old Yamaha/Mariner 2A 2 cycle 2 HP. Enough for a square stern Canoe?

[777funk]

I just picked up one of these for $100. I'm hoping it works as it should when we get it into the river. Will this be enough to push a wide square stern 15' Fiberglass canoe?

If I need more (just need enough to go upstream about 5 MPH or so), is there anything I can do to give it a little more pep? i.e. port and polish etc?

 

[robert graham]

I've run a 3HP Tanaka on my 17 ft. square stern aluminum canoe for 30+ years now and it's sufficient power and speed.....your 15 ft. Should be fine with the 2 HP motor....if speed is really important consider rigging a tiller extension out of PVC pipe that will allow you to move your big heavy butt a foot or so forward, helping with the weight balance....I don't do that but I do add some weight up in the bow to help the balance....cement blocks/sandbags, gear, etc. All help

 

[777funk]

Good idea on moving things forward. I may also rig a throttle control forward a bit so I can control it. I'm pretty light weight so I may not effect it much. The canoe however is not. I'd guess it weighs a good 225+ lbs which I consider heavy for a canoe.

 

[robert graham]

Yep, 225 seems a bit heavy....my 17 ft. Aluminum canoe is about 85 lbs....again, that 2HP will move it but not very fast....if the rig is balanced up nicely you'll get better speed/performance.