DB motor?

[KENAIDOG]

Hey guys, you all really helped me out with my oar question. I got alot of valueable info and it has really narrowed my search. My next question is what size motor to run? I have a 16 x 54 rated for up to 10hp? I want to use the boat not only for drifting ,but also for trolling for fall salmon in Nehalem bay, tillamook tide, etc? what do ya"ll think THANKS

[finner]

I have a 6 horse Merc. and love it. I have the same size drift boat and use it for trolling all over the place. Some people like the 8, but I'd buy another long shaft 6 tomorrow...

[fishbait]

You wont see very much diff in performance between a 7.5, 8, 9.9 or 10 as far as top end goes, but sometimes hard to get a Db to troll down slow enough. I would recommend the 7.5.......... tight lines, steve

[finner]

I sometimes have to use a sea-anchor even with the 6...

[bllelk]

Harveys over in Aloha has a couple that might work ok. When I asked the same question a few weeks ago I was told most of the guides run the 8hp Merc. and Ben at Stevens Marine in Tigard confirmed that. Someone told me to put a dolfin on too to help keep the bow down. Anybody tried that?

[Perfect Drift]

If you trim the motor correctly, you should'nt need a fin. My .02
When on the water and motor on, trim the motor to be 90' with the water not the transome of the boat.

[bllelk]

Tks Kaus,
I'll try that before I buy a fin. Not sure how my boat will perform yet, Its a Hyde with a different style transom than generally seen around here. But then I've got to finish paying for slowpies wedding ring before I get the motor graemlins/hearton.gif

[k9jeff]

I have a 98 6 hp johnson. This is the one with the twin cyl. Its smooth and has power. I sure like it. I got a steal on it and located it in the want adds, it was only used a few times. Check the want adds, sometimes you can score a good deal.

What the heck are you doing paying for a wedding ring instead of a outboard? :hoboy:
I think that is a crime in some contries. :shocked:

[Flatfish]

Dog,
by now you have probably figured out that any 6-8hp longshaft will do.I have never found that a drifter trolls very well, no matter the motor(except for electrics,which pose their own set of problems).The term "top end speed" is odd though.What is the difference between 5 and 6 mph anyhow?Good luck in your search.
See you on the rivers.
Mark.

[KENAIDOG]

Flatfish, You are right about a drifter not trolling very good, but until i can afford a power boat it will have to pull double duty? Hope to see you there!

[Flatfish]

I'll be there dog.It will be easy to find us.We will be in a Willie that trolls too fast and tracks wherever the wind blows!
Good Luck.
Mark.

[bllelk]

Dog

She bought all our new fishing gear so I figure I owe her. graemlins/hearton.gif

[John]

Hi, I had a 16x48 and a 16x54 willies drift boats. I use to use it trolling at nehalem bay. I had a 8hp Merc ML, it worked fine but it did troll fast. I had to use sea ancors to slow the boat down. If I were to do it again I would go with the 6hp motor, but not any smaller. Most of the motors smaller then 6hp are single cylinders and idol very rough. A friend of mine has a 2002 5hp and it is way rougher then my 9.9. Also, I noticed with the 8hp after about half throttle I would not gain anymore speed. It would just make more noise and push more water.

[k9jeff]

she is a keeper then,,,, get the ring,,,, :grin:

[Drachir]

I've always used an 8hp long shaft Merc, and they work great on DB's. If you are going to use it in shallow water backtrolling, consider getting a Prop-Guard @ ClackaCraft. It's a combination Doel-Fin, and Prop protector in one unit. It's easy to install w/ no drilling of cavitation plate. It's just a great product!!!
Check it out!! http://www.clackacraft.com

[Cigar]

Kenaidog,

I too, use a Merc 9.9. They trim real easy and
everything you need to run it is either in or on
the tiller handle. :smile: :smile:

I also have a Motor Guide 48lb. thrust electric
that works great on rivers, get's ya through
any frog water the fast and easy way.

Cigar :cheers: