Just a Dum Question

[mfbear]

I put this same question on a different board by mistake, so I will place it here and hope this is the correct board. Thanks, and also sorry if I did something wrong.<br />I just bought an old 14' aluminum boat that came with 18 hp Evinrude motor with steering and controls, had a 9 hp Clinton. Now I would like to know if I can or should mount both motors on boat. The transom well width is only about 36", I was thinking about mounting the 18 off center on the left side (off center), and the 9 to right with a tie bar for steering, I weight about 100 lbs. more than 18 motor. I will only be using one motor at a time, but here in Kansas sometimes you need haul you butt fast. Would this work or am I just another old aircraft worker that knows nothing about nothing? <br />Thanks

 

[magster65]

Re: Just a Dum Question

You'll have to put them on there to see if they physically fit but as for having them offset... no problem exept it'll 'dogtrack'. Any unbalance could be remedied with relocating your gas can or gear. I'd look for a smaller kicker motor that'd fit better so you could leave the bigger one in the center.

 

[mfbear]

Re: Just a Dum Question

Thanks, I thought that would happen, know how to work it from old trucks. Bought the 9 off Ebay, took a lot to unseize lower unit, don't really want to give it up. Since I have the old cable steering could I off set the center by adjusting the cable lenght to center the 18 to left?

 

[magster65]

Re: Just a Dum Question

I don't see why not, maybe check to see that the 9 (when tilted) isn't hanging in the way of the cable.

 

[mathiasmorgan]

Re: Just a Dum Question

Ok.. I just have to ask... WHY? <br />I realize you don't want to give up on one of the motors, but I don't see the point of mounting an 18 & a 9 on a 14 ft boat. Typically you have a second, smaller motor for trolling, but that 18hp should troll ok.. Just curious.. George

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Just a Dum Question

I'm a little unclear on one thing. When you say "sometimes you have to haul butt" are you implying that you would run both motors at once when needed? If so, it would probably be counter productive to run the 9 beside the 18. You have the weight and drag of the extra motor in the water, the extra torque of two motors with the same rotation (most motors run in tandum have opposite rotations)and since you would probably be moving faster that what the 9 is capable of it would probably provide very little contribution. If you just want it as a troller, pick up or make a kicker bracket and mount it off to one side out of the way. Make sure it will tilt "clear" of the water when not in use.

 

[mfbear]

Re: Just a Dum Question

Thanks again for your input. I will only be running one engine at a time. Just thought the 9 would handle the trolling for long periods better than the 18. Have been looking at the idea of a kicker mount. Now I am trying to figure out the tie bar system.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Just a Dum Question

A 9hp motor weight is about 59lbs which is the same as a 5 or 6 hp gas motor. The only difference is the bore/stroke.<br />So if you were looking for a true trolling motor that is light and only used for Auxilliary or trolling, a very small electric or tiny 3-4 hp would be better. Just mount it off centre and have it hanging when main motor is in use.