canoe outboard motor

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rob88bw

Recruit
Joined
Aug 8, 2002
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3
I own a 17' Sylvan canoe. I do a lot of paddling on small rivers. I'd like to know what type of motor I can use with this craft and where I can find a good deal on one. Keep in mind that this motor must be quite mobile because as river depths fluctuate quite a bit, there are times when I need to pull the prop out of the water ASAP. I am open to suggestions about either gas or electric powered motors. Thanks.
 
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ms5712

Cadet
Joined
Jul 18, 2002
Messages
10
Re: canoe outboard motor

i got a 16' old town and i use a 32lb thrust trolling motor. it gets you going about as fast as you could paddle. but eliminates the paddling which i like.
 
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gregpro50

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 8, 2002
Messages
95
Re: canoe outboard motor

I have a '17 aluminum canoe. I use a gas Gamefisher 1.75hp motor that works great and is very light. It has all kinds of power and will push the canoe pretty fast. The only drawback is that it is quite noisey. These motors go for pretty cheap on Ebay and would probably not cost too much to ship because of their weight.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: canoe outboard motor

River Rats,<br /><br />I have a 17' Michicraft and a 17' Aerocraft. Both are aluminum with square sterns.<br /><br />I have used the the trusty Lightwin (Evinrude) 3 hp. on both and have on occasion used a Johnson 6 hp. Both canoes are rated for 6.<br /><br />If you have a double ender, you'll need to use a bracket. Most of these brackets are rated for 3 hp. max.<br /><br />I would look for an older 2 or 3 hp. Johnson or Evinrude. The 3's especially were great motors, lightweight, easy to maintain and tough. Some had a weedless lower unit that would ride up over stumps, etc. The 3 will run all day on a quart of fuel and the 3's are twin cylinders so they are smooth and quiet.<br /><br />I see these engines on e-bay quite frequently and the go for about $200.00.
 
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brother chris

Commander
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Jul 28, 2002
Messages
2,063
Re: canoe outboard motor

Hey, I got a 7.5 Gamefisher as a kicker on my 16 ft fiberglass. But the point is it weighs about 20 lbs max. It also pushes my 10 fiberglass like stink. <br />It also only cost me $60.(a guy needed money).<br /> I'd say buy a gas motor if you don't mind the noise coming from it. Bear in mind you will have to have a gas can in the canoe, so that will take up space. I guess with an electric motor you will have to have a battery, so the same amount of space will be taken.<br />You will have better pick-up from a gas motor.... <br /> Good luck and happy boating... :cool:
 
sloopy

sloopy

Captain
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Jul 12, 2002
Messages
3,000
Re: canoe outboard motor

I just found a 3hp evnrude at a gargae sail for 5 bucc!s
 
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brother chris

Commander
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Jul 28, 2002
Messages
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Re: canoe outboard motor

Nice job Sloopy... :) Some people just don't know what things are worth...
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: canoe outboard motor

Howdy, Rats.<br /><br />I agree with the guys above. A 1.5 to 3hp gas outboard would fill the bill. The smaller, the noisier. <br /><br />That 3hp 'Rude that Sloopy has is a very smooth and quiet engine, and I believe it has a shallow water foot on it. One like it (Johnson or Evinrude) would be an excellent choice. <br /><br />An electric is very light and easy to use, but requires a heavy, cumbersome battery.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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rob88bw

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Aug 8, 2002
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Re: canoe outboard motor

Thanks to all of you folks!<br /><br />This is my 1st day checking out this very cool site for all-things-floatable. I did not expect such quick replies to my little canoe question.<br /><br />No, my canoe does not have a square stern, so I will be using a bracket. If I understand you guys correctly, a smaller gas motor [@1.75hp] will be louder [and less powerful] than a larger one [@3hp]? If that's so, then, duh---I guess I need to find a 3hp motor and a bracket, eh?<br /><br />Sloopy, would you take $7.50 for that little motor? Just kidding. No, really!--- OK, $8.50?<br /><br />I'm still open to the electric idea though.<br /><br />BUT---either way, here is the tough part for me. Sometimes when out on the river, if the water table is down, I will have to get out and walk my canoe over places where the water is only inches deep [when the water table is up, these spots can carry a foot or more of water and all is well]. I need to be able to yank this motor's prop out of harm's way at a moment's notice. Are there set-ups for bracket-mounted motors that are safe in shallow water? Is that what you meant by "weedless lower units", djohns19?<br /><br />Thanks again, folks, for your help so far. I'm still learning and this site looks like a good place for me to gain knowledge from your vast collective experience.<br /><br />Would you take $9.50, Sloopy?<br /><br /> :eek: )
 
sloopy

sloopy

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Messages
3,000
Re: canoe outboard motor

WHY DOES EVERY ONE WANT MY MOTOR???!!!
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: canoe outboard motor

River Rats,<br /><br />Yes, the lower unit is at an angle. In other words, the prop thrust is angled downward instead of straight back.<br /><br />I have lifted the little 3 many a time (if it didn't lift itself) when approaching a snag.<br /><br />The trick is to leave the tilt tube tension bolt on the loose side.<br /><br />My (actually I restored it and gave it back to my dad) little Evin. 3 is of the fold up type and stores in a nifty carrying case when not in use.<br /><br />The folding units can be had for about $100.00 more than the non folding.<br /><br />By the way, I have also used the 3 on brackets on rental canoes. It works just fine.<br /><br />Also, OMC made a 4 hp. in later years that had the weedless lower unit. The 4 hp. were made in the seventies and the 3's were made in the late fifties and sixties. I think (IMO) the older 3's were better built.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
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Messages
45,907
Re: canoe outboard motor

That little OMC 3hp was one of the best small engines ever made, Sloopy, by anyone.<br /><br />Sort of the Deuce coupe of outboards. Smooth and quiet (for an outboard), easy to service, light weight, etc., etc.<br /><br />Please lose the cricket. :)
 
S

Squeakit

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 1, 2002
Messages
216
Re: canoe outboard motor

Boy have I got a motor for you (except I don't really want to sell it yet). Its a 2000 model Yamaha 2hp that weighs 22 lbs and has its own gas tank which will run for about 1 hour at WOT - I ran around all day today with a heavily loaded 12 foot aluminum boat with my wife and I and a very full picknic basket on slightly more than 2/3 gal of gas. It's not real fast, but it would probably push a canoe like crazy. I also have a little Evinrude 3hp lightwin which is definitely a sweetheart of a motor, but requires an external tank and is a lot heavier than the little Yammy. For lite weight and convienience, the little Yamaha can't be beat.
 
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Merc Man1635

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Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
28
Re: canoe outboard motor

if you are looking for a light weight motor that is durable...they dont make them anymore, but the Tanaka engines that are like 2.5 HP cant be beat...i saw one at a garage sale that was $15.00!!!!!
 
R

rob88bw

Recruit
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Aug 8, 2002
Messages
3
Re: canoe outboard motor

Thanks some more, gang.<br /><br />I like the idea of an internal gastank, Squeakit---especially with the limited space in a canoe. Anybody else have experience with this motor [2000 Yamaha 2hp]? Even though it's a newer model, will it be much louder than a 3hp? I just started this search today [for my 1st boat motor ever]---point me in the right direction. <br /><br />I have started checking some ads out. Is this one worth a closer look?<br />__________________________<br />"""40's or 50's evinrude lightwin model 3026 or 3027 3hp quiet horsepower good condition also have owners manual"""<br />[no price given yet]<br />__________________________<br /><br />Here's another question:<br />How much is too much? The plate in my canoe specifies capacity [4 persons] and weight [730lbs including gear] but does not mention hp limits. If I come across a great deal on a bigger motor, can my 17' canoe [w/bracket mount] handle more power [and weight/bulk] than a 3hp motor? If so, how much more? 4hp? 5hp? 6hp?<br /><br />Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, but I'm new at this stuff. I've learned a lot already today, but welcome all input. Thanks.
 
H

hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: canoe outboard motor

Have you looked at a Honda 2.These engines are air cooled, very light,and because they are air cooled can be lifted out of the water while running with no ill effects,or mounted on that bracket as high as you would like to go.Djohns will tell you they are noisy but they are not.Even availble with centrifugal clutch for your added shear pin protection.Four stroke so no mixed fuel or smoke.Great canoe engine.
 
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Greg Lawrence

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 18, 2002
Messages
263
Re: canoe outboard motor

btw you may have to register your canoe and put numbers on it just like any other vessel powered by a motor (elec or gas). Most states are the same on that one.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: canoe outboard motor

River Rats,<br /><br />By the way, most of the OMC 3's had an integral tank, they held just shy of a quart.
 
O

one more cast

Captain
Joined
May 6, 2002
Messages
3,143
Re: canoe outboard motor

i use an OLD royal 1.5 hp direct drive on my 17 foot alum. canoe with a home made bracket and i wouldn't want to go any faster in shallow water.these old motors can be found at garage sales for under $50.but usally need some tinkering.
 
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HowieDean

Seaman
Joined
Jun 28, 2002
Messages
66
Re: canoe outboard motor

If a new motor is within your budget.. go to a Honda dealer and look at their little 2hp Four stroke... This has to be the neatest little motor ever made....
 
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