Will a 2 HP O/B move a 12' V Hull?

[trizzie]

I'm looking at a 12' aluminum Gregor Deep V with a 2 stroke 2 HP Suzuki outboard for lake fishing down here in AZ. Coming to a plane is not an issue for me, but I am curious if a 2 HP motor is enough to power around a 12' boat with two guys and assorted gear at more than a snail's pace?

[fishkisser]

I would think a 6hp would do you a little better ... Especially if you were fighting the wind...:smile:

[timinthegorge]

When I was a kid, I had a 12' Sears Gamefisher with a 4hp Merc. With just me, a tackle box, and a couple of sodas, it was way under-powered.

A two horse seems marginal at best.... I agree with fishkisser. A 6 or 8 would be much better, especially if a thunder storm comes up and you need to get off the water in a hurry..... Just my :twocents:

Just curious..... What's the max rating for horsepower on your boat?

[trizzie]

Don't own any boats yet...I'm just looking for something light and stable to fish/duck hunt out of on high country lakes.
I figured 2 HP's was weak at best. The problem is, most of the scenic trout lakes here have 7.5 HP or under motor restrictions. I still can't figure out why I sold my canoe with an electric trolling motor two years ago...

[latesvak]

I have a 12' valco and it came w/ a 15 horse johnson . it i think it just right for the boat . it will haul me the girlfriend the dog (125lb rott who hates the water ) just fine . it wont plane all the way but like tim up there said it about getting off the water. i needed the extra ponies one time and am so glad i had it . i was 2 min away from getting cought in a really bad sand storm forming off the shore ......



luke

[Tinman]

A 2 hp will certainly move your boat at hull speed, which will be about 4 or 5 mph. And a 2 hp is really easy to carry and mount because it is so lightweight. However, the problem with 2 hp is they tend to be very crude motors. They usually do not have a gearshift (though some do have a neutral and forward), which means you have to pivot the motor 180 degrees to go in reverse. Worst of all, they are single-cylinder, which means they run very rough, and don't idle very well.

You might be better off with a small 2-cylinder motor that has a full F-N-Reverse gearshift. It will run much smoother, and will be a far more pleasant motor. I'm thinking maybe 6 hp.

Did you ever see the movie 'Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang?' That's what you'll feel like with a rattletrap 2 hp on your boat.

[ondarvr]

Tinmam has it right, it will work just fine, but will be louder and vibrate more than larger two cylinder models. Trolling with a small single can be irritating after a short time because of the this.

I've used a 1.5, 2, 3.3, 6, 8, 9.9, 15 and 18 hp motors on 12 foot aluminum boats, they all work. So if you just want to get across the lake and speed isn't an issue, then 2hp is OK, if you want to troll all day go with a bigger twin.

[bobber_boy]

I had a 2 horse honda, it was a 2000 I believe. it was smooth and easy to run but it was LOUD!!!!!!

[Blind Bobber]

I have a 12 ft, Smnokercraft aluminum and run a MinKota 30 which would probley be comprable to the 2 horse you are considering. I also have a 3.5 horse Nissan which is about twice the power of the MinKota. I believe you will be much happier with an electric and or a 6 horse and this is why. The small gas motor is going to be a single cylinder screamer and the vibration and noise , for me, become really annoying. A six horse will be a twin and have noticibly less noise and vibration. Another option might be a Min Kota 45. The electrics are almost silent and never need a pull start. My two cents worth at no charge to you. What a deal.
bEST OF lUCK
blind bobber:jester:

[wsuweston]

I have a 12' alum. with a 6hp evinrude and it moves around just fine with 2 people. I would not go with less than 5hp. My trolling moter would probally go as fast as a 2hp

[Chrome Bumper]

Put a 25 on my 12 cat hull, max allowed. You could probably out row a 2hp. 6 would be good, and quieter.

[Blackfog]

Put a 25 on my 12 cat hull, max allowed. You could probably out row a 2hp. 6 would be good, and quieter.

Your going to want at least a 5 hp outboard. I agree with the out rowing a two horse comment...

[Nomad_Greg]

I have a 5hp on my 12' and it gets me from point A to B, but I wish I could do it quicker with 2 in the boat.