Canoe Motor Help.

[vonreed]

Hey guys. I'm looking for some knowledge and advice. Since my bass boat motor took a crap on me, and I don't wanna spend the money to have it rebuilt. I am looking at just getting a small motor for my 15 foot, Old Town, Flat Back Canoe. I've never used a motor on a canoe or john boat.

The canoe is rated for a 5 horse power motor, but I don't know if that is wise. Would a 3 hp 2 stroke work good with this canoe?

I'm looking at getting a little Mercury 3.3 2 stroke, but wanted some advice before I spend money on something that may not be up to par.

[fishinwrench]

If you can get your hands on a 1980's Yamaha 6hp they are the bomb, lightweight, safe and plenty of power.

2 to 5hp outboards are a joke, you'd be better off with a 12v trolling motor.

Now let's talk about this blown bass boat motor

What is it, and do you wanna sell it?

[vonreed]

Well, it's not a desirable model. It's a 70's I believe Mercury 65hp. 3 cylinder, I think. How much do you estimate it would cost to rebuild. No compression. I was quoted 1200 and thought it was way to high. He said parts are hard to find also.

After that, I never took it to anyone else(I should have got a second opinion).

[jpb2187]

I have a similar canoe to you and I use a 4 HP Mariner outboard. In my opinion there is a giant power difference between the trolling motor and the gas motor. Now granted, it's not a fast vessel, but you can get around decently enough.

[fishinwrench]

Oh OK. Yeah a 70's 65hp Merc is not worth rebuilding. Too many NLA parts.

[Smalls21]

i used to have a little 3.5hp nissan outboard that did pretty good pushing a 12ft jon boat around

[mjk86]

Get a transom mount 12v electric motor. Idk what the biggest is maybe 50# thrust? It will last forever its cheap and the only maintenance will be a new battery every so often. I use a minn kota I got for 100$ like 8 years ago. Its perfect for a 14ft jon.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I have a 55 lb. thrust troller and it pushes my 8' pond prowler pretty good.

Pete

[vonreed]

Well I've gotten advice. All the way from trolling motors to no smaller than a 6hp motor, lol. I appreciate the advice. And feel free to give any more advice someone may have. It will be used places on the lake, and also in bigger rivers.

[brother dave]

I have a 17 osage pack canoe. I have used a 4hp two stroke, 5hp fourth stroke, & 7 hp long tail motors I also used 1 & sometimes 2 trolling motors.

The 4 & 5 sent Me along at about 12 mph, 7 @ approx 16 17 mph ( on plane and scooting).

I use a tiller extension with the out boards, and have run the full length of taney, some table rock, a little bit of the Missouri, and allot of the Mississippi in the Winfield area.

This by myself, and or loaded with gear and two people.

Hunting and fishing in most imaginable ways.

It's very efficient.

And it takes some getting use to.

Mine is rated for a 5hp.

Your choice of a 3 up should be just fine.

Just start slow and practice. And wear a life jacket.

Good luck