I have a '91 Bayliner I/O mercruiser that I have converted to a bass boat. I love to bass fish but my wife loves to troll. That is nearly impossible with the main engine as the speed is too fast to work the cowbells (flashers) properly. And it is hard on the engine to kick it in and out of gear all the time. I tried trolling plates, sea anchors and 5 gallon buckets towed behind but they don't work well. In fact, Cabelas took back the Hydro troll and refunded my money.<br /><br />I would like to mount a small outboard to use for trolling and as a kicker backup. What HP do I need? Is 5 HP enough for this purpose? Sure I would like a Honda but they are $$$$. They sell a new 5 HP Briggs and Stratton 4-Stroke for about $700, has anyone tried them?<br /><br />Any advice you can give me is appreciated. This is the first time to this board as I just found it looking for small outboards.<br /><br />Are there other forum topics under which I should post this request for information?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />McPhee<br />Cortez CO
<br /><br />For slow trolling 5 hp should be adequate, but I wouldn't get the B&S. I would get a two cylinder engine. My favorite for that purpose would be a Johnson or Evinrude 6-8Hp from the 80s or early 90s for a large boat, over, say, 16'.<br /><br />For a 16' or smaller my all-time favorite kicker is a JohnnyRude 3-4.5hp. The 4 and 4.5 with gearshift or at least F-N is a wonderful, smooth, quiet, economical and dang near bulletproof little sweetheart.<br /><br />Good luck, and keep the wife happy. 
