowler. i think i had the first 36 besides a couple of demos here in Mississippi and mine is still running strong...... Ditto what Duckkiller said. A mudmotor of this type performs 100% better on a mudmotor type hull. Modified V hulls are fine for light loads and 1-2 hunters max. But more weight you add, it kills the performance. I know because i had one and sold it.(1652 Mod V F & F)..I run my PD from the Mississippi River to Oxbows in the Delta. This motor on this setup is minimun for the Big River and maximun for small Delta bayous.... I would buy the Prodrive again mainly because of the reverse and Mod potential when I need it down the road....Bottomline is match your mudmotor up to a mudmotor friendly hull( flat bottom with proper bow rake)...You might want to buy a used 32 and get the mods............go to mudmotorforum.com...........They are the experts over there and can tell you everything.......good luck...........I love these big lawnmotors!!!!!!

Call the SDB guys in the advertisement banner at the top of the page.
They sell Prodrives and can get you a great price on one.

Thanks for all the advise.

Stupid Question


What is the difference between the Pro drive boat hull and a semi flat bottom like I have?