Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. They're called "Backwater Motors". We call them our
"no questions asked, get you anywhere and back, mud flingin, weed eatin, workhorses".
The power plant is only the beginning. Beavertail has partnered with the best names in the industry to bring you durable reliable power, with names like Vanguard, Kohler, and Honda. We've done the legwork to match each engine to the ideal application so you know you are getting the most optimized set-up available, no matter which motor you choose.
Beavertail Performance Series X Propellers
The Best Prop for the Best Mud Motor Out There!
Parts
We build our motors to last, but if you need extra, quality parts for any reason, you can buy them directly from us!
Some manufacturer needs to make bigger hp long tails like the old predator. I've been looking like crazy for one. I'd love to have a 70 hp longtail!!!!!!
Blueman, take a 5hr WOT ride with a 35hp longtail and see if you still think you need a 70 hp longtail. Those Harley engined long tails were brutal if you had to go very far at WOT.
WOT? Do you mean wide open throttle? I'm a young honyock so I can handle the abuse a longtail dishes out. I just want some more hp so I can get my boat 3 guys and a big load of gear up and moving! I wish there was more options available.
The PREDATOR is a 75hp V twin Harley. Hard to find but out there. I passed one up 3 or 4 years ago. Ran one some years ago. They are a handfull beyond imagination. Gonna stick with my 35 BT longtail. Its plenty.
We had one lined up for one of our motor swaps, told him what we were going to do with it and he said he wouldn't recommend it. Harley engine doesn't have cooling fan for low speed operation. It would burn its self up. Not enough air moving acoss cooling fins, this would happen with any air cooled motorcycle engine. He said he would recommend a water cooled Gold Wing engine for our applcation. They are very heavy. Never carried through with this motor swap idea.
Denny what would you recommend then for a large hp longtail? I've been looking into the new bud buddy super longtails, they look like they might be the way to go.
All we've herd about the new belt driven long tails is what MB has offered on their web site. They offer a 70hp Vanguard motor on their surface drive and I would bet you probably could get that same motor on their longtail as a special order. I'd give em a call and see what they say. If they aren't avalible I would look into building up a 35hp B&S Vanguard, to your HP requirments.
I would recommend you are at least 300 lbs if you are going to drive a 70hp longtail. That ALOT of power 7 feet behind you. Leverage is not your friend at that point. I have a buddy that has one of the old Predators. 88cc Harley engine on a long tail frame, and they actually quit building them cuz of liability lawsuits, and nobody would write an insurance policy.
IMO you are nuts if you want that much power in a longtail. Hell I owned a 35hp longtail for 2 years and went swimming 5 times. At some point safety is more important.
IMO you are nuts if you want that much power in a longtail. Hell I owned a 35hp longtail for 2 years and went swimming 5 times. At some point safety is more important.
Haha..how many times do you put your hand in a fire before you realize it's hot?! Pretty sure I wouldn't admit to that, but maybe it's just part of the prodrive sales pitch??
Have you seen the new MB surface drive with the 48" shaft, they are offering them wih the 70 HP Vanguard. My son and I both have 48" shafts on our motors and found them almost as good as a longtail in the slop. They are 2mph faster than our short shafts were, We think because added shaft length allows prop to get better bite on less aerated water further back of boat transome. Seem to plane out faster also.
Lots of small block mud motors out there! They are called air boats!
We do put together our own mod kits for the 35's and 36's. We call it the Economy Stage 1. Includes a head and intake job, and a high flow SS exhaust. Been perfecting our own head configuration for about 3 years now. Every time I think we got it perfect then we tweek something here or there. Just today I talk with my machinist and we added some spring tension.
Some guys get wicked crazy with mods, but its a delicate balance btwn performance and reliability.
Its a great lineup for beavertail. Its just too bad we only have one dealership in the whole state, and they don't have a clue when it comes to the older models.
Snots, I think you and Craig should start a dealership for these!
For two seasons now we have had an issue with the "key" that is the pressure point between the shaft and the U-joint on the Beavertail slipping out. Not just wiggling, but completely falling out. One time we were In the way northwest corner of Sweets and had to walk the boat all the way back to the boat ramp.
Now besides welding it (would like to avoid that, doesn't seem like that should have to be welded to work) what is a viable option/way you guys have this key stay in?
Now besides welding it (would like to avoid that, doesn't seem like that should have to be welded to work) what is a viable option/way you guys have this key stay in?
maybe stick a zip tie on it if you could? i dont know how much room your working with were the key is, otherwise i'm sure you could find a collar that you could stick on the shaft to keep the key from moving.
I had a bent shaft play havoc with the upper bearings.... it's nice to know how they come apart, and go back together, but while I was at it, it got uppers/ lowers and a shaft all at the same time. I like knowing, not repeating.
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