small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

[mattdd]

i have a colman scanoe with flat transom. i want to put a motor on it and am looking for opinions on which type. either would be bought used.

gas would be 5hp. more power then trolling and a few gallons would last longer then a battery. gas would have to be registered which would be another $70ish on top of price of motor, and another 30ish every 3 years as well as property tax per year.

trolling would be much cheaper even with a new battery, and no giving the gov more money. and i would have more positioning options...i could put it on the side for more comfortable operation. but i'm concerned about power and how long it would last.

 

[JB]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

JohnnyRude 3HP and descendants with the built in tank are perfect for that application.

Canoes are a lot less fun with a battery or fuel tank cluttering up the limited space.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

There is no perfect answer to your question as they both have pros and con's, Trolling motor is easier to operate, but has limited power. Outboard is a bit more cumbersome, starting it each time you want to move, but will go far further on a small tank of fuel, and more thrust. With an outboard, if you run out of gas it's as easy as running to a gas pump, not so easy with a trolling motor.

I have a friend that uses a TM on his canoe and it works for him, he trolls the whole day on a couple batteries, like group 24's.

If you get a TM with digital technology it will go farther on the slow settings.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

What are you planning on using this craft for? Fishing, exploring, traveling to camp?

Personally, I would have both, as I primarily fish, and if that were my only boat, it would need to be versatile.

I can't see fishing without a trolling motor. Casting for most lake species, having the trolling motor to work a shoreline, or position the boat in a good spot around a dock or the likes is dang near essential. Furthermore, in my area, there are some nice electric only lakes.

Now, for the lakes that aren't electric only, as well as the rivers, I'd have the gas motor as well. Being able to run up current is a big plus (can fly solo, and not need a truck at both the put in/take out). But, the gas motor would generally be used primarily to get me places, then the electric used to fish.

Those are my uses for your boat. Tell us what you plan to do with it, and we can better make a suggestion.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

Check this out-

Wii controller, coupled to twin electric trolling motors on a canoe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viX6kC9C0Yc

Big old box in the middle of the canoe for battery storage . Neat, but kinda weird at the same time.

 

[wildspeed]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

gas would have to be registered which would be another $70ish on top of price of motor, and another 30ish every 3 years as well as property tax per year.

I don't know about MO, but in Florida, gas and/or electric/trolling engine, you need to register the vessel (canoe included)

 

[lkbum]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

Worst thing about trolling motors is the batteries are HEAVY, putting one into a canoe while the canoe is in the water might be a little tricky. I wouldn't want to leave one in a canoe if trailering and it would be difficult to pull the canoe from the water with the battery in it. Best thing about trolling motors they are quiet and instant on.

Worst thing about gas motors, starting, noise and exhaust. Best thing - No Battery, lot's more power and potentially longer range. The previous poster was correct, integral fuel tank is a must. Check out the Suzuki's on this link, the 2.5 HP is only 30lbs..... http://www.porta-bote.com/SUZUKI.htm

 

[robert graham]

Re: small gas motor vs. trolling motor for canoe

I've run a 17' aluminum canoe with a flat transom with a 3HP Tanaka air cooled 2 stroke for 25+years and it's been a great rig. You can't buy a new Tanaka in USA anymore, but they are available on E-Bay, Craig's list, etc. If I was looking to re-power, I'd check out that Honda 2HP, 4 stroke, air cooled, centrifugal clutch, 28lb. model. Years ago I thought I needed more power and bought a 4HP Yamaha, but it was heavy(48lbs.) to load and unload on the transom and the little bit of extra speed wasn't worth it, so I sold it and went back to my Tanaka 3HP(27lbs.) The Tanaka or Honda is what you need and it'll move your canoe just fine, all day on a gallon of gas. The Honda is quieter and smoother, new one was $950, probably find a good used one for less. Good Luck!