How to Build a Mud Motor Frame

Hunters who travel on marshes or shallow creeks and streams seeking waterfowl may need special equipment. Often, they must travel in a shallow-bottom boat powered by a special kind of shallow-water outboard motor known as a mud motor. Mud motor setups can be expensive, which leads some hunters to build their own mud motor frames, saving money on labor.

Things You'll Need

  • Jig
  • Welding equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mount the engine plate to the jig and square it to the frame rack, making the base for your frame.

    • 2

      Weld the support arm square to the base. It is vital to keep these two pieces square during the operation.

    • 3

      Mount the drive shaft tube. Temporarily install the bearings, drive shaft and motor to ensure proper placement. Tack weld the tube in place, then remove the bearings, seals, shaft and motor. Weld the tube to the frame, then weld the lower prop guard fin in place.

    • 4

      Weld the top prop plate and drive shaft tube support square to the frame. Reinstall the bearings and seals.

    • 5

      Sand, seal and paint the frame. You can now reinstall the bearings, drive shaft and motor.