New to boating

[AZMinyard]

I recently bought a 1971 Chrysler 12? V-bottom with a 15? transom and overall weight limit of 555lbs. It came with a little trolling motor and not much else.

I am looking at getting a little outboard for it so that my step-son and I can get around the lakes at something higher than walking speed. He?s 8 and has not yet learned to enjoy the ride, no matter how slow, and would really like something faster.

I have a line on a Johnson 6r74C for $200. The owner states that the plastic fuel screen needs replaced, but that it has new plugs and good compression. He also states that it is a long shaft motor.

Not knowing much about boats other than they are ?a hole in the water to throw your money in? I have a couple questions:

1. Is the 6R74C a ?good? motor?
2. Is a long shaft motor appropriate for my boat? Is too long ok and too short not ok?
3. Will me at 245 and this motor at 50(?) point the nose of the boat to the sky?
4. I know the boat is rated for 7.5 hp, is this motor too close to the top of its range?
5. The boat is light enough that I can haus it around my myself in the back of my truck ? am I looking to make things difficult by adding this motor to the mix?
6. What range of top end speeds am I looking at with this thing?
7. If a tank and lines aren?t included, what other expenses am I looking at?

Thanks again!

 

[JB]

Re: New to boating

The 6R74 is a very good little engine, and about the right power for your 12' tinny, but...

You need one with a short (15") shaft. Using a long shaft engine would be like shoes that don't fit. It would work, but be hard to handle and prone to hitting underwater debris.

One possibility is to go ahead and buy the engine and convert it to a short shaft by swapping parts with someone who needs a long shaft 6, but that is a long shot.

Hold out for a short shaft engine. . .3 to 7.5HP, with JohnnyRude 5.5 and 6 as first choices.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: New to boating

1. Is the 6R74C a ?good? motor?
2. Is a long shaft motor appropriate for my boat? Is too long ok and too short not ok?
3. Will me at 245 and this motor at 50(?) point the nose of the boat to the sky?
4. I know the boat is rated for 7.5 hp, is this motor too close to the top of its range?
5. The boat is light enough that I can haus it around my myself in the back of my truck ? am I looking to make things difficult by adding this motor to the mix?
6. What range of top end speeds am I looking at with this thing?
7. If a tank and lines aren?t included, what other expenses am I looking at?

1. All the 6hp Johnsons and Evinrudes are excellent outboards.
2. You need a short shaft outboard for that boat.
3. You will want to move some weight forward in your boat. Put the fuel tank up front, along with any other gear. I made a box that moved the folding seat in my boat up towards the bow a little, and that helped, too. If you're going to keep the trolling motor on the boat, move the battery up front, too.
4. The 6hp is just about perfect for your boat.
5. The 6hp motors are light enough to carry easily, so just put it in the truck, next to the boat, or on cushions in the boat when transporting in the bed of your truck.
7. I have a 6hp Johnson on my 12' aluminum boat, with the weight redistributed as I mentioned. It planes the boat and runs about 15 mph. I weigh about 190.
8. A new poly tank, fitings, and hoses will set you back about $40-50.

Do hold out for a short shaft engine. There are usually a bunch of 6hp outboards for sale. Make sure the one you buy runs well when you get it. The prices range from about $300-500 in my area for good-running ones. If they're later than 1990, the price goes up to $600-800.