drift boat motors

[dampainter]

I have a 16 x 54 willie and am wondering what the ideal size is for it , the tag on the boat says 10 horse max and also not that I would .... but if and when I do start running white water, those that have motors do you take them on drifts or are you using them for "still" waters -- bays and what not??? also ....do you have problems motoring in the wind? I am thinking an 8 horse might fit the bill?

[ 03-05-2002, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: dampainter ]

[fatfish]

Have the same boat with a 2 stroke 8 HP long shaft Merc; setup works just fine. Extended fuel line so that gas tank sits on the shelf under the bow. Boat does skate somewhat in the wind. Have added 2 sea anchors to slow it down when trolling herring. Don't expect alot of speed; you'll get there eventually. Don't leave the motor on when doing the whitewater. Motor works excellent in tidewater for bobber fishing those fall chinooks.

[Artwo]

dampainter,
I have 16x54 Fishrite and bought a kicker last spring after about a 9 month search, here are some of the things I found out about on my search.

8hp 2-strokes are great motors for diftboats because they are light and have just the right thrust for the boat size.

8hp 4-strokes are nice for the convenience but weigh about 75lbs more than the 2-strokes.

I talked with a guy who had a 5hp Honda and loved it, plenty of power for his driftboat. I looked for one but couldn't find one in my price range. There is one in the ifish classifieds that is a great deal right now if you want to spend that much, take a look.

I bought a 1985 8hp 2-stroke Merc with very low hours for $450 after a very long search for a good motor under $500. I am currently getting my driftboat set-up to troll for springers this season and should be on the water in a couple weeks.

Good luck, hope this helps
JK

[ 03-05-2002, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: Artwo ]

[dampainter]

good info thanks! artwo, what do you have to do to set up to troll for the springers??

[Artwo]

I had to redo my anchor releases, a new side release in back and a new bow release up front. Since my boat had never been registered or lisenced I had to go do that. I'm going to install a pedestal seat in the back also so I don't have to stand or use one of those extension handles. A couple new rod holder brackets in the back, a fire exstinguisher (not required by law but a good idea), a hand held air horn instead of a whistle, a homemade transom guard so I don't scratch the paint off my boat with the motor and a portable clamp on light pole because I'll be running to my spots in the early morning light. One of the most important things to add to your kicker motor when on a driftboat is a dolfin. This device will help with the down pull of the kicker when motoring and help to keep your boat up on a plane, it is a must have on a driftboat I was told by a good friend of mine who is a guide.

Hope this all helps out. I've been doing allot of research lately trying to get everything ready, e-mail me if you want to talk some more about it.

JK

[Alligator]

painter,

I've owned my drift boat for just over a year. I added a 10 horse Honda a couple months after I bought the boat. I've fished the Clackamas, Columbia, Willamette, NF Lewis and more. The 10 horse is too much motor and I believe a 5 horse will do a better job. I use two sea ancors, and have cut down my prop and still can hardly go slow enough. I'll need a trolling plate or possibly a lower pitched prop.

Here are some other ideas that may help.

I use a bow ancor system, don't forget to have plenty of rope for safety. (deeper water)

I use the sea ancors off each side of the bow not the stern. (Can't reach the prop)

Two persons in the front of your boat may be able to lean forward and lift the motor out of the water. You can't steer at that point. Test your boat.

I back troll in the rivers but I don't motor down river. I lift the motor and oar the white water. I don't bring the motor in smaller rivers.

And most inportantly don't set the hook until that rod tip stays down!!! Good Luck fishing.

les

[Grass Hopper]

I like the @ stroke Mercs becuase they have a multi position tilt which allows you to adjust for the slope in the driftboat transon. Allows proper angle for maximun throttle capability.

[Tilla]

I use a 8 hp 2 stroke Merc that works fine, but I will use a 3 hp rated electric Minnkota on occasion. I swear that both push the boat at the same max speed. I believe that a drift boat pushes too much water to get any more speed after some point.
I do seem to have better control with the 2 stroke in the wind, it might be the better thrust.

[Grass Hopper]

the problem woth the drifter is the more throttle you give the more the boat runs back on the skinny part. The trick to maximize speed is to keep the weidgt forward. Add an extension handle to the motor. move seats forward. kick your cooler forward. That way when you hit the gas the boat stays more on the Sweet spot.(Wide spot)
In the great boat race nonplaning is non planing. The lightest will win. I used to guide in Alaska in a 16'x54" slide rite W/ 9.9 merc. Used to take 2 guys across the bay to fly fish tidal flats. It will get you to the fish, Don't give up. Just bring an extra beer for the ride!

[Bob Barthlow]

dampainter, Go with the merc 8hp, anything bigger won't trll slow enough. I'm with grasshopper, move the weight forward, this will help keep the bow down.
Way back when,like in the early 80's before I had a sled I fished out of a 17' fishrite DB, with a 6hp rude troller for springers at Wind River and Drano Lake. One trick I learned was after I moved all the weight forward and still needed to get the bow down out of the wind(yes the wind dose blow there)was to fill my cooler 3/4 full of water, which helped when I had only one person settin up front.

[ 03-06-2002, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: Rapid Robert ]

[dampainter]

Great info, appreciate it!! now I am in the market for a 8 horse merc. long shaft.... :grin:

[Grass Hopper]

on really windy days i even put a sea anchor off my bow to help the boat track.

[Grass Hopper]

Got that motor for you. NEW $1,500 call (206)396-5380

[TheRogue]

$1430 at Stevens Marine, out the door...

Quit the advertising, unless you're pitchin' in for Jennie's new server!! If you are, my apologies.

kyle

[Nanook]

Mark,

The 8 horse long shaft Merc that did not come with the boat was fine. Too much will not go faster, just plow and send the bow skyward. Don't under power it either.

Rick

[Gus Orviston]

You guys are concerning me, I was hoping to motor up and get down the lake. No skiiing though. :rolleyes: But from what it sounds it is going to take a while, a really long while?

So in a comparison race 12ft Mcgregor (or similar fishing boat) and a 16ft drift boat both with a 6 or an 8 hp, who wins?

How far are you traveling away from your landings in the Columbia or Willamtte?

[ 03-06-2002, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]