what size motor should I use?

[ricka58]

I recently purchased the sea-eagle sr-14 (14' 2" 187lbs) to fish on high altitude lakes here in New Mexico and I'm not hauling alot of gear or more than two people so I'm estimating that the total weight of the craft (with a 20 hp motor) will be around 850lbs. My question is can I get by with a 4-stroke 9.9 hp motor or should I invest the extra money and get the 4-stroke 20 hp if I'm not terribly interested in speed?

 

[lester]

Re: what size motor should I use?

Rick, to help answer you question I need some information. Are you trailering the boat, cartopping it inflated, or planning on inflating it everytime at the the lake? Also, you stated that your estimated weight would be 850, but is that the weight with your cargo, the boat, fuel and persons? Also you said you weren't terribly interested in speed, but what range were you looking for? Anyways, to generally answer your question without this information, you could probably get away with a 9.9, but just. If you wanted to use a 9.9HP I would recommend some type of planning performance device(lifters, smart tabs)...it will really help. You would probably take awhile to get the boat on a plane with this small of a motor, and personally I would go with the 20HP if the weight of the motor isn't an issue, that way you will have some reserve power in case you need to get back to shore quickly or had more passengers.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: what size motor should I use?

but with the 20 you cannot fish hp restricted lakes.

 

[ricka58]

Re: what size motor should I use?

Thanks guys,

As far as I know none of the lakes I've fished on have any HP restrictions so I'll probably be ok. As far as transporting, my pick-up has an over-the cab utility rack that I''m planning to carry the fully inflated boat with and the motor's going in the back of the truck. The 850 lbs is total weight, boat, fuel, gear and persons. My real concern is wrestling with a heavy motor every time I put the boat in the water. Honda makes the lightest 20 hp (108 lbs) but there's nobody in town that does warranty work on anything other than Mercury which weighs 122lbs. I'm in good shape for 50 yrs old, and I could do it now, but I'm not getting any younger.....

 

[kandil]

Re: what size motor should I use?

9.9 should work fine if you are concern about the weight you should get a 2 stroke motor 15 HP will be better the rule is 70% of the recommended max HP by your boat manufacture but it does not heart to have the extra HP when you need it

 

[jspringator]

Re: what size motor should I use?

Look around on Craigslist or ebay for a pre 1976 or older 20 or 25 hp Johnson/Evinrude. 85 pounds.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: what size motor should I use?

The 9.9 will not plane the boat with 2 people. It will plane it out with one very light person and little or no gear. 15hp is the bare minimum for 2 people on a 14 footer, but you'll be much better off with the 20.

 

[lester]

Re: what size motor should I use?

Rick, now that I know what your setup is, I can hopefully offer some help. First off, do you have an opposition to a two stroke motor? If not, I can assure you that this is the way you want to go if you are going to be putting the motor on and off the boat every time you use it. Ask anybody who uses inflatables and installs the motor every time. Also for those posted weights of the four stroke motors, keep in mind that the advertised weight is often the "dry weight" of the motor, no lower unit oil, no oil for the four stroke's holding chamber, so when they have oil, they are going to weigh more. I can tell you I am in my 20's and putting on and taking off my 107 lb Yamaha 25hp two stroke is a PITA. The weight really isn't too much, it is the awkward angle you have to position your back to put the motor on correctly, you will be asking for a herniated disk or lower back injury in no time unless you are squatting 250 lbs right now and in great shape. My father is 52, and in decent shape, but I would never want him attempting something like this alone more than once or twice. Like you said, you aren't getting any younger. I would really have to recommend based on your situation, getting the Yamaha 2 stroke 15hp motor. Only about 79lbs and enough power to get you and all gear on a plane, plus you can probably still find one new or slightly used...I know in my area the 2007's aren't too hard to find new. Since you will be laying the motor down in the back of your truck every time a two stroke will already be a better option just for transport regardless. I have seen four stroke manufactures' post that their motors can only be transported upright and others' say it can be layed down "carefully". Anyways going with a two stroke will definitely help your back out. If your lakes are four stroke restricted, then this will not be an option. You stated earlier that you will have another person with you when you go fishing, so if this is the type of friend who can help you carry/load/unload the motor every time then the Honda 20hp is the way to go over the 9.9, I can promise you that a little reserve power will really put your mind at ease when on the water.