schellinger boats...with a mudmotor

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Robby Stubley

New member
Does anyone operate or have experience running a schellinger (high in particular) boat with a small surface drive mudmotor? I'm fully aware that these boats are not designed to be used with mud motors, but neither is my current boat--I'm not necessarily in the market right now, but I love the layout and blind design, and wouldn't mind tracking one down in the future if it would fit my needs. I rarely run true "mud," or even water less than 4", but where I hunt a mudmotor is a necessity due to vegetation.
 
Not sure you would be able to turn. The cockpit comes up tight in the rear, and most mod motors have fairly long tillers. Roy boats run best with light 2 stroke outboards . I doubt a MM would do well , especially a small one
 
I never under stand why someone would buy a boat that's not made for that application and try to force it. It's a waste of money to slap a mud motor on a boat that is not flat bottomed. Buy the right boat and build a blind on it if you want to use a Surface drive you will be much happier.
 
I never under stand why someone would buy a boat that's not made for that application and try to force it. It's a waste of money to slap a mud motor on a boat that is not flat bottomed. Buy the right boat and build a blind on it if you want to use a Surface drive you will be much happier.

Ironocally, I never understand why some feel the need to add unsolicited commentary...particularly on a subject that, based on their response, they lack any first-hand knowledge. Mudmotors are designed for flatbottom boats, no doubt...but I'm not using mine in mud. I hunt a series of lakes with horsepower restrictions and heavy vegetation. A light fiberglass skiff with a 10-13hp surface drive is not only useable, it's ideal. If you've run a similar setup, in a similar environment, fire away with the criticism. Otherwise, let those who are familiar comment with their own experiences. I don't have any experience with this particular boat, but I have plenty of experience with mudmotors and boats "unfit" for running them.
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Not sure you would be able to turn. The cockpit comes up tight in the rear, and most mod motors have fairly long tillers. Roy boats run best with light 2 stroke outboards . I doubt a MM would do well , especially a small one
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If the tiller is too low and hits the cockpit you may be able to raise the motor ( like the 'box' Go-Devil makes for TDBS or get a replacement tiller handle 'bent' to clear the cockpit.
 
Otherwise, let those who are familiar comment with their own experiences. I don't have any experience with this particular boat,...
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Dave has lots of experience with these boats, so if you don't want it, what was your question?
 
The length and height are both adjustable on my copperhead...I doubt it would have any problems getting over the cockpit, but that would definitely be something to measure and consider. I understand that these boats were designed to hunt tidal marshes with outboards...I get it. What some fail to realize, likely due to not needing a mudmotor, and thus being unfamiliar with them, is that mudmotors have come a long way in design and performance. They're also a necessity in areas with thick vegetation. I would love to run an outboard, but thousands of acres of lily pads, dollar bonnets, hydrilla, and other vegetation demand the alternative.
 
And I appreciate anything he knows about the boat and is willing to share. If he's run, or knows of someone that's run one of these motors on that hull, and it was a complete flop, that's one thing...if he has no experience with the particular application of a mudmotor on that hull, but was just making a blanket statement, that's another. I have no issues with being told "you're wrong, that's dumb," as long as there's more than speculation to support it.
 
The length and height are both adjustable on my copperhead...I doubt it would have any problems getting over the cockpit, but that would definitely be something to measure and consider. I understand that these boats were designed to hunt tidal marshes with outboards...I get it. What some fail to realize, likely due to not needing a mudmotor, and thus being unfamiliar with them, is that mudmotors have come a long way in design and performance. They're also a necessity in areas with thick vegetation. I would love to run an outboard, but thousands of acres of lily pads, dollar bonnets, hydrilla, and other vegetation demand the alternative.
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We have a lot of that up here too. The Roy boats don't do well in it even with mud motors. They have a deep v stepped hull like a bass boat. In that stuff here guys run airboats. But what the heck, buy one and try it. The resale market is always strong
 
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Robby, I have a 16' modvee hull with a conventional outboard. I have been thinking about a surface drive for weedy conditions that you describe,not mud. What minimum horse power would you recommend for this application?
Thanks,Bill.
 
Robby, I have a 16' modvee hull with a conventional outboard. I have been thinking about a surface drive for weedy conditions that you describe,not mud. What minimum horse power would you recommend for this application?
Thanks,Bill.
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If I could jump in here, when the question of hull contour and surface drives has come up on mudmotortalk.com the experience has been that surface drives work best with flat bottom hulls. A v bottom puts turbulent water where the prop sits. You can try a long tail to place the prop in 'clean' water but that opens up other questions. If you don't need planing speed then a 6.5 to 12 hp Longtail can move you OK thru weeds.
 
How much does it weigh? My experience with putting them on anything that's a traditional mud boat is limited to lightweight fiberglass skiffs. That being said, I've seen them work on mod-vs in certain applications.
 
Tod, you're absolutely right...I didn't even realize I had failed to do so until you just mentioned it-trying to do too many things at once this morning.

Jode and Dave-thank you both for your insight...I appreciate it!
 
Thanks Kim and Robby i'll check the hull more closely to the stern to see how flat it is. Don't need a lot of speed,won't have to run far just want to power through mostly hydrilla and water lilies .
 
Skiffs are generally flat bottomed hulls. This boat was designed from a Skeeter bass boat. Its a stepped v hull design with four lifting strakes, two on each side of the keel. The performance of the hull with a surface drive would be far from optimal.
 
Thanks, Dave. It was worth the inquiry. Lots of things to love about the high boat, particularly the simple layout and blind panels. The "skiffs" I'm familiar with aren't flat-bottomed, but they appear to have less deadrise. Every time I complete a fiberglass project, I swear it will be my last--but I may have to find a project hull and cap it.
 
Oh, we can't have a Roy boat discussion here without someone getting pissed off, pissed on, or at least a friendly pissing contest...
 
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