Wrong Motor or Wrong Boat? warning - incessant rambling

[dthrckt]

I've got a 16ft Arkansas traveler (aluminum v that tapers quickly to pretty flat).

I've got a 1957 evinrude 35hp that starts easy, runs well and is converted to fuel pump. I'm embarrassed to admit I've got $625 into it (including a brand new tank and two parts motors, one of which is electric start).

Is this way too much motor for the boat? I don't mind the hp, since you don't HAVE to use it, but a lighter motor that uses less gas might be prudent. I gather I'd lose ~40lbs if I went to a vintage 18 hp, and I'd probably use half the gas.

The boat will be used for fishing Central NY and the Adirondacks. After a recent trip to Oneida Lake (22 miles long, 5 miles wide) I've started to think I should have gone with a deep-V.

So, I'm going nuts trying to decide what to do (on a limited budget)
1. sell both and hunt for a deep-v w/ motor
2. sell the boat, find a deep-v w/ no motor and use the bigtwin
3. stay with what I've got (and avoid the bigger lakes)
4. find a smaller motor...

If I go to a Deep-V it would be like the 18' Blue Fin w/ side console and midship windshield I just saw on craigslist

Would 35hp be sufficient?

 

[JB]

Re: Wrong Motor or Wrong Boat? warning - incessant rambling

Neither wrong boat nor wrong outboard. They are pretty well matched (35 might be a bit much for that 16' tinny). Your problem is wrong owner.

You would be happier with a different boat and motor. Get this rig to a right owner and become the right owner for a different rig.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Wrong Motor or Wrong Boat? warning - incessant rambling

Remember that there's give and take between flat bottom and V. Your traveler is built much like my Klamath and they are a great fishing platform. But they do not ride as smooth or fast as a V-hull. I like the flat bottom with kids because of the stable platform and they can move around a bit without rocking the boat to much.

 

[dthrckt]

Re: Wrong Motor or Wrong Boat? warning - incessant rambling

Remember that there's give and take between flat bottom and V. Your traveler is built much like my Klamath and they are a great fishing platform. But they do not ride as smooth or fast as a V-hull. I like the flat bottom with kids because of the stable platform and they can move around a bit without rocking the boat to much.

that's true - i had a 14' closed bow aluminum with a bigtwin - it had more of a V and coupled w/ the forward seating was a better match for the motor. I thought my traveler was a good compromise between a bigger lake type boat and a river/bass boat but i think i'll take JB's advice and get a different rig. There's just so many bigger lakes around here to fish.