Testing of the longtail boat motor
The longtail boat motors are popular in the South-Eet Asia. Recently I have purchased suce one with the 9 hp 4-cycle Subaru engine. The testing reveals both advantages and disadvantages of a longtail comparing with a regular outboard motor.
What is good:
- It is possible to go through shallows, mud, weeds, and submerged snags. With a prop guard one could navigate the shallow rivers with rocky bottom.
- Low fuel consumption, big thrust.
- Low cost of the longtail motor and its maintenance.
What is bad: 1. Big weight (close to the 4-cycle outboardof the same power). 2. Lower maneuverability. 3. Rather “heavy” tiller, especially on the turns.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase; long-tailed motor allows you to pass the waters where one can not go by the regular outboard motor (shallows) or even the jet (muddy and weedy areas).
