Motor Selection..1987 Shawnee

[TwinSprings]

Purchased a 1987 Shawnee a few weeks ago and would like some input on motor selection, in particular size.

The boat is in excellent condition but needs something to make it go. The boat is the same dimensions as the current Shawnee Classic, 41in interior width, 53in beam, 20'6 length. The boat has the raised wooden mount offset on the transom. My first inclination is a 9.9 short shaft but I have a couple of leads on good used 20 and 25hp motors. I definitely don't want to go too big. How do these boats handle with a larger motor at speed? Not new to boats but new to this particular boat. This boat will be used on the White.

Appreciate your sage advice.

[gotmuddy]

IMO, unless you fish 3 people all the time, the 9.9 will be your best bet. expect a strong 9.9 to push that boat about 15mph. a 25hp will push it 20. the only upside to the 25 is the option of running a jet, which is becoming much more popular on the white.

[fishinwrench]

There was a time when a 6-7.5 hp was the popular motor of choice for the White. Has that changed?

[Ham]

Most common motor I see is a 9.9, but 15 HP and 20 HP are getting more popular.

[fishinwrench]

The lighter the better.... as long as it has enough power to get the job done, is what I would want on a shallow rocky river.

Here are my thoughts;

The prop shaft, drive shaft and gear housing on a 6hp is just as strong as the ones on the heavier 9.9-15, and some 20's and props are a bit less expensive for the 6. Theoretically that should result in less damage when/if you hit something. And you invariably will.

[Greasy B]

The smaller motors are still on many rental boats.

[TwinSprings]

Appreciate the advice. Will likely go with either a 9.9 or a 15. The prices on the 9.9 are sure better.

[gotmuddy]

I have never seen anything smaller than a 9.9 rental. I have fished from wildcat to calico and never seen a rental bigger than a 15 and smaller than a 9.9.

I couldnt imagine fishing with 3 units and running a 7.5hp. the reason I like a 9.9 better is they are set up for shallow running better than a 25. a person good with a boat can get up a shoal with a foot of water. if your serious about low water fishing, get a jet. I have both.

[grizwilson]

Like Muddy, I have both. My 9.9 has been "adapted" to be a 15. I love the jet in low water, but to go up Crooked Creek or Buffalo need the 9.9. Wrench's point about weight is very valid. Two strokes are lighter, I see a 9.9 Mariner for sale in the site. Tried my 5 hp. had to drive a stake to see if I was moving with 3 on.

[gotmuddy]

thats my 9.9 for sale, I am thinking of upgrading to a 4 stroke but every day I want to less and less.