small 4stroke on aluminum jon boat?

[yater]

I have to wait through the long weekend so I'm still trying to decide. I'm still considering the merc program motor from iboats, the new 9.8 tohatsu, and possibly a 9.9 yamaha 2stroke (although the price isn't very attractive). Does anyone run a 9.8 or similar 4stroke on an aluminum flatbottom? I just can't get over their pricing and free shipping....and I like the idea of a "new" motor for just $100 more than a used 2stroke. Anyone?

 

[AJ168]

Re: small 4stroke on aluminum jon boat?

A 2-stroke has the advantage over the 4-stroke weight-wise. This is pretty important for a small aluminum boat. On my 12ft flatbottom I run a '64 Johnson 5.5 Seahorse. It planes the boat, even with 2 guys in it. My top speed was around 18mph with one person in it. Also, 2 guys can easily lift the boat, even with the motor on the transom.

 

[ratracer]

Re: small 4stroke on aluminum jon boat?

AJ168 is right about most ~9.9HP 4 strokes being way heavier than their 2 stroke counterparts although the Tohatsu is an exception. As an example my Johnson 9.9 2 stroke weights 74 lbs, the 15" shaft Tohatsu weighs 81.5 lbs. I guess it would depend if one considered 10%/7.5 lbs enough to be considered significant. <br /><br />I have a Tohatsu 9.8 (longshaft) as well, but I use it as the kicker on my fishing boat so I can't comment on the performance would be on a small flatbottom. So far, I'm very happy with it except that that I find the Tohatsu service manual lacking when compared to my OMC ones.