Swamp Runner Mud Motor Water Test

[@donduck6195]

I meant to thank you about nine months. This was one of the videos that really helped me decide to get a mud motor. I ended up grabbing a used 1542 and put a 13 hp Honda on it. I haven't regretted a second of it. The river that I frequent looks identical to this with multiple little tributaries that only kayaks can go to, and that's if they paddle for a couple of hours first. I'm blessed to have 3 boys (9-11-13) and they love it.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

That's great glad to help! I would like to have a Honda to put on mine one day thanks for watching!

[@donduck6195]

@@Bamaoutdoors it came off of a pressure washer my dad bought new in 2000-2001. It was only used 1-2 hours/year and wasn't used at all for a few of those years. I put a stage 1 kit on it (free flowing filter/exhaust/jet) and had it inspected/titled as a mud skipper outboard motor to keep the Ohio officers happy.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

That motor should last a long time. Glad we don't have to register our motors separately from the boat lol

[@mikeseichter526]

Just for reference. I have a 12/32 jon boat with the predator 212. It goes even shallower. If I keep it pinned and on plane, it can skip over sand bars that are 4 inches or around ankle deep. Its crazy. The smaller kits with smaller props are able to hook up in shallower water due to the samller diamer of the prop. Just info for yall. Only drawback is a 12/32 jon isn't as stable, and 2 medium sized adults is about max capacity, even pushing it a little to get on plane. Running solo though, it kicks ass. I fish in holes up river that are basiclly untouched because I'm the only guy around the lake/river with the kit.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Good deal! I have a 10 foot Jon boat that I would like to get a small kit and see what it would do but I'm sure it would be a little sketchy lol but it would be fun! Thanks for watching!

[@BucketListBadass]

I'm highly impressed with this video. Especially like it when you hopped out the boat when the water looked deep, but was only about 6 inches shallow! Excellent placement of you GoPro camera, capturing the forward shots of you "carelessly zooming" through the unknown! You took us along the adventure...Love it! Thanks!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks for the kind words!! The weather is getting about right to get back on the water thanks for watching!!

[@EDUB327]

Great video. Man that thing can run shallow.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks! It sure can and it's pretty durable too!

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Great to see. I had never heard of a mud motor. I had a river in my younger days in southern Ontario in Canada that used to look a lot like that river but with a lot of flooded land where only a canoe was usable. That rig would have been perfect.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah I really never would've thought it would go through that like it did! It's a little different than a outboard because it's so long but honestly once you get used to it it's not much different. Thanks for watching!

[@sandspike2929]

Back when I lived in south Louisiana, I had a 15 foot square stern pirogue with a 8 hp Go Devil mud motor. It would take me across mud flats with no water on top. It would literally plow through.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

That sounds like a good time!

[@backwoodscountryboy1600]

Nice setup that's the kind of setup I need for going up and down the pea River over here at the veterans memorial bridge off 231

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah I've been wanting to get it in the Pea River and see how it will do just need extra props because of the rocks.

[@desperadofishing4105]

Hey boss man how big is your boat

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's a 14/36 tracker topper an old one but good one.

[@bp30656]

Good ole 41 boat ramp. Did you go down or up

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I went up for about 5 miles on this trip but I have been all the way to the Bellwood bridge and down to Geneva on deferent days.

[@walkertongdee]

Swamp Runners are the best! YOu are doing what they are made for!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks! They are amazing and I should've had one years ago.

[@dalewildey4102]

I have a 1236 jon! Just got my sps medium kit. It looks very well engineered. Now I’m waiting for a carbruator for my Honda 390 gx engine. Last year, running the river, I was constantly hitting sand and the occasional rock with my Suzuki 2.5 outboard. Took forever to go nowhere. This mud kit should fix that. My boat doesn’t need much water to float. Thanks for the video

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes that will definitely help! An outboard is nice to have in certain situations but going shallow a long tail is the way to go! Thanks for watching!

[@donduck6195]

That's funny. I had the exact problem with my Suzuki 2.5 mounted to a 14ft canoe. It would get me a lot of places, but eventually it would hit bottom and I even broke a shear pin (saving my prop) which left me paddling all day. I also went with a GX390 (stage 1) on a 1542 Jon boat. Love it

[@Bobbysheresomewhere]

Is there a difference in turning your boat, when the propeller is so far away. Verus having it sitting on the transom?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It is different than an outboard for sure. Without a neutral or reverse you have to kinda use it like a paddle lifting the prop up and down out of the water. If you try turning really sharp you have to lean out pretty far with the handle because of the length of the handle. It does take some getting used to but once you get the hang of it its not to bad and fun to run.

[@timhudson1846]

I'm totally with you.. my boat is an old 1975 Alweld 14 36.. I have the exact same setup sps kit. The boat was extremely cheap..(free).. FINALLY, got it titled..and stickers put on. Bought the sps kit three years ago.. about 450.00$ bucks then ? Had the 13hp sitting around.. So I used it. You've got me excited about it again.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

@timhudson1846 well you can't beat free lol!

[@dontravisberry9021]

You wearing your kill switch? Always a good idea, but especially with a long tail.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I try to but sometimes I forgot lol

[@warren-freshoffthevinemedia]

Thanks for sharing. For those of us who didn't grow up here, is "Oak Grove Landing" the same as the County Road 34 landing? Thanks.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes sir it is thanks for watching!

[@KBurd1]

How's your transom holding up, any cracks yet?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's holding good so far! It already had a couple small cracks in it when I got it but we fixed them and it's doing fine 🤞 lol

[@southronjr1570]

I run my 1636 jon boat up some of my local rivers here in Middle Ga and loaded with just fishing gear and my wife or son, I can get through water just above ankle deep before I run aground. As soon as I jump out she floats again in what I would venture to guess as about 5 inches. I run my own custom built short/long tail mud motor. I can usually run up and then back down with a round trip of about 20 miles on just one tank of gas. I do run a built Predator 6.5 making around about 16hp using a 7.5 in prop.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

That would be fun to build my on custom long tail, but I just don't have time at the moment lol.

[@sbranham86]

What length shafts do you run? I'm also in ga

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I have a 85" with the medium kit.

[@sbranham86]

I meant southron jr

[@southronjr1570]

@@sbranham86 I am running a 42 inch shaft and use an adjustable mount that allows me to set the prop up to about 50 inches off the back of the boat or as close as 38 inches. I have found it runs best flat out set to about 45 inches of the back. I am in the Lake Oconee area and built it to run up the Appalachee and Oconee's river shallows. To even get into the Appalachee from Lake Oconee you have to have a seriously shallow draft where the river comes into the lake, and rarely do you see guys coming up the river without their lower units almost out of the water running traditional outboards.

[@tragikk03]

see, this is why I'm considering some type of mud motor on a custom john boat. Most guys around here just go jet on a custom fiberglass boat w/special dense/slick plastic layer on the bottom, if they need the capabilities like this, but mud motors seem a lot more reliable to me and easier to troubleshoot/fix myself

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah I don't know much about jet boats but they do seem fun lol. Mud motor are pretty simple just a shaft and a lawnmower motor but I'm sure each have a place.

[@josephcochran4639]

Great video! Can’t wait to get me a set up like it

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks! It is more fun than I thought it would be!

[@timhudson1846]

14/36 boat ? I have a sps kit with a 13hp.. predator motor. I definitely need to get it back on the water

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes sir I had it out this weekend I was going right past were the out boards had to turn around lol.

[@Stevensranchoutdoors]

Is that the conecuh ?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

No sir it's the Choctawhatchee River close to Geneva Al.

[@Stevensranchoutdoors]

Never got to fish any of that down there always wanted too , I’ll be maki g me up one of them motors

[@Bamaoutdoors]

@@Stevensranchoutdoors their fun for sure! There's a learning curve with them but it's not to bad.

[@haydenpresley3530]

I’m from fort Payne how does the motor do in more rocky creeks

[@Bamaoutdoors]

About the only thing I've had it in is lime stone which is like a rock lol. As long as the boat can handle it I think it will be good but you will definitely need some extra props.

[@thepartysalmon]

This guy is prepared. He even packs a spare tire in his boat!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Don't forget I had my tool box too! Oh and my cooler 😆😆 thanks for watching!

[@jasonmartin2103]

Counterweight?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes I was just testing to see how it would ride with some weight in the front versus nothing. It did level out pretty good with some weight in the front but of course a little bit slower. I do think it's better without anything in the front.

[@Gh6stGunsNmore]

Which mount did yall use for it that fits the predator 212 and allows u to move it up and down

[@Bamaoutdoors]

This is the medium kit for the 420 but I think it will fit the 212 motor too. I picked it up used already put together so I'm not even sure how to put one together lol

[@Gh6stGunsNmore]

@Bamaoutdoors if it's not too much to ask for . Do you think u could post a little video just over the mounting points and where the handle of the throttle runs to

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah I can do that. If it's not raining tomorrow I'll try to get some video of it but I'm not sure how much you can tell.

[@DadVibesX3]

Glad you are getting over your COVID effects man, and glad to see you out and about making some new vids. 😎👍

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks I appreciate that! It's nice to get back at it!

[@bradentalley8550]

How did u get ur motor to stay up when u stopped?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I've got a short strap that has S hooks on each end. I have it hooked on one of the cross members in the boat.

[@kh2140]

Do you prefer the swamp out board compared to a regular outboard?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Well it really depends! If I'm in the river like in this video and other videos I've done the swamp Runner kit works really well, but if you were going in bigger lakes and for longer distances I would probably go with a regular outboard.

[@jonathanwilliams6442]

What the tire for

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Just trying to add a little weight to see it it made a difference. It may have helped some but not a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@clint4420]

How is the sound compared to a traditional tiller outboard?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's really not as bad as I thought it would be maybe just a little louder than an outboard. You are moving forward and the noise is behind you so it don't bother me at all.

[@sosteve9113]

Wishing you a good health and a prosperous 2022 Greetings from a Belgian bushcrafter

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thank you sir! I hope you have a great year as well!

[@kennethsmith5050]

Can you tell me where you got the mud motor kit. Thanks

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I actually bought mine used off of marketplace but I know they do have a website you can order straight from them. www.mudmotorkit.com/swamp-runner-mud-motor-kit-selection/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmPSSBhCNARIsAH3cYgYMMEY2tph5BOLjwcZuezRxgI6poAt8H7XUp8R44FvyRB78V4Pr1ykaAhE9EALw_wcB

[@creeryk]

Great to meet you out on the Choctawhatchee today!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes it was great to meet you too! I should have had my kayak and floated down with y'all. I really didn't think I would see very many kayakers lol!

[@RyanMillerBowhunter]

Does a longer shaft help with shallower water? The river I run I typically about 6"s deep

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It does a good job for sure but I haven't had a chance to run anything else. I've been really wanting to get a service Drive to try because the long shaft is a little aggravating and tight spots. I have some small creeks I run and have to turn off the engine so I don't break the prop if it gets hung up on the back.

[@thethreeamigos1729]

How many hp

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's the #420 13hp predator motor.

[@fadyhaddad3615]

Does it work in sea grass? Thx

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I've not had it in anything like that yet. I'm sure it will work but I know that is some tough grass lol. I'm planning on putting it in some lily pads soon and see how it does!

[@lukef2441]

What river is this

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's the choctawhatchee River! This boat ramp is around 7 or 8 miles north of Geneva Al.

[@alabamaarcher6862]

I ran my mud motor up in there the other day we call it high falls over here in Gadsden

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's a good place for a mud motor for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@Tylersprinkle]

What hp motor is it?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's a 13 hp predator engine from Harbor freight.

[@warren-freshoffthevinemedia]

Glad you're recovering from COVID.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thank you me too!

[@Bowhunter88]

How wide is this boat. I have a 1436 with a swamp runner and a 212cc motor I'm wanting to get a bigger kit but not sure if it would be to heavy for my boat

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It's a 14/36 you will be fine with the setup I have.

[@Bowhunter88]

@@Bamaoutdoors good to know. Thank you

[@sniper12589]

yeah you will be ok. if you havnt done it already i will just put my 2 cents in from experience a 1436 with the 6.5 and moving up to a 13. im running a 1436 right now with a 13hp predator. i reenforced the transom with a 1/8 alum plate across the entire back just to be safe. if your running solo a lot the 13hp engine defiantly not needed. or the longer tail shaft will be needed. right now i have an 80 inch tail and at 19-21mph i am outrunning my wake. the 6.5 hp would let me clock in at 16mph. again solo. adding in the family is where the 13hp engine really helps. i drop about 3-4mph per person i add to the boat. so i am actually keeping my 1436 set up with the 13hp engine for family fishing and i am in the process of building a 1032 with the 6.5 for my solo trips. keeps the weight down to where i can load and unload without a trailer for the little boat. the 1436 with the 13hp is way to heavy and needs a trailer to avoid hurting yourself

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah if I have somebody else with me you can tell it. I would have to have a 13hp just to have some extra power just in case.

[@CC-pi6gm]

@@sniper12589 when you take your 10ft, How do you get your motor back up in the truck after running when it's hot?

[@childofgod5115]

Great review! I got one I was looking at going to pick it up tomorrow. Thanks

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks! It's a fun way to get on the water especially if it's shallow water.

[@hostpcb]

This is one of the best! For a minute I thought if you had wings that thing would take flight. Pretty neat though!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Just a man and his little boat lol! Thanks for watching!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Or I should say have boat will travel 🚤

[@NenadKralj]

I would put a V6 😏and long shaft 😂and floor it 😎

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Maybe my next boat motor. 😁

[@billlichtenberg7176]

What are you using for a throttle?

[@Bamaoutdoors]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWq2kJyQjbeJkLM This is what I've been using and it's been working great so far.

[@johntstanley1]

Great to see our age enjoying life

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes sir can't let it stop you! Even when you feel the aches and pains still have to get outdoors!

[@ryanvantomme7063]

How much I need this !!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Oh yeah it's really fun to get in the river when all the outboard can't lol

[@pizzmo8256]

I run a jon with a outboard jet up in Alberta Canada. This looks like a whole lot of fun.👍

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It is a lot of fun! I love the fact that I can go right over a tree in the river lol! I see a few jet outboards down this way but there pretty pricey.

[@ryanheckart7663]

As anyone ever hooked it up to a driftboat? People down South: Won't work drift boats are designed for one thing only. Me: Hold my craft beer.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah never seen that before maybe need to try it lol

[@ddhh6552]

I have seen regular outboards on drift boats. I don't see why it wouldn't work, but I think the john boat would plane a little more efficiently

[@johntaylor6654]

Hey thanks for taking the time to post your experiences, I'm in Tasmania and no one here runs long tails, I've noticed lately they seem to have fallen out of favour especially on the forums, I would normally not take notice of opinions on forums but....... they are hard work they are slow short tails are better etc. etc. do you think this is just talk , as in my experience that's mostly what people on forums do. I'm about to order one from Thailand and will be interested in your opinion and what others think. Thanks.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I don't know much about the short tails but I have heard people say they are faster and a little easier to handle. The only thing I can say is you may need a little more room for turning around but with a little practice I can turn pretty sharp just have to watch the prop! Hope that help out Thanks for the comments!

[@johntaylor6654]

@@Bamaoutdoors Thanks, it does help.

[@hectorfranco7400]

Nice rig

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks!!

[@cbman2184]

Man those long tails will get you anywhere!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes it will! I was really supposed where I could go with it but I need to get an extra prop for sure lol. Thanks for watching!

[@jimnash526]

Excellent video !!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks I appreciate it!!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

amohibus boats exist

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes sir lol!

[@rockybirddog]

That’s a nice perdator

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks it's been reliable so far!

[@johnwc32703]

i just took my preditor out of my shriner gokart for a 5.5 honda now i know what im going to do with that preditor motor i just need to buy a little john boat

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yes sir throw that thing on there and have some fun on the water.

[@frankartieta4887]

I thought I was the only one who packed a spare tire in my boat I have a camp that is only accessible by water I carry my spare tire in my boat When i get to my camp i throw the spare tire out Put it back in the boat before i leave to go home Nevertheless i'm often riding a tire round in my boat

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Lol I needed some counterweight in the front and I would love to have a place on the river like you have!

[@philmoore9099]

Fun to watch!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

To sweet thanks!!

[@timhudson1846]

Awesome

[@Bamaoutdoors]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!!

[@cartmanchubs]

Get it!!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Got to push it to the limits!

[@thewoodruffs04]

Nice

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@wbranches1]

That's awesome!!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks!!

[@joesanders652]

Got me thinking

[@Bamaoutdoors]

It will do that 😆

[@toddgibson9861]

Enjoyed...!!

[@donisvanjava5694]

👍👍👍

[@philmoore9099]

You are going to have everyone buying something like this. Lol

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Oh no maybe I should not have made this video! 🤔😆

[@rickyclark1017]

41 boat landing lol

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yep just off 41 I think it's actually on 34 that the ramps on.

[@toddgibson9861]

We call it the "41 ramp".....lol

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Lol yep that's another one and some call it 34 ramp too!

[@diving600]

Goodddd

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks for watching.

[@ryanjohnson9093]

Good grief people stop pulling your boats up on concrete like that.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Lol it's all good you should see what it's been on that never made it to video Thanks for watching!

[@MyronGuymon]

Look

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks for looking lol

[@ddhh6552]

20mph seems plenty fast in a scrawny little john boat

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Yeah it's plenty fast for me. With my setup a good cruising speed is around 15.

[@stevenm7692]

Anyone that goes fishing without a spare tyre, don't know how to hunt fishes!!!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Got to be prepared at all times 😎🤣 thanks for watching!!

[@ianbartelmez4720]

Nobody care abour swimming when looking at a "mud motor" video... Your'e out walking???? Really, thats the pount ... Dude....

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Always like swimming lol