Ok guys, I'm thinking I really need to buy one of those short shaft beavertail for my job boat. I know nothing about them. Can anyone with experience tell me what to look for and what to stay away from. And possibly where to get one.

I have a Go-Devil 35 hp surface drive. Set it up on an Alweld 1752 jon. Prior to this I ran a 20 hp Go-Devil longtail on an Alumacraft 1542 jon.
Regarding the surface drives, Go-Devil units do not offer a reverse, which typically run about $2k more on other brands of motors that do offer reverse. I'm perfectly fine with oars, always have been. To each their own I reckon. I really like my motor, get some stares and occasional questions at gas stations and boat landings.

Thought I'd check in with Go-Devil after my post and sure enough, they now offer reverse on select motor units.

I live on the river and have had about every type of long tail made over the last 20+ years. I have settled on the SPS Swamp runner. Not sure where your at in NE but Fungi on Tman is a dealer for them and lives in Arlington. He can help you match HP and model to your boat. He sells kits and complete motors.

Thanks, I will try and look him up.

Do you happen to know the name of his business, I can’t find anything on dealers in Arlington. Thanks

Took a bit, but I got ahold of him. Just what I'm looking for. Thanks.

Oh shoot! I thought you were the one who PM'd me and I gave the info to. It was another member that read the post, I assumed it was you and never checked the user name. Sorry to leave ya hanging!