Outboard size help

[fish208]

Searched around and didn't see a previous post.  I'm looking at picking up a Lowe 1240 or 1040.  My question is what size outboard do you all use or recommend?  Mostly going to use it up and down the James around Galena which can run at a pretty good clip sometimes.  I'm sure the simple answer is the biggest the boat will handle but if I don't need something that big I'd rather save the $$. I I'll be fishing by myself and here are some specs 

1240 (10hp max) - 107 lbs

1040 (5hp max) - 87 lbs

Me - 220 lbs

Whatever a gas tank, battery and minor amount of tackle will weigh

Thanks for any guidance you can give me!

Jason

[Terrierman]

If there is any way to get you to think seriously about a 14 or even better 16 foot boat you will be much happier in the long run.  And for a motor, 9.9  two stroke.  Cry once.

[fish208]

I had thought about a 14 but wondered if it was overkill for 1 guy.  I've looked at used ones but haven't seen much I like.  Not sure if a 40 is more stable than a 36 or if I need to go wider....I do know the 36 I was in was a bit too tipsy.

[fishinwrench]

A 1442 is a dandy hull for a solo Jon, or for a man and his dog, pairs up nicely with a 9.9 - 15 hp outboard and a 36-45 lb thrust trolling motor.   

Taking someone else along will only be slightly cramped.

12ft and smaller Jon boats are ok for kids on a farm pond, nothing else.

[BillT]

6 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

A 1442 is a dandy hull for a solo Jon, or for a man and his dog, pairs up nicely with a 9.9 - 15 hp outboard and a 36-45 lb thrust trolling motor.   

Taking someone else along will only be slightly cramped.

12ft and smaller Jon boats are ok for kids on a farm pond, nothing else.

I agree, much more comfortable with a 14 footer

[Terrierman]

14 hours ago, fish208 said:

I had thought about a 14 but wondered if it was overkill for 1 guy.  I've looked at used ones but haven't seen much I like.  Not sure if a 40 is more stable than a 36 or if I need to go wider....I do know the 36 I was in was a bit too tipsy.

You don't want a 36.  42 or 48 will be much more stable.  And stable = comfort and confidence.

[fish208]

Excellent! Thanks for the pointers, I have a better idea of what I need to get

[MrGiggles]

Had a 1448 Semi-V with a 25hp and it was a rocket. 31mph, and I never even played with props, probably had more in it.

JMO but the max rating is what you should shoot for, weight permitting. You'll never wish you had less power.

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, MrGiggles said:

You'll never wish you had less power.

Usually this is true, but if you wanna run shallow creeks/rivers, having enough torque to push the boat upstream...but not enough to bust propshafts, driveshafts, and skegs... has real benefits.

It is way easier to stop a 6hp motor at 900 RPM than it is to stop a 20hp motor at 900 RPM.   You'll also appreciate a little 6hp and its 2 quarts of fuel when you are dragging the boat over a gravel bar or pile of logs. 😊