Canoe Outboards...

[JustJason]

Not sure if this is the best area to post this but here it goes.
I've been wanting a 1hp outboard for my canoe for a while. My parts guy just took in one the other day in trade, he hadn't looked at it yet but said it was complete and was told it runs. For 20 bucks it was mine... With a money back garuntee... so how can I go wrong.... right?
Actually I do thousands of dollars worth of business with this guy so I trust him.
But after I picked it up and took it home, what I actually got was a Tanaka 3hp.
My concern now is it's to much motor. I know... a boaters nightmare right
Has anybody here had experience with gas outboards on non flat backed canoes?
I have a 17ft old town. I fish in my lake with my brother. We are both about 200lbs. Does anybody think that this will be to much motor? I'm worried about flipping myself.
Also, does anybody have any experience with the old town motor mounts? I do have one that i've hung a trolling motor off of. I know i'll have to beef it up for the outboard. But i'm wondering if I should just make my own mount and through bolt it through the side of the canoe instead. Ideas??
Thanks all,
JJ

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Canoe Outboards...

I'd say you got yourself a great deal on a reasonably sized canoe motor. I have a 1.2hp Aquabug but I haven't gotten it running yet to try out on a canoe.

3hp shouldn't be too much as most canoes are rated for 5hp outboards. If you take it slow when throttling then you should be fine as far as balance goes. Let us know if you get that thing running...good luck to you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Canoe Outboards...

motor weighs 30 lbs +- should be no problem.

 

[marquette]

Re: Canoe Outboards...

i run a 2hp johnson on my 17ft alumacraft canoe and it works fine for going from place to place but will not go slow enough to troll. just not enough weight or drag to slow it down enough on the canoe. it trolls my 12 boat fine.

 

[lmifl]

Re: Canoe Outboards...

I have run a Cruise and Carry 2.7 hp weights 19 lbs. on a 15 foot canoe no problem.

You should be good to go.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Canoe Outboards...

My dad has run a 2 hp Johnson on his fibreglass canoe with an ouboard bracket. He says it works best when he puts 20 or 30 pounds of water jugs up front when running alone but otherwise it's great. On his square stern Grumman he runs a 5 hp Yammy and she steps pretty lively to be sure.

The big issue to watch for on double-ended canoes is the offset weight of the motor.