Looking For More Information On River Jons

[Whiteriver]

The weight of the boat plays a very important role in speed and running depth. The fiberglass Supremes and shawnees also contain very bouyant balsa in the hull. The rocker in both also contribute to the boats running in water other boats can't. You can distribute the weight in both and you can't believe how shallow they will run. Also, the plaining board on the bottom of the boats assist in the boat getting up and remaining on plane. Look at the back of the boat and there will be a water channel--this allows water to be funneled to the prop so the motor doesn't cavitate and blow out.

[frozennortherner]

I guess it's all in the boat but my 12' Duranautic v bottom with fishing gear and two small adults and a kid will in no way ever reach plane with my 9.8. If a flat bottom will make that much difference I guess I need to get one.

Not sure what is wrong, i have seen similar rigs going nearly 20 per around where I am. Someone on craigslist a long while ago had a 12 footer and was selling his 7.5 after one use because he was scared of its speed. possibly relevant was my 4 hp johnson 2 stroke on a 10 foot jon boat once was little faster than my trolling motor and showed no symptoms of malfunction save slow speed and emptying its internal tank in under a mile, but with carb cleaner and careful adjustment of the needles it went at a very good clip. Does the motor smoke even after being warmed up or have any thing odd about it. Im sorry if I am underestimating your skills or knowledge, I'm sure you know what you are doing and I admit I don't have the full story. there just has to be something wrong with a 9.8 that won't plane a 12 footer it doesn't feel right.

Also a flat bottom isnt needed for speed with a small motor. My 14 foot wagemaker wolverine is built like a battleship; cast ribs, big heavy castings at the corners, large overlapping seams with rivets in a zigzag, very thick skin, beam over 5 feet. With 2 men both over 200 lb, planed with an air cooled 5 horse

I have proof here fast forward to 32 sec if you in a hurry and aren't interested in seeing blue herons. I'm the one holding the camera.

the prior owner hinted there was something special about the motor, and I noticed it needs to warm up on half choke even in summer, if you remove choke too early it stalls, even if I didn't need to use the primer bulb at all. I have a slight suspicion it isn't a 5 horse anymore. Got it cheap off craiglist, $300 but i had to drive an hour each way and no warranty. But I'm not complaining, a souped up 4 stroke for 3 bills isn't something that happens everyday.