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The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Own Mud Motor

Jun. 28 2023 Ownership Tips By Fish And Ski Marine

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Ahh, the thrill of the open water, the scent of lush vegetation, the hum of a DIY mud motor - nothing beats it, right? Whether you're a seasoned angler, an avid waterfowl hunter, or just a water sports enthusiast, the ability to navigate through shallow waters and dense aquatic vegetation can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

The key to this freedom? A mud motor.

Mud motors, also known as long tail mud motors, are designed to power boats through shallow, muddy waters where traditional outboard motors simply can't go. But purchasing one can be quite expensive. The good news is you can build your own homemade mud motor, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Why Build a DIY Mud Motor?

A mud motor allows you to access remote fishing spots, hidden duck hunting areas, and unexplored adventures. Building your own motor not only saves you money, it also gives you a thorough understanding of your motor, which can be invaluable when you need to perform maintenance or repairs in the field.

A Look at Mud Motor Kits

To get started with your homemade mud motor, you'll need a mud motor kit. These kits provide all the necessary components to convert a small engine into a full-fledged mud motor. As we take a closer look at the top three mud motor kits available in the market, you'll notice the differences and be able to choose one that best suits your needs and budget.

1. Beaver Dam Mud Runners

Beaver Dam Mud Runners are known for their solid and heavy-duty mud motor kits. Robert Milner, the owner, is confident in the high quality and superior materials of his products. Plus, the kits come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind.

Beaver Dam Mud Runners are great for mud motors


2. Swamp Runner Mud Motors

Swamp Runner, a product of SPS North America, Inc., is another popular choice. Jon Dobbs, the owner, is a mud motor enthusiast who knows his product inside and out. He's confident in the quality and performance of his kits and is eager for them to be put to the test.

3. Swamp Skipper Long Tail Mud Motors

Swamp Skipper offers kits imported from the Thai company KKK. These kits are known for their affordability and are a good option for budget-conscious DIYers.

Choosing the Right Engine

Choosing the right engine is crucial to the performance of your DIY mud motor. The Predator 212cc engine from Harbor Freight, a 6.5 HP horizontal shaft engine, is a popular choice. It's affordable and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for first-time builders.

Enhancing Your Engine's Performance

If you're looking to give your engine a little extra kick, consider a performance kit. The Deluxe Predator Performance Kit from Go Power Sports can increase the horsepower of your 6.5 HP Predator 212cc engine to 9 HP. It's an affordable way to get more power out of your motor without adding extra weight.

Building Your DIY Mud Motor: Step-by-Step

Now, let's get into the fun part - putting your new motor together! Here are the major steps in the DIY Mud Motor project:

  1. Prepare Your Kit and Engine

    1. Start by laying out your mud motor kit and getting your engine ready for assembly. 

  2. Attach the Coupler Shaft

    1. Attach the coupler shaft to the engine PTO shaft motor prior to connecting the coupler housing.

  3. Fit the Gimbal Bracket Shaft

    1. Fit the gimbal bracket shaft into the transom bracket.

  4. Insert the Tiller Handle

    1. Insert the tiller handle into the mounting rings mounted on both sides of the engine base to allow left or right-hand steering.

  5. Secure the Engine

    1. Secure the engine in the base bracket.

  6. Install the Oil Sensor and Throttle Linkage

    1. Install the oil sensor and throttle linkage to the engine and kill switch, cable and squeeze-style lever to the tiller.

  7. Insert the Engine Shaft into Coupler

    1. Insert the engine shaft into the coupler, align and tighten with two wing bolts.

  8. Bolt the Prop to the Shaft

    1. Bolt the double-bladed aluminum prop to the threaded end of the engine shaft.

  9. Test-Run the Air-Cooled Engine

    1. Add fuel, oil and test-run the air-cooled engine.

  10. Secure it to the Boat's Transom

    1. Secure it to the boat's transom and seek out a swamp.

Need a Boat for Your New Mud Motor?

Building a homemade motor is only half the battle. You'll need a sturdy boat to mount it on. If you're in need of a new boat, we can help you find the perfect one to complement your DIY mud motor.

Conclusion

Building your own DIY mud motor can be a rewarding experience. Not only do you save money, but you also gain a thorough understanding of your motor that can come in handy when you're out in the field. Whether you're a seasoned angler, an avid waterfowl hunter, or a water sports enthusiast, a homemade mud motor can open up a world of possibilities. So roll up your sleeves and get started on your mud motor project today!