Outboard vs surface drive

[MasonCo.]

Hey boat owners,

I have had both Outboard's and one surface drive, but it was a " off brand " POS, but got the job done.
I have been doing a lot of research on boats and Outboard's vs the new surface drives like the gatertail and pro drives.

80 % of my running is in the bayous and back lakes but I do go out to the jetties and hit the open bay and deal with chop.

What's your experience on pros and cons about these motors.

I will be powering a aluminum boat, obviously.
18-19 foot and prolly 56-60 inches wide.
Carry 2-3 most of the time.
Thanks.
Post up your pics !

Here's my rig for the flood !!!



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[krisw]

My brother has a gator tail that he loves. His boat is a little bigger than that one I believe. It's pretty solid. On the loud side, probably runs around 30mph tops. Goes through and over most anything though.

[Hawkpuppy 1]

Ran a go-devil surface drive for a long time. I run a 25 Merc now, but will be going back to a surface drive. And, it'll be a Go-devil when I do.

[Slew]

Bought my first ProDrive in 2003. Replaced it in 2005 with another one and still running that one. It's built like a tank but all i use it for anymore is sinking brushpiles. Fishing buddy has a tricked out WC boat with a modded Gator Tail. The instant reverse on that thing is pretty slick for all I use it for. That's what I would be getting if I was buying one today. Look for a used one. Plenty of deals on mud rigs over what new costs are!

In the end they're all recycled beer cans with lawn mower engines on the back. Folks paying $28-$30k for one of these things have lost their mind!!!

[canny]

I've had both and I would rather have an outboard or jet drive with a jack plate and sponsons for getting skinny. I don't think you get the true benefits of a surface drive unless its on a slick bottom hull and then you lose some maneuvering ability. If your wanting to get out to jetties the outboard and jack plate will allow you to get the prop lower in the water for better running if it gets choppy.

[b.latiolais]

This is my boat. I live on the bayou and mostly fish it and the marsh.
It's not the fastest boat ever and I sometimes wish I had an outboard to switch back and forth with my surface drive. Loud and slow is correct but its like having a 4x4, its there when you need it.

[krisw]

Looks a lot like my brothers set up. I'd like to have one, but they aren't cheap and I am.

[MasonCo.]

Thanks


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[MasonCo.]

I think I am leaning towards a 1860 with a 90 outboard


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[canny]

I think I am leaning towards a 1860 with a 90 outboard


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Good set up, set up properly that could get skinny if needed!

[cashcropper]

It just depends on your needs. I have run a Pro Drive for years. If most of your use is in a soft bottom marsh then a surface drive is great. If your backwater is hard bottom then you would be better off with an outboard. Most surface drives take around 10 inches of soft bottom which can be water, soft mud or a combination of the two. In this situation you would be better off with an outboard and hydraulic jack plate. If you choose a surface drive you need to wash it down and spray some corrosion x or something similar after salty or really brackish conditions. All that said if most of your running around is water a foot or more deep then you would do better with an outboard for your overall needs.

[J Wales]

For where I run, the determining factor is stumps and logs. I have run a ProDrive for 8 years now, and although I sometimes wish I had the speed and ease of use of an outboard, I cannot imagine going back to the constant worry about stumps. With the PD, it's a bit of a jolt when I hit one, but I don't have to worry about losing a lower unit.

[MasonCo.]

Thanks for input.


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