Long Tail Vs. Surface Drive Outboards

Whether you love duck hunting, fishing, crawfishing or any other bayou activity, you'll need a boat that can get you to the most bountiful waters. Two of the best motor options for this are known as long-tail motors and surface-drive motors, both of which have evolved into unique, powerful machines. Here at L & M Marine, we want to make sure you're getting the best experience possible. We have a broad selection of outboards, boats, and boating equipment. Stop by our dealership and showroom to see for yourself which set up will work best for you. Our team proudly serves the Stapleton, Theodore, and Mobile, Alabama areas, as well as Pensacola, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mud Motors

Some of the best hunting and fishing is done in shallow waters, which is not necessarily compatible with easy boating. Your typical outboard motor could get bound up in weeds, stuck in the mud, or caught up on a submerged stump, and when that happens, you'll be on your own for getting your boat back out. Mud motors are the perfect solution to these problems. They're extremely powerful so you'll always have enough torque to push through that mud or cut through those weeds. They're also very durable and made from quality parts to ensure along life. There are two types to choose from: surface-drive motors and long-tail motors. This brief guide will show you the advantages, disadvantages, and proper use of both.

Long-Tail Motors

Long-tail motors are easily spotted by their unique and unmistakable shape. They can have a driveshaft up to 72" long, which puts the propeller several feet away from the actual boat itself. These motors are great in the shallowest water and mud. They'll hop right over submerged stumps, and rarely get bound up in weeds. Some refer to these motors as the "four-wheel drive of boating." The long propeller features a balanced fulcrum, which makes it easier to move the prop or lift it out of the water. If you do get stuck, the long bar of the driveshaft can essentially be used as a pry bar to help pull you out of the mud. In the roughest conditions, these motors always perform admirably, and they can be had for cheap prices on the second-hand market. It's worth noting, however, that this type of motor is relatively slow on open water.

Surface-Drive Motors

Surface-drive motors are another form of mud motor preferred by those who have longer trips in slightly deeper water. Like long-tail motors, surface-drive motors perform very well against mud, weeds, and stumps. Surface-drive motors have a much shorter driveshaft than long-tail motors. There are advantages and disadvantages to this design. In slightly deeper water, surface-drive motors develop more power and speed, making their top speed as much as 10-15 mph higher than a long-tail motor. The shorter driveshaft doesn't offer quite as much reach during the most rugged conditions. Some say that surface-drive motors are more likely to get stuck in the mud, and because of their design, they offer less leverage for getting out of those situations.

The Right Motor For Your Boat

Choosing between these two motor designs will depend on the type of applications you use your boat for and the specific areas you boat in. If you tend to take shorter trips in shallow, stump-filled waters, the long-tail is probably your best bet. Cypress swamps and muddy bayous are often best navigated with a long-tail thanks to its low-speed superiority. Longer trips across rivers and lakes might be better suited for surface drive motors. Even if you find there are lots of weeds in your area, surface drive boats often have sufficient power to cut right through them.

When it comes time to choose a new engine for your boat, stop by L & M Marine. Our team of experienced boating professionals will listen to your needs and help you find the engine that will keep you moving, fishing, and hunting. If you live in Stapleton, Theodore, and Mobile, Alabama areas, Pensacola, Florida, or Biloxi, Mississippi, we're your best bet for finding the right motor today.