Need help in deciding

[Trotter]

Hi, I'm a first time poster.

I'm having trouble deciding on what to get for a motor. Because of my budget and steep prices on gas powered outboards it was suggested that I look at trolling motors. I've done a ton of research and at the end of it all I'm more confused than ever. Basically, I'm working with a small budget of about $1500 tops. My plan is to purchase a 10-12 FT dinghy and attach a motor to it. With such a small budget it really limits my options.

What I want is to have a camping boat and a boat that I can use for fishing. I don't expect I'll be traveling much in a boat but some of the lakes in my area are pretty big (17 miles long) and requires some traveling by water to get to the best fishing spots. The other thing I want is complete silence when it comes to fishing. So initially it seemed like the trolling motor was the way to go. The low rumbling of a gas outboard while trolling would bother me greatly. But then I started looking into trolling motors I was taken back by how careful you have to be when it comes to battery usage and basically not too terribly impressed with the top speeds. My biggest fear is that some of the lakes have pretty strong current and that a trolling motor wouldn't be able to carry me up current very well (with a boat loaded with camping gear).

I have looked back into outboards and what I found so far in my price range is the 5HP B&S and the 2.5HP Suzuki. From what I've seen people are generally fine with the B&S except for the loud "lawnmower" noise that it makes. For traveling it would be okay, but once again I return to the trolling with an outboard point. The Suzuki seems like a good option but it's only 2.5 HP. So here are my questions:

1. Could a 40-50lb thrust trolling motor be a good option and is the thrust strong enough to travel up current in a lake? And how can I maximize the battery use if I'm out camping/fishing for 2-3 days. My friends tell me I'll likely have to take a 2nd battery but I don't like that idea at all because of the additional weight.

2. How does a 40-50lb thrust trolling motor compare to a 2.5HP outboard? I realize I'd do better with the outboard for traveling longer distances. But is there a comparison to be made here?

3. Should I even bother with the 5HP B&S and does anyone know of a muffler kit that will make it quieter?

I would really appreciate any advice. I'm so torn on what to do and I don't want to commit to something without being sure especially because of my tight budget.

Thanks.

 

[jevery]

Re: Need help in deciding

Personally I don't think there's any substitute for a gas powered outboard. The trolling motor might make a round trip 5 - 7 from your base, but I can't see trusting it to get me back from 10 or 12 miles up the lake, especially with a single battery. Then there's the question of fuel. Gas for an outboard is portable, but electricity isn't. Also, don't trolling motors cost about as much as a small outboard. The trolling motor on my boat goes for about $700, Ed's Marine Superstore sells the Suzuki 2.5 for $675. I'd definitely go with the Suzuki.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need help in deciding

Welcome to iboats!

For a camping trip a trolling motor is not really a good choice. The 12V models will not give you enough and you are almost better off rowing....... not to mention a battery is about 60-70 lbs.

I would look for a used outboard and boat combo. Right now since "we are in the midst of the boating season" they tend to bring a premium price.

A small self contained outboard will give you far better service and the battery does not go dead I have an older Johnson 9.9 and even running it is VERY quiet. Either the suzuki or Briggs & Stratton will work for you..... both fairly quiet and iboats has a good price on the B&S (you tube video of the B&S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5rifClQVZw) Here is the link to the B&S http://www.boatmotors.com/motorparts/index.cgi?pid=7854&flag=2

The smaller Suzuki is also a fine motor but with a slight breeze it will struggle..... it is about equal to a 50 lb trolling motor.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Need help in deciding

YOu can buy 12 footers w/ 5-10hp motors and trailers all day here for under a grand. I'd get a minimum of a 5hp for that size boat. I ran a 2.5 Johnson on a 12' before, great for trolling but loud and couldn't get out of it's own way. That is unless you want to keep it simple and have the fuel tank mounted on the motor then you have to go small. The 2.5's and the B&S will probably be loud, like listening to you lawn mower while you fish. I'd shop around for a motor, If you're inexperienced try local boat shops for used motors. Find a good short shaft 5-10 hp (johnson, merc,nissan ect) and you can't go wrong. Tinny's without motors are worth nothin and you can get those cheap. Just remember an electric motor requires a battery ($70) and unless you can charge it, it's only good for about a day.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Need help in deciding

In your case, I would look for a good used aluminum boat with a 6 to 9.9 motor. Then source a small electric trolling motor from craigslist or kijiji, about a 35# would be good. This would be a light enough, fast enough, quiet enough and affordable package which also gives you a backup motor to get back if you ran into trouble.BTW, welcome to the forum.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Need help in deciding

Don't be afraid to get an older OMC, in my opinion the older motors are way better than a new one.

Had a 69 9.9 that was absolutely bullet proof, I ran it for 3 years and sold it and that guy has run it for 5 years with no problems at all.

You can still get any part you need and they are easy to work on.

No way would I trust a trolling motor as my main propulsion, you should be able to get a really nice used engine for less than a good troller any how.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Need help in deciding

^^^^^^^^+1

I'd bet about 10% of the motors get used 90% of the time! There are a lot of older motors that are sitting in garages that have very little use (usually in the 250-400 range). And I'd just use oars for backup if you can. A little dingy can be rowed pretty effeciently. Do some searching on here and you'll see what to look for when you go shopping (compression, spark, shifts properly ect). And be sure to budget at least $200 to get in the water safely for PFD's, oars, extinguisher, anchor, yeah better make that $300 or find a boat that its all included in.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Need help in deciding

My opinion with that kind of money to spend would be a used "tinny" 12 to 14ft with a Johnnyrude motor. There are some deals to be had around here in that price range. Don't know about where you are though.

 

[Trotter]

Re: Need help in deciding

Thanks for the feed back.

Based on the comments I opted for a 4-stroke gas powered outboard. I was trying to decide between a 5HP Tohatsu and a 5HP Briggs. I decided to go with the Briggs because of the cost difference.

Well out of the box it doesn't run right so I probably should have gone with the Tohatsu. It runs rough and backfires and dies when the throttle opens even slightly.

In any event, reading the responses made sense to go with the gas powered outboard. It really helped to clear up some doubts on my part. Thanks.