What size of motor should I get?

Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
10
I have a 14' V-hull jon boat. I am new to this and trying to find the correct set up. I know that the size of motor depends on the user and what I'm trying to accomplish. The problem is the 25hp motor is too big for me. I need to down size, but I don't know to what size. Would a 15hp or a 9.9hp be big enough? I don't want to under power the boat. I was looking at the Nissan/Tahotsu 4stroke, electric start. Any help would be great.
 

Whoopbass

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
653
Re: What size of motor should I get?

I would get the 15 hp since it will plane your boat faster and get you up to speed a lot quicker then a 9.9. Top end speed difference between a 9.9 and 15 hp is probably not more then 5 mph.
When you have extra passengers or a heavy load you will be glad you bought the 15 over the 9.9.

If you have a cheap made shallow draft boat then maybe get the 9.9 but I would go boat shopping first if that is what you have.
 

mickjetblue

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
509
Re: What size of motor should I get?

A 10hp is great for fishing and trolling, but if you want more power, then a 15 to 20
will be better suited for you. More a matter of personal preference for what you
want to do.

Good luck!
 

po1

Cadet
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
25
Re: What size of motor should I get?

I was in the same situation a couple of years back needing a new motor with electric start to make fishing easiler. Ended up going with a 2008 18hp Nissan 4stroke, electric start. Pushes my 16 jon boat with ease and idles down for slow trolling. Best money I've spent in a long time. Nothing finer then pushing a button and I'm off to my fishing holes.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: What size of motor should I get?

???I have a 14' V-hull jon boat.????? aluminum or Fglass.
 

Wee Hooker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 11, 2005
Messages
618
Re: What size of motor should I get?

The 15, 18 or 20 would be my choice hands down.
A 15 should still get you into the 18-23 MPH range when running solo and still be able to plane you with two aboard. The 10 would be marginal with 2 aboard. OF course all this depends on the overall design, weight and HP ratign of your boat and is offered as general advice for a 14' open fishing skiff.
The nissans/tohatsu/mercury 4 strokes (all the same BTW) are good motors (I have one)but not they are heavier than 2 strokes. i.e. you need a few extra horses just to cover the weight difference.
 

Zeeter

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2009
Messages
189
Re: What size of motor should I get?

Whats the boat rated for?
 

d.boat

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 19, 2008
Messages
520
Re: What size of motor should I get?

I can't tell what it is rated for. The tags are old and worn down. looks like somthing was rubbing on the tag.

two ideas for this - contact the manufacturer or use the US Coast Guard forumula for determining max. HP (maybe some one will post a link, I was able to find it a while back by searching). It is based on - I think - length, width, transom height?
 
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
10
Re: What size of motor should I get?

I am going to get a 15hp this Friday and hit the lake Saturday.
Thanks for the help.
 
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