Gator-Tail Boats

Gator Tail's new surface drive motors with reverse.

This Louisiana-based company manufactures surface drive engines in two sizes: 23 horsepower and 35 horsepower. New for 2008 are tiller handles containing all functions, including trim and forward and reverse gears.

Gator-Tail is the only manufacturer with a reverse gear on its mud motors. In the past the controls were engaged electrically and hydraulically with a switch on the engine and another on the handle. Now everything will be positioned on the handle for maximum ease of operation. The reverse gear has a specific gear ratio that limits the propulsion in reverse, keeping speeds in check and passengers safe. Also new this year is performance-enhancing kits containing carburetors, mufflers, intake manifolds and performance head porting.

Gator Tail manufactures 10 different boat models in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 feet and with widths of 40 to 60 inches. For 2008 all have modular interior boxes that can be added or removed as seasons change. Also new is the Gator Grass camouflage, which matches the cattails of the Midwest and the marsh grass of the South.