Repowering question

[mesajeeper]

I have a 16' Lund basic aluminum boat. Part of the year we fish for trout in lakes with 10 hp motor limits. The problem is I can't troll with my 2 stroke 10 hp without fowling the plugs. I have an electric trolling motor that works well as long as the battery is strong. The wind can kick up rather quickly and I have struggled to get back to the launch with just the trolling motor. Probably a small thing to most of you, but I hate the clutter of having the 10hp motor, with gas tank and the trolling motor with battery in the boat. I am considering scrapping it all and going with a Honda 2hp gas motor with built in gas tank. I am not looking to zoom across the lake at any speed, but rather would like to be able to troll all day if I want yet still be able to get back to the launch without worry. Am I expecting too much from the Honda 2hp? I realized i will need to bring an extra gas can. Is a 16' Lund too large for a 2hp motor? I am not worried about speed, but will it be too much stress on the motor?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Repowering question

It would troll perfect all day.
The thing that worries me though is if the wind did pick up.If your Lunds a semi V,it can catch alot of air and you might not make it back to the launch(might be dangerous).
How strict are they about having a 2hp as a kicker and the 10hp for getting back to the launch?
The 2hp is pretty light,just put it on when you want to troll and take it off when using your 10hp.
I know 10hp 4 strokes are pretty pricey but they don't seem to mind trolling all day either...

 

[roscoe]

Re: Repowering question

You should be able to troll with the 10 hp if it is tuned properly and the oil is mixes properly. Would help to use 100% synthetic as well. you are likely to foul plugs if the carb is set too rich, or the oil is mixed heavy, or the thermostat is stuck open, or the plugs are gapped wrong.


A 2 hp should get you around the lake all right.

But I would suggest going bigger, 4 or 5 hp, with forward, neutral, and reverse, for about the same price.

I bought a 2006 ? 4 hp Merc 2 stroke and can troll with it for 10-11 hours, on 3 quarts of gas. Never fouled any plugs.

 

[efdog]

Re: Repowering question

If you get the Honda, just keep in mind that it's an air cooled motor and loud for a 4 stroke. They have a centifugal clutch, so ideally you can twist the throttle into "neutral", although mine stalls a lot (could need a bit of tuning). It is VERY light

 

[lncoop]

Re: Repowering question

I don't think you'll be happy with a two horse. I use a little 2.5 on my flat back canoe and can't imagine depending on it to get a fourteen foot john boat home in the wind, much a less a heavy sixteen foot Lund. It would be fine for trolling, but I advise against depending on it as your primary motor. Why not sell the ten horse and put that money toward a bigger four stroke?

 

[mesajeeper]

Re: Repowering question

Thanks all for the help. I have a question...How does the 2hp Honda compare to a 40lb thrust electric trolling motor? Often we leave the 10hp motor at home and just bring the trollling motor. I would like to know how the 2hp motor compares to the 40lb thrust trolling motor on full charge.

Thanks for the suggestion of selling my 10hp 2 stroke and putting the money towards a larger 4 stroke. Not a bad idea, I just love the idea of the 2hp's integrated gas tank thus eliminating the need for hoses etc. Would you recommend a Honda 5hp or another brand? My Johnson 10hp has always been pretty good to me. Maybe I should look at Johnsons too? Also, any idea what I should sell my 1976 Johnson 10hp for?

Thanks again for all the sound recommendations.

 

[JB]

Re: Repowering question

Ahoy, Jeeper. There is no good reason why your Johnny 10 can't troll all day and not foul your plugs.

Post your problems with it in the JohnnyRude forum. You may be using the wrong spark plugs or need a link 'n' synch.

Good luck.

 

[smclear]

Re: Repowering question

Thanks all for the help.
Not a bad idea, I just love the idea of the 2hp's integrated gas tank thus eliminating the need for hoses etc.

In your first post, you mentioned you knew you would need an additional tank. How are you getting the gas from the second tank into the integrated one?

 

[mesajeeper]

Re: Repowering question

In your first post, you mentioned you knew you would need an additional tank. How are you getting the gas from the second tank into the integrated one?

I was just going to bring a small maybe one gallon gas can and add gas to the outboard if/when needed.

 

[mesajeeper]

Re: Repowering question

Can anyone comment on the comparison between a 2hp and a 40lb thrust motor? Is there a way to convert HP to thrust or visa versa?

 

[smclear]

Re: Repowering question

I was just going to bring a small maybe one gallon gas can and add gas to the outboard if/when needed.

That's what I inferred. I don't think you really want to try and transfer fuel openly like that on the water. One wrong wave, burst of wind, etc. and you could have a spill. The whole point of my question is the integrated tank might not be so great a feature if you have to add gas on the water. Best, imo, to go with a larger engine with external tank and sorry to say, a proper fuel hose. With that, you have no worries to get in the way of enjoying the day.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Repowering question

Can anyone comment on the comparison between a 2hp and a 40lb thrust motor? Is there a way to convert HP to thrust or visa versa?

To me there is no comparison,each has it's own place.
A 2hp or even a 4hp will be just as light(if you are talking battery or ies),troll as long as you have fuel and faster if you need to get back.
No charging the a gas motor but there is maintaince.
Electrics are quieter,good for "bass" type fishing or resorvoirs where gas isn't aloud.
I'm not even to sure if those small electrics should be run for hours on end at wide open,striper or trout fishing.
For me ,long hours trolling=gas....on/off,bass type fishing with shorter runs elctrics are perfect.