Mud Motor Review 2021 || Swamp Runner vs Mud Skipper vs Beaver Dam

Mud Motor Review 2021 || Swamp Runner vs Mud Skipper vs Beaver Dam
In this video we are taking an in-depth look at the three major mud motor kits that you can buy in the US. This longtial mud motor review will cover kits from Swamp Runner SPS, Mud Skipper CKS, and Beaver Dam Mud Runners CLP. Each kit will be tested side by side for comparison to see which is the best that longtail mud motor kit. We will be looking at the construction, materials, cost, and function of each of these longtail mud motor kits. Follow along and see which one is the best mud motor kit for you and your needs. This it the most up to date review for 2021 and shows all the newest kits each of these companies have to offer.
Big thanks to my camera helper Josh! Go check out his wood working channel:
/ @patriotshieldmillwork...
Watch the entire Project Bottomland Bateau Series:
www.youtube.co...
Check out great deals and discounts from our channel sponsors:
10% off promo code for Freedom Lube, The most American oil you can buy!
Visit www.freddomlineproducts.com
Use promo code: ATF10
Link to One Hit Wonder Paint:
www.ohwpaint.c...
Get 5$ off your OHW order use code: ATFHYDRO
Camera gear we use:
Camera Lenses: amzn.to/36rcdE4​
Camera Mount: amzn.to/2GqMroQ​
Flex Mount: amzn.to/2tIDLHY​
Flex Tripod: amzn.to/2ux7CTB​
Tall Tripod: amzn.to/36xUgUF​
Lav Mic: amzn.to/2t27awm​
Products used in the boat repair video series:
Kreg Rip-Cut saw attachment: amzn.to/35PHhxq​
Jigsaw blades: amzn.to/2DCjLb4​
Straight cut router bit: amzn.to/2ODUMut​
Wood glue: amzn.to/2R7DxTN​
Wood clamps: amzn.to/2Y6aW2C​
Fiberglass resin: amzn.to/2qbD5Jl​
Chip brush: amzn.to/380rbTN​
10X20 Canopy Cover: amzn.to/2Gzyqsq​
Standard Rivet Gun: amzn.to/32afGFW​
Large Rivet Gun: amzn.to/33rFeyj​
¼ Inch Sealed Rivets: amzn.to/2MBQTEb​
3m 5200 Sealant: amzn.to/2McyOgP​
JB Marine Weld: amzn.to/2B91iC0​
Brazing rods: amzn.to/2nGoa8A​
Brazing Flux: amzn.to/2OGsgZz​
3/16 Inch Sealed Rivets: amzn.to/2zEFoJE​
Rivets: amzn.to/2PJwccl​
Welder: amzn.to/2C7OLiv​
Welding helmet: amzn.to/2WLNY0k​
Welding gloves: amzn.to/2PIMRgo​
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/2qglTC0​
Flap Disc: amzn.to/2qmaMY4​
Float Pods: www.explorebea...
22 Inch Light Bar: amzn.to/37zNboI​
11 Inch Light Bar: amzn.to/2N2wiJS​
LED Navigation Lights: amzn.to/30HJv2J​
3/16 Inch Sealed Rivets: amzn.to/2zEFoJE

[@brockreed1984]

Man this is the best side by side comparison video I’ve seen. Very detailed and non biased, honest review. Two thumbs up.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you Brock, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@rangerdanger126]

Nice video. For my Jon boat I went with the larger Beaver Dam kit and the HF 15.8 HP motor. Took a little time getting it dialed in, but I'm very happy with it. The Beaver Dam owner, Mr. Robert Milner is First Rate! We were in constant contact via chat and calls, as I dialed in my set-up. Since I'm tall, and the distance to my transom and the first bench seat is a little far, I ended up having them make me a longer handle. Now I'm very comfortable as it runs through the water. I'm looking for to Ducks and Deer this season. Did do a little fishing out of my rig also and discovered I needed a long paddle in the boat to help me get away from the shore, the docks, and structure at certain times. Rangers... Lead the Way!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Rangers lead the way! Awesome that you got your motor dialed in my man!

[@Chalz108]

When you say "point three nine" instead of "point thirty nine" that makes my soul happy

[@SendItJonBoats]

LOL, I am so glad that my counting skills had enough satisfaction to tickle your insides! LMAO. Love it!

[@Kana0211]

As someone who doesnt even need a mud motor and only use outboards, i like the beaver dam. And i enjoyed watching this video too.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I wish I knew more about outboard to test them, but where I like to fish, and outboard wouldnt make it

[@W1mp1am]

As someone who lives in the great plains and has zero use for a boat, let alone one with a mud motor, I like the beaver dam. For the price, it really seems like the best value and build quality. Excellent review.

[@borum5551]

I agree with the decision, the Beaver Dam just seemed to be made better. Even before your "opinion"!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Good point Bryan. I ran a Beaver Dam years ago and I like the upgrades they have made to the kit. It is most definitely super strong and beefy! Cant wait to get out on the water and play some more with the BDMR kit.

[@Quackerstacker1973]

I have the swamp runner it's a older one I bought second hand I have run it for 4 year's now but I think it's time for a new one the beaver tail is the one I think I will go with this side by side comparison is extremely helpful it was good to see the difference in construction the transom mount is what sold me thank you.

[@cartermackenzie1135]

I was literally going through your channel, I just discovered it and I was like “I wonder if he’s reviewed any specific mud motor kits” and here you are reviewing all of them at once lol

[@SendItJonBoats]

LOL... yeah I reviewed them, got some more reviews coming soon.

[@americanguy1317]

Great review, as a tool maker I appreciate all the numerical specs. I could easily build one in the shop, and just buy the throttle cable. pretty straight forward.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Tool maker.... hmmmm I may need your expertise for a future build! Email me if you are interested in helping out with a project I will be building soon. [e-mail]

[@EA.Outdoor.Adventures]

Very good job, very detailed, you helped me make my decision, I'm going to go with a predator 22hp beaver dam kit.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Awesome Eric. You will love it. I have been very pleased with my 22hp Beaver Dam Kit.

[@MrT13]

At first skipper but it was kind of crap. Broke the coupler pretty quick. Tried the swamp runner and haven’t looked back. Bent rods on 22hp and ran it for 2 years till it broke the gimbal bracket. Still made it home and didn’t even realize it till next day. (Alcohol mite be responsible) 50$ was great cheap replacement. So tried a built motor and bent expensive rods… still run swamp runner. Stock quiet 22 100” bullet prop and super reliable. Breaks props sometimes. But best parts and prop selection. Through bolted the transom bracket and like I said haven’t looked back. Whole lot of dead ducks. Bass fillets. And stabbed fish. Really has held together and hasn’t left me stranded in 5 years.

[@UWPcustombaits]

I bought the SwampRunner Kit just a few more things to ad, on my 301 Pred I had to cut the motor shaft down for the kit to fit aswell as the keyway like you mentioned, also allot of the extra parts on SwampRunners website you have to register your kit to even buy the parts like they are some special longtail club or something.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thats a good point bud, didn't even think to talk about that in the video. I think it is crazy how you have to be a member of their site in order to get parts, you would think they would want to sell parts to anyone with money!?! but what do I know, it's not like I run my own business or anything lol.

[@johnnybarbar7435]

@@SendItJonBoats IIRC, early on they had people getting factory parts, cloning them overseas and trying to make false claims. Happens a lot in a lot of product lines. This is just their attempt to protect their R&D and products.

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@johnnybarbar7435 That's a good point, did not even think about that. Cloning is a huge issue in a lot of markets.

[@ericmuhlbeier8023]

I also have a swap runner small kit and a 212 hopped up a lil... its on a 1430 flat bottom. I get about 15 downriver downwind with a 6.5 hurricane prop tached @4675 with stock internals! She doesn't like doing it very long.. im also registered, and it makes sense to me that they keep the parts to the owners of their kits. Also imo the skag on the bottom of the shaft is much beefier on the swamp runner kits.. but the adaptation of powerplant capability and brass bushing is a tough to beat feature! I've got some serious considerations to make when I upgrade so I can keep up with my buddies in our long tail crew

[@nickwilliamsoutdoors]

@@SendItJonBoats I bought my swamprunner before Beaver Dam started making a kit that fit everything from 8-23hp. I had concerns about the cast aluminum coupler and galvanic corrosion with the brass bushing in a steel shaft running in saltwater. In hindsight I wonder if those issues are more in my head than out in the real world. Sure the swamprunner coupler is steel but it's bolted to a cast aluminum engine. And after replacing 2 bushings in 200 hours I'm wondering if brass wouldn't be nice. But I can confirm that registering to get parts is a royal PITA and is enough to make me not recommend a swamprunner. Beaver Dam did a smart thing making one kit fit the 13 and 23 motor because I can tell you I have a strong desire to slap a 23 on my weldcraft 1436. If I was buying an import kit again I'd go Beaver Dam. Anywho, nice channel!

[@tannermorton986]

The swamp runner offers the 100 inch saltwater shaft that allows a 18-20hp motor to be used on the 13-18hp kit. So you can opt for a more versatial kit for the same price as a 18-23hp option. You can take it in the saltwater without fear

[@wadeballinger6877]

That’s the best and most beautiful presentation I’ve ever seen for a product !!!!!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@randyb3135]

Finally the video I've been waiting for! Appreciate the unbiased opinion👍

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you Randy B. Sorry it took so long, it was a lot of video to edit and I wanted to make sure I covered all the details. It's amazing how tough it is to film an entire video and not insert your opinion at all until the very end! Glad I took the time to do it so everyone has something solid to go off when deciding which motor to buy.

[@randyb3135]

@@SendItJonBoats man I'm sure it was tough! Looks like I'll be ordering the beaver dam kit after having the 420 motor sitting in the garage for probably over a year so clearly I wasn't in a big hurry anyways! I've got a couple jons I can test it on but I don't have one exactly like I'm wanting. Probably going to end up buying a 1436 when I can find a deal on one. Thanks again for the videos and keep up the good work!

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@randyb3135 HA HA! Yeah man get that 420 roaring with a kit! So much fun. I bet with a few mods you could run over 20 mph easy.

[@danielburdette6648]

Thanks for your review! I came to the same conclusion you did. I thought the Beaver Dam was beefier and since it came with 3 props, and the installation not needing it's own special tool, that's the one I would probably go with as well. I did just get a Predator motor with the Mud Skipper installed, and I'm thinking someone found a 9" prop to put on it. I took it on trade and haven't had it out yet, but looking forward to it. I have it mounted to a 14' fiberglass old bass boat that's been gutted and pretty much plain Jane. So, will see soon how it pushes that boat.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Never ran one on a fiberglass boat. I'm curious how it will push it.

[@chevyon37s]

I’ve run a swamp runner mini with a 79cc predator engine for 3 years now and it’s a pretty decent kit. On my layout boat I’ve hit 13mph (empty with the 5.5” prop) but loaded going hunting 7-8mph is pretty standard with the 5” prop. Only bad thing about the kit is the engine on it, is a pain in the ass some times.

[@SendItJonBoats]

None of the kits were bad at all. Just showing the minor differences in the kits for those that ask me all the time.

[@noyopacific]

Excellent video ! I'd been leaning toward the Swamp Runner only because that's the one I'd had the most exposure too. It was nice to have such a well balanced, side-by-side evaluation of these three.

[@abrahamthompson7090]

I have have ran a swamp runner for about 10 years and so far it has continued to impress me . I have had to made a few mods though .

[@SendItJonBoats]

They all work fine. I didn't have any issues with any of them.

[@gregnuttall3637]

Thanks Man, You shed some good light on some stuff that I've been wandering about.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

great job sir! love the side by side comparisons for sure! i was a bit lost on the shorter key part, my 13 predator key fit the swamp runner medium without modification. also, i totally agree swamp runner dropped the ball on the kill switch. i ended up wiring a 4 wheeler kill switch that mounted perfectly on the handle but still, it shoulda come factory like that to me.... i upgraded to the saltwater extreme shaft with the bayou bushing so my kit came into about 745$ shipped if that helps anyone wondering and i did order the 8.5" stainless prop. i will carry the aluminum for my spares. i really like the way the beaver dam mounts to the motor, making sure the swamp runner long shaft was seated properly was my biggest issue on my installation. keep shooting, i'll keep watching!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Hey Chris. thanks for checking out the video. On the Swamp Runner I got, the stock sized key would not allow the adapter shaft to slide all the way on, I had to use a shorter one in order to get the adapter on all the way on so the screws would tighten down against the engine shaft. For as much Ra Ra team swamp runner stuff I have seen over the last few years on social media... it was not all that it was cracked up to be. Not a bad kit by any means, it works fine, just not up to the hype.

[@jeffconley6366]

The predator 420 has a switch on the engine. So why do you need a switch on the tiller.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

@@jeffconley6366 so i didn't have to turn around and take my eyes off where i was going to stop it. just faster and safer to me.

[@jeffconley6366]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne In that case, release the throttle and push the tiller down and prop comes out of water.

[@bestwish86]

If every unboxing kit was a funny as the 3 seconds you spent on yours id watch those.

[@SendItJonBoats]

LOL... I hate unboxing videos, they drive me insane!!! Im like dude no body wants to hear paper crackling for 30 minutes and another 10 minutes of, hmm, whats that, hmmm wow, oh look a bag of bolts, oh looky here there is the instructions..... ughhhhh! LOL

[@UltraMagaFan]

If I was gonna get me a long tail this small I’d personally get a Go Devil with a sixteen horsepower Vanguard. I know it’s not a diy kit and it’s more expensive but they are some of the best mud motors you can get. We have had our Go Devil with a 23 horsepower vanguard for 36 years and it has never given us any major problems and still runs great. Anyways nice review. I stayed here and watched even though I’m not interested in a diy kit.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I agree and would love to have a go devil or backwater.... I just like playing around with these kits because they are cheap and I want to run some different motor ideas.

[@UltraMagaFan]

@@SendItJonBoats Honestly they should sell their long tails and let you get your own engine for it. They only sell them with Vanguards and Hondas which are both very expensive engines. They are half of the price the long tail itself is fairly cheap. These things are also so simple to maintain and engine swap if you have to. We are thinking about getting a new Vanguard for ours. The old one runs fine but we just don’t want to take a chance of it quitting while we are duck hunting.

[@1958werewolf]

I watch a lot of reviews online and young man, you did one of the most complete comparisons that I’ve seen on anything. Great job. We have a 3 seat Saturn Kaboat. I really like the beaver. Have a great day!

[@SendItJonBoats]

I appreciate that! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@jeffjurkanis6709]

5 star excellent job ! The beaver Dam kit offering the larger motor option which on a lightly loaded boat will not give you more top end but loaded will run closer to your top speed like you were doing. I had a 40 Merc upgraded to a 65 then ran 21mph empty or with 2 additional people ! I built the smaller SPS kit years ago stock and alone in my 18ft Lowe Big John 6mph ! Bought and upgraded everything but the case -The flywheel and electric start option probably best option ! My $450.00 upgraded got me 9.6 mph turned the 6 into 9hp. OMB warehouse has the aluminum flywheel so if you disconnect the gov. no China made flywheel to com apart ! An out board motor is about a 3 to 1 gear drive,speed wise a 15hp outboard will still out run a 22hp longtail ! These days I have a full gear shift 35hp Gatortail with hydraulic steering works like power steering in your car ! Crazy but do a youtube search for worlds fastest mud motor luck that guy did not hit anything and get launched !

[@SendItJonBoats]

Cool thanks for the info.

[@jeffconley6366]

the 18ft Lowe Big John is a very wide boat. I believe it is not recommended to go wider than 48" with long tails.

[@elmerfox456]

I really appreciate your efforts to produce an honest comparison. I am hoping you will soon compare surface drives soon. Physical limitations due to injuries make surface drives my only option.

[@SendItJonBoats]

If I had surface drive money I would have already bought them and compared. Them things are expensive. Maybe one day I will get some of these companies to send me some.

[@davidleekalbjr.3035]

I'm sold on Beaver Dam. The "Twister" served me well. 9hp full kit with electric start, for $600. at the time.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I heard a lot of mixed stuff on the twister. I would love to try one out and see how it goes, but I do like my beaver dam kit as well.

[@stanleyl.5704]

Thanks for the reviews and stating all the facts before your opinion. Not many channels can do that. Keep it up.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you Stanley, I appreciate that. Just want to give a good review and keep it honest. Many more cool videos to come, and much faster speeds to achieve!

[@CMMC-zb1gw]

Love the content chief. Keep it up!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you CMMC, I appreciate that! Got a lot more cool stuff coming. It needs to hurry up and get warm so I can go FULL SEND on the river! I hear the fish calling my name!

[@DeeplyDrivenOutdoors]

This is one of the most informative videos I have ever seen. Well done. Subscribed.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@johnbelusko6347]

Bro very very helpful video. I started filling out all the purchace info on a mudskipper…..the same exact one u reviewed and this video helped sell me on it. Im not a filthy rich guy and the good quality at a reasonable price im in. Thanks for this review.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@enuff2bdangerous]

I own the sps kit and have put a couple hundred hours on it. Great kit and has held up to the abuse of numerous seasons of duck hunting and fishing. I highly recommend it. Stupid simple design that just works!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Nice, I never said the sps was a bad kit, they all worked just fine.

[@ryanovergaard330]

Well done. One I have not seen a comparison on is the backwater. A side by side comparison of that one and the beaver dam would be awesome.

[@SendItJonBoats]

The backwater is a whole nother ball game. the backwater is the strongest and beefiest of them all and I want one, just don't have the money for one.

[@sampaulin8418]

I have had a swamp runner for two years now and have absolutely beat the shit out of it with zero problems

[@SendItJonBoats]

I never said any of them were bad products and never said they wouldn't last a long time. I even made a point to say they were all good and they worked just fine.

[@bob2161]

Great video! Good production quality (camera, lighting, audio, editing, continuity). Your representation and presentation are spot on. You said what you were going to do but most importantly, you did what you said you were going to do. There was never any guessing about what was fact, and what was opinion. You have earned yourself a new subscriber. I have been researching these motor kits for over a year now (mostly KZbin videos). There are not many that do the "side by side" like you have here. The majority of them are biased one way or another. However, a lot of them are trying to appear objective. This leaves the viewer to sort out details that are often hidden "between the lines", if not outright omitted. As my project is getting closer to completion, I will need to make a decision about which motor kit to purchase soon. Your video has caused me to reevaluate my choices. I had just about settled on the Swamp Runner. After watching this though, I'm inclined to agree with your (clearly stated) opinion. I had no idea that the Beaver Dam would bolt up to two different classes of engines. For me, that is an important feature. Thank you for making such a great video. I will need to watch the rest of you videos. I'm especially interested in the upcoming transom floats video. I would, however, like to share one critique with you. There seems to be some confusion about what is a key and what is a keyway. I'm including (below) an excerpt from a technical blog that explains it better than I can. Keep up the great work! "Key, Keyway, and Keyseat A key is a piece of metal used to connect a rotating machine element to the shaft. A key prevents a relative rotation between the two parts, and may enable torque transmission to occur. For a key to function properly, both the shaft and rotating elements (gear, pulley and coupling) must have a keyway and a keyseat. Usually the term keyseat is referred as a groove or pocket on a shaft, and a keyway is a slot in a hub in which the key fits into. The complete system is called a keyed joint." Here is the link to the site this came from: www.lovejoy-inc.com/resources/technical-articles/why-power-transmission-shafts-have-both-keys-keyways/

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks Bob I really appreciate that. I worked really hard to keep my opinion out of it during the video because I wanted it to be a real down to earth honest review of the popular kits and get the truth out there. I got so tired of seeing and hearing that RA RA team whatever company, and I wanted to set the record straight. They all worked just fine, unlike many of the reviews I have seen where people bashed and talked trash about the products they didn't like or weren't getting paid by.

[@JeffCooper-bb5rs]

Thanks for the video! I like the Beaver Dam kit...

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks for watching!

[@riccoguilin4218]

I just purchased the mud skipper two piece using a 3hp predator for a roundabout boat, its definitely going to be interesting to see how it handles

[@SendItJonBoats]

I heard good stuff about the mud skipper small kits, haven't used one myself but any of those kits will work good

[@gznys3]

Great job on the review. Covered everything with just the right amount of detail. And thank you for not showing the unboxing!

[@SendItJonBoats]

LOL, I hate unboxing videos, they drive me insane! Glad the review was helpful.

[@rrmilner]

Great Video and Honest, accurate review. Can't beat the FACTS! This was way over due for the Thai longtails. Too much BS online. Thanks for setting the record straight.

[@SendItJonBoats]

👍

[@Murphyslawfarm]

G'day great info video mate and the best unboxing video on youtube 👍😂

[@SendItJonBoats]

LOL. I knew you would like that unboxing! Thanks for watching.

[@williamquam295]

Just out of curiosity, why not test the Mud Skipper Custom 8-23hp kit?

[@SendItJonBoats]

Because I wanted to compare apples to apples for each company so I picked the kits that were closest in design and reasonably priced for the average buyer looking to buy their first kit. These are the kits that were most popular for new people when I researched the interwebs.

[@dustinbond4998]

Great unbiased review....keep up the good work!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks Dustin! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@shawnfarris8908]

Have you tried the mud skipper twister yet? Just curious what your opinion on it would be.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I have not personally tried it, but I have read a ton of no so great reviews. I think I would rather have a short tail than the twister.

[@shawnfarris8908]

Yeah I think so too. It's kinda hard to control and find that sweet spot. Think I'll be looking at some more motors after duck season is over.

[@paulmach5]

Great Video, keep up the good work!

[@jeremykatzenstein1538]

Thanks for this, I’m getting ready to refurb a 1432 and have been waiting for this mud motor review.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Awesome, thanks for watching Jeremy. A 420 predator would make your boat scoot pretty good!

[@jtotherog]

@@SendItJonBoats ive been curious what size i need on my 14. Thanks man!

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@jtotherog 13hp is the way to go. It's a good solid motor and does decent speeds.

[@jacobpayne9667]

I have a swamp runner and love it! Never used a surface drive or an American longtail so I can't really tell you if those are worth the money... But I will tell you that these 3 are great ways to get on the water and go places an outboard can't.

[@nicholasleewood]

Digital caliper bud! Measures thousand. Not hatin just helpin. Love your videos.

[@jeffhilley7933]

What had to be dialed in on the Beaver Dam. Obviously it's the heaviest built. I will be putting together a rig this spring and after this video will be going with BD. So I was wondering what fine tuning if any during testing you may have had to do?

[@SendItJonBoats]

Had to adjust the motor back 2 holes from center, and change the prop sizes to fin what my boat liked best.

[@stephenhair5501]

Some very good information you shared. These motors have been getting my attention lately. Might just be reaching out to you about one of these kits. Thanks for the great video Chris.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I really like them and they are really cheap. Feel free to reach out any time!

[@rexslay7264]

Awesome review you did a great job

[@SendItJonBoats]

Appreciate that Rex Slay. It was a lot of work but it was worth it to get a good honest review out there!

[@johnnybarbar7435]

Swamp Runner kits on their site do not match what you have. Their medium kit engine base has 4 positions and yours has 2. Have they changed things or do you have a mixed parts kit? My older med SR kit has 4 positions on the mount. ???

[@SendItJonBoats]

I got the kit late summer last year. I clicked on the medium kit and that is what they sent me. I did not know they changed anything.

[@robertmilner157]

swamp runner did away with the 4 holes. They were having issues with the bracket breaking because it weakened it too much.

[@MudMotorKit]

@@robertmilner157 Completely untrue statement by Robert Milner of Beaver Dam Mud Runners. This guy talks like he knows more about our products than we do. LOL Swamp Runner’s change in side rail length was done solely for improved balance, making the additional pivot holes obsolete.

[@robertmilner157]

@@MudMotorKit hmmmm, wonder why your old brackets are breaking at that point then? Is it a coincidence? I have seen and heard of it from multiple people. I'll give you the benefit of doubt and say it was just a few bad ones then. I'll just assume that the reason you changed was just a rumor. I am a NICE competitor. I love you Jon Dobbs!

[@robertmilner157]

Personally if it wasn't breaking, I would have left it alone. The more adjustment you have, the better in most cases. You can fit a wider variety of motors on a wider variety of boats. If you have a wake meeting further behind on a boat, you can adjust it so that the prop will sit in the wake without buying a longer shaft. If you want more weight on the prop, you can adjust it for that.

[@benkierstein9771]

Went to order a kit today from beaver dam they changed it since you posted and now are on back order for 2 -4 months

[@robertmilner157]

NO, they are shipping next month(October)

[@SendItJonBoats]

Looks like Beaver Dam already responded, they coming and it's worth the wait.

[@dougdavis777]

Awesome review answered all my questions about each kit thank you very much

[@SendItJonBoats]

Glad I could help. I tried to think of all the things I was curious about when I was shopping for a kit.

[@trofazz]

A couple of things I noticed was that you didn't mention that the SPS has gimble bearings at the pivot points where the others do not. That will make a big difference over time in how smooth it will operate. Also, the throttle cable on the SPS is (supposedly) stainless steel, where the others are not. I think in other areas that you presented that the Beaverdam is of very good quality, but the shipping pricing is off by $100 or so.. I don't think anyone would be disappointed in the quality of a BDMR

[@SendItJonBoats]

Good point on the bearings... I didn't even look at that. I just looked at the mud skipper and it just has some spacers in there. The BDMR kit has what looks like a greaseable bushing in the pivot so thats better than nothing. Like I said in the video, none of them are bad kits at all. Just all depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend.

[@trofazz]

@@SendItJonBoats , it's not something that is readily noticeable, just wanted to mention it. Also, the throttle should be using the return spring of the engine vs. the handle. This will assure that the cable is indeed returning the throttle back to idle properly, and to adjust for full throttle operating range.. I think the Beaver Dam kit has a much better shaft and I like the idea of a double retention bolt system where the shaft connects to the base. I think you did an excellent job on the review.

[@benpeirce2531]

I found your video by accident. Its great! I had never given any thought to a mud motor other than watching a 007 movie. But now I have like a 100 questions, Chris Funk kind of answered part of one will they work in salt water. "2" can you sit down and drive it. Being 65 bad knees I don't have the best balance when I'm sober I'd be wet in no time. Thank you keep up the great videos.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Chris Funk has some good info as well, and he is super nice guy. You can definitely run them sitting down, I just like to stand up so I can see better.

[@rh72919]

Question, I have the 212 and the 2 piece long tail, I cannot for the life of my figure out how to get this thing mounted right, mine just dives down, like it has stupid tail weight, there is no way I was running one handed looking forward because I had to use both arms to hold this thing close to the surface, what might I be doing wrong?

[@SendItJonBoats]

Move the mounting holes so the motor is as far forward as possible. You can also flip the transom mount to the inside of the boat and that may help some.

[@blackspider1987]

great video only i wish you add to the test the backwater to see if worth it since its more expensive thanks for the info

[@SendItJonBoats]

I can tell you from personal experience the backwater is the best kit on the planet but it is way out of my price range. We only wanted to test the cheapest kits out there, the backwater is no comparison.

[@meetoo50]

Pull out the Hatter-Ade....The "Key Way" is the slot. The "Key" is the cold rolled piece of square steel or other wise known in full length, as "Key Stock".

[@fireantfishing]

Great video, great info, great send it session. 👍

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks bud. When the weather warms up we gotta go down to the river and let you have some mud motor fun!

[@tjon66]

As with everything you will get what you pay for. I chose the mud-skipper. The transom bracket does need additional support.

[@SendItJonBoats]

The mud skipper wasn't a bad kit at all.

[@loganrexroat3063]

But the real question is. How would the beaver dam kit compare to the sps and mud skipper large kits

[@SendItJonBoats]

Good Questions. One day I will try it out and see.

[@gonzalomanriquez4956]

i just ordered the Mud-Skipper 2-7HP kit for my little 1232 jon boat. excited to get it and test it out on a little snakehead and bass fishing

[@SendItJonBoats]

Awesome man! Mud motors are a lof of fun and there is so much you can do with them.

[@gonzalomanriquez4956]

@@SendItJonBoats yeah this is the first one i have owned. after i sold my Bass boat i needed to get something to get back on the water and i figured a jon boat was the way to go. never really seen mud motors before because growing up everyone just ran air boats in the shallows.

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@gonzalomanriquez4956 I would love to build a small airboat in the future, they look like so much fun.

[@gonzalomanriquez4956]

@@SendItJonBoats they are fun but can be dangerous because they are so top heavy

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@gonzalomanriquez4956 I have heard that, I don't know a whole lot about them other than it is easy to roll them over. Sure looks like fun though.

[@JeffRigney]

Just for future reference those aren’t key ways, those are called keys. The slot in the shaft would be your key way. Great informative video!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks for clarifying. Sometimes my mouth moves faster than my brain can process.

[@juliosdiy3206]

This vid is the BOOOOOMB! i will try the Swamp kit i like that bottom fin design.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Glad you like it! Thank you for watching

[@jtotherog]

Do i need the 85 or the 100 inch shaft for the beaver dam kit. My boat is 1440

[@SendItJonBoats]

I would go 100 to be safe. Always better to be longer than shorter... trust me, go ask any lady, they will tell you ! LOL

[@jtotherog]

@@SendItJonBoats 🤣🤣🤣 i hope youre wrong for my sake...about the women i mean😎✊

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@jtotherog LMAO.... I wouldn't know. I can't touch the bottom, but I can dang sure stretch out the edges.

[@MarkHale-nt9qg]

I have a 12ft Alumacraft jon boat and just purchased a mud skipper rated for 5-7 horsepower engine. I'm going to get it at Harbor Freight, but I am just not sure which one I am suppose to get. Any help would be appreciated.

[@greenpighunter6930]

Great detailed info. Thank you

[@SendItJonBoats]

Appreciate that GreenPig Hunter! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kentsatterfield6617]

😈😈what about the float pods...... haha just kidding! Great video! I'm glad I found your page. Your paint job on that boat is bad ass! Keep up the great content man!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Im going to bash those float pods with a sledge hammer lol, just kidding. Thanks for the compliments bud, much more fun stuff coming!

[@maxtonervin9911]

Love this video very glad you made this thank you

[@olent4816]

I like the way you think I'm in Wisconsin and planed to buy a mud motor kit soon

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@DeltaRogueFishing]

I picked the Beaver Dam the second I saw the transom bracket. BEEFY! Nice review! 👊

[@SendItJonBoats]

It is definatley a beefy kit overall. But that transom bracket it like wow beefy! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@johntaylor6654]

Yeah I'm risking being seen as a terminal pest asking questions on a public forum but I value your and others opinions so here goes....... I'm in Tasmania and the only kit I can source comes with the shaft in two pieces, are you aware of any issues this may cause such as balance. Shaft is 100" 13hp kit. Thanks.

[@SendItJonBoats]

No clue, I have never used a 2 piece shaft

[@Deltro61]

Excellent in depth review. Have one for surface drives as well? Would love to see a comparison.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I would love to do one for surface drives but dang them things are expensive. If they will send me some I will review them.

[@jeffconley6366]

Well done. Note, I would never use a stainless steel prop with these kits. Especially with Predator engines. Let the key and propeller (aluminum) take the force of an impact..

[@ronzbee3458]

love ur videos and ur sense of humor, love it!!!lol!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate you checking out the video

[@4thepotheads]

Bought a mud skipper kit for a 212 (6.5hp) Predator from fleabay in 2013 and it lasted around five years. It was used a lot in brackish water and performed well. Finally, the wood bushings inside used for the driveshaft wore out and the screw that held in the wood bushing cut the hollow driveshaft in half. Now I would like to buy a kit with a stainless-steel driveshaft, but it appears swamp runner is the only person who offers that. If mud skipper sold a kit with a stainless-steel driveshaft, I would get that kit because they are cheap. Would be cool if somebody would cross section the shafts so we can see what the new designs have in them for bushings and to see if the driveshaft is hollow. The 2013 mud skipper was a hollow driveshaft with a solid piece welded on the end for the prop. The only nylon bushing on the mud skipper is at the end near the prop.

[@rrmilner]

Beaver Dam has always had a solid steel shaft. We aren’t coming out with a stainless anytime soon. Our external shaft is galvanized and holds up fine in saltwater. Our internal bushings are polymer and our end bushing is metal.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I may do that at some point.

[@jessevangerven2911]

I’m looking to put a 22hp on a 1648 or something similar, do I need the 100” shaft or can I get away with the 85” shaft? Thanks bro

[@SendItJonBoats]

For a 48 inch wide boat you need a 100 inch shaft. Thank me later. The 85 is manageable but its worth it to get a 100 inch, makes life a lot easier.

[@sgrasmick82]

Who sells the 85” shaft?

[@waddell7354]

Just binged all your videos, you act just like me so the entertainment was top notch. Plus I'm getting ideas for my 1436 lowe jon boat Sub-freakin-scribed

[@SendItJonBoats]

HA HA awesome man! Thanks for the sub. YEE YEE!!!!

[@GreggGiblin-sy5og]

Excellent review! Probably an ignorant question... Newbie here thinking of doing something like this. As cheap as the Predator engines are, or other Honda clones and how cost of upgrades can quickly add up to be more than the engines themselves, I thought it may make sense to buy 2 or 3 inexpensive engines, then tie them together to go to one of these kits. Is thereab adapter out there for this purpose, or with some creativity could one do a DIY hack. Or, is this just a bad idea for some reason?

[@florida__jack]

Very good review and comparison 👍👍

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks man! appreciate you watching the video.

[@purpleman1360]

ok.... you got a new subscription just for the box opening

[@cameronbragg3612]

I've been looking at putting a mud motor on my Jon boat would you say you like a long tail rather than surface drive?

[@SendItJonBoats]

I like both, all comes down to budget. Thai style longtails are cheap, American longtails are a little more expensive, surface drives are really expensive.

[@clayseale]

Love the side by side, but I wish you put these on a bigger boat. I am interested to know how they push a 16 footer.

[@SendItJonBoats]

The footage from this video is mostly on a 1648. I got a full video coming on what size motor pushes a 16 footer best

[@SouthernCountryboy10]

I'm curious but still new to watching the channel. Is there a reason why you don't use surface drives vs long tails? I've made the swap because the ease of maneuverability seems to be way better with my surface drive copperhead kit vs my stump jumper kit.

[@SendItJonBoats]

I love surface drives and I want one sooooo bad.... they are just so expensive. I am going to try to build my own at some point so stay tuned for that.

[@SouthernCountryboy10]

@@SendItJonBoats can't wait to see that. Down here in South GA, small surface drives are everywhere especially around Tallahassee because of a Copperhead dealer and Mud Walker in Jacksonville.

[@SendItJonBoats]

@@SouthernCountryboy10 I may have to make a trip down there and check them out, heard a lot about them.

[@rangerdanger126]

Nice review. Plan to go with a Beaver Dam. What grease do you recommend for an area what gets hot and freezes in the same season?

[@SendItJonBoats]

corn head grease is what most people like. I use whatever I have in the shop and it has not let me down.

[@coopernickerson7470]

Beaver dam shaft length comes in two size: 85” and 65”. Which is better?

[@codyc6020]

Love the video! Have you ever done a review on Mud Buddy systems?

[@SendItJonBoats]

No, but I would love too if they want to send me one. I aint ballin rich to be able to afford a mud buddy.

[@aleemrahim6846]

Should I get a mud skipper brand new or beaver dam used both are $800

[@aleemrahim6846]

They are the 420cc version

[@SendItJonBoats]

Either will work fine.

[@sandcreekoutdoors1056]

Excellent video as always.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimnash526]

Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Glad you like it!

[@numberonenole4590]

Great review brother!!! Send it!!!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Appreciate it Bro!!!! We gonna send it!

[@jeremyjulienne160]

Best and most honest mud motor review by far! Great info, very thorough, left it all on the table! Awesome video to help us jon boat guys get exactly what we want!

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thanks Jeremy, glad it was helpful. It was a lot of work but it was nice to be able to get an honest review out there and not just trash talk any of the companies. They all work fine, just got to pick whats most important, money or product quality.

[@walleyeye]

Would a mudmotor work on a v bow 15’ aluminum boat? An old springbok.

[@susantroy11]

Great review😎 wondering what speed you would get at idle🧐 also I’ve seen them with the shorter s shaped prop shafts. What benefit or disadvantages those shafts have compared to the long shaft 🤔

[@SendItJonBoats]

The straight shafts are better and more robust in my opinion. My idle speeds are usually 5-8 mph

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Out of curiosity, how would one obtain one of those sweet Send It shirts to sport on their KZbin Channel?

[@SendItJonBoats]

Just finishing up getting shirts hats and other stuff squared away. I will be announcing it on my next video where you can buy all our apparel.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@SendItJonBoats sounds great, man.

[@scottseyler210]

Solid review. 🤙🏼

[@SendItJonBoats]

Appreciate that Scott. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.

[@timothysh3228]

I notice on the beaver dam kit, they changed the transom bracket to look like the others. I wonder what else they changed to a cheaper alternative.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Last time I checked they have the same transom bracket that I reviewed in the video.

[@datilman9146]

Great video man!! Quick question, how tall are you? I've been wanting to do a build like this and i would like to stand up to run it as well. I am kinda tall

[@SendItJonBoats]

I am 6 ft tall. The beaver dam handle was the perfect height for me. The swamp runner I had to lean down just a tad and the mud skipper was almost perfect.

[@EMNM22]

Beaver dam on a kayak! Now thats a good time!

[@bubbyward9295]

what would you recommend for shallow rivers

[@peterkolovos3079]

Excellent review.

[@SendItJonBoats]

Thank you Peter, glad you enjoyed it!

[@customrccrawlerz8137]

Would you run one on a 14ft Jon boat that’s kinda a flat bottom but kinda a v bottom, I have been thinking about one but don’t know what to get

[@SendItJonBoats]

Heck yeah, I had one on my 1436 and it ran great,