TDB Classic 14 Mudmotor

M

Mick Ling

New member
Have any of you tried a mudmotor (long tail or surface drive) on a TDB (The Duck Boat Company) classic 14. This boat has a unique transome design and I don't think just any manufacturer will work. I need a 9.9HP or less.

Thank you.
 
I have not, but I don't think a 9.9 longtail would push that thing well at all. I'm sure you're not worried about speed and just want the ability to pass though muddy areas but that motor won't move that boat. Just my opinion.
 
Correct, speed is not my concern. I hunt a WMA with a 10hp limit. It is 7,000 acres of tall weeds, a few rocks, lots of muddy bays, and tons of submergent vegetation. Hardly any "open water" motoring. The boat has a 15hp rating and i currently run a 1960 10hp Johnson, which works fine except for all of the above mentioned obstacles. Thank you for the reply.
 
Also, I checked with TDB manufacturer and they did not have any experience with long tail recommendations. I am hoping to find someone with at least "a" experience putting a long tail on this boat and which manufacturer they used. Thanks again
 
I ran a longtail on a jon boat. A 21HP on a 14' 70 Landau with pods. I can tell you that unless the hull is made for a mud motor the performance is terrible. I think you will be hard pressed to find anyone who has hung one on a TDB and if they have I'm sure the feed back will not be what you are hoping for. I know it's probably not what you were hoping for or wanted to hear.
 
I have read of some users with a 9hp Go Devil but no speed info. I may put my 6.5 hp Go Devil on my TDB 14 later this season. No speed demon but the 6.5 was fast enough on my Gheenoe for where I hunt.
 
A smaller surface drive would work however a longtail requires the ability to push down on the handle to raise the prop for launching. This would be problematic with the geometry of the stern.
 
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Running a long tail on a AA Wigeon that is lower in profile and less encumbered, I offer some advise. Don't do it. With the higher raised cockpit you will have the considerable problems navigating the engine. Also, these engines do not run through mud like most think and even weeds can foul up the shaft and burn out the bushing. Stay with an outboard. Longtails are nice but not on this style boat.
 
Should not be a problem since the tiller on a GDLT is raised above the transom. However the proof of the pudding is in the eating so I will try putting my 6.5 on my TDB and report back.
 
Should not be a problem since the tiller on a GDLT is raised above the transom. However the proof of the pudding is in the eating so I will try putting my 6.5 on my TDB and report back.
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We just went through this with a customer whom we built a 14 classic for. He wanted to put a 13hp beavertail on his boat and after contacting Beavertail and getting the measurements etc it will not work.

The motors are forward of the mount clamp of the motor and therefore sticks out to far forward and will just barely miss the deck. It will not lift as you will hit the deck of the boat for sure. Maybe a different brand motor might work but you still wont be able to swivel them around for transport etc.

There is 14" +- from the motor board to the deck of the boat in a direct horizontal plane. So get specifics and make sure first but if you want to leave the motor on not going to work as no way for transporting the boat with the motor on the boat.

Also as others has said the 14 classic is a unique hull and I highly doubt a 9.9 would move it very well when loaded with gear. a 15hp outboard has a hard enough time doing so.
 
After reading where you are hunting and what you are dealing with, if you really wish to run a long-tail, you need to invest in a 14-16' flat bottom jon boat, and a wide one at that. I would go with the lightest 16x48 you can find.
You will not go very fast, hull speed at best because it will not plane off, but it will go through any water & weeds just deep enough to float the boat.
Also, a 9.9hp longtail will be fine in weeds, but if you intend to push the hull through mud, you will be disappointed, just not enough torque. Make sure to bring push poles.
 
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