12 foot flat bottom motor size

[johnson seahorse]

hi what i have s an old grumman 12 foot flat bottom about a 15 inch high stern would an older 5.5johnson be to heavy or to much motor for this boat im thinking about going with a 3 horse were i just want the boat for fishing but 5 horse motorsseem to be easyer to get up here i know were i can get an old 10 horse scott but i know its to heavy and i have heard there not a very good motor and hard to get parts for but i never had a flat bottom before any help would be nice
thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

The 5.5 would not be too heavy. I wouldn't put more than 8HP on that boat anyway.

I agree that 3-4HP JohnnyRudes are pure gold in the market. Great engines, but having F-N-R on the 5.5 is a big plus with me.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

totally agree

 

[JCF350]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

I use a 12' Gamefisher with a '76 4hp weedless. Pushes the boat fine with just me trolling motor, battery and gear. Add a buddy and it really could use a 6hp.

 

[johnson seahorse]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

thanks guys this has been helpfull im pretty sure in gona start with the 3 i know were i can get a 1957 model localy for 200.00 if it dont work out i will look for a 5 1/2 seahorse

 

[Boatist]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

I would go with a 15 hp or at least a 9.9. Both weigh 74 pounds in a short shaft and will idle down to about .5 miles per hour.
If you need to get in the 15 will plane that boat and do about 18 miles per hour.

 

[JCF350]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

I would go with a 15 hp or at least a 9.9. Both weigh 74 pounds in a short shaft and will idle down to about .5 miles per hour.
If you need to get in the 15 will plane that boat and do about 18 miles per hour.

Sure you thinking of the same boat?
http://www.marathonboat.com/otisco_specs.asp

 

[Boatist]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

JCF350
No this is the boat I was thinking of but it looks like it is only rated for 6 HP in the 12 footer. I would not recomend exceeding the MaX HP.

http://www.marathonboat.com/seneca.asp

 

[JCF350]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

referring back to the OP I think you had the right boat. I gots Jon boats on the brain

 

[johnson seahorse]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

mine is the vnose model i got a 4 horse johnny 1970s realy cheap had it on the water sunday for the first time flat bottoms dont feel very stable i may go looking for a small v hull

 

[Boatist]

Re: 12 foot flat bottom motor size

A flat bottom is more stable than a V Hull. It does not ride as well but it is more stable.
What makes small boats unstable is weight. The 12 foot I pictures weighs 121 pounds. Put a 200 pound guy in there on one side landing a fish and you have 260 on one side of center and 60 pounds on the other side of center trying to balance. So the boat will be very out of balance and could turn over. Also the boat is only 55 inches wide.

V hull is more stable than a round bottom.