8 or 9.9 on drift boat?

[Oregonhunter]

Well...here in 3 or so weeks I will finally be able to do some real drift boat shopping, I have decited to go with either a 16 or 17 foot model and I am going to stay in the 54" wide versions.

But as far as the motor goes I was looking at buying a new Honda 8 but after looking into the prices the 8 and 9.9 are only $225.00 apart. What do you all think is better? I looked at the weight differance and it appears they are the same but does a 9.9 have any advantage on a drift boat?

I was thinking the 9.9 would have better re-sale value but I am no expert here so please let the advice fly! I want to do this right the first time!

Thanks!!! :grin:

OH

[6wapiti6]

I really don't think you'll notice any difference between the two. As for resale, not sure that would matter much either. If I were you I'd get the 8 and spend the other $225 on some other "toys" for the boat.
I had an 8 my 16 ft and it did fine. Your not going to be going anywhere in a hurry no matter what you put on there thats for sure.
Good luck and enjoy the new ride.

[SeanD]

I havent used the 9.9, it may fish the same. My question would be can it go as slow as the 8? Sometimes when backbouncing you want to be slow that thing down. It sucks to have to pop it in and out of neutral.

[jzell]

Yamaha 9.9 Hi-Thrust Long Shaft

[Orion]

Is there any significant weight difference between the two engines?

Orion

[No Bail]

I use a Honda 8 on my 16' Willies, and it pushes just fine. The one thing I did was to get a protection cage from Clakacraft. My Long shaft has bumped some objects, but no damage. It has the added benefit of a built in fin to push the nose down. If you are around stumps in the bays, I recommend some easy bolt on protection for the engine.

[Oregonhunter]

Hmmmm...

I dont think there is any weight differance between the two (at least this is what the Honda web page showed). I never thought about being able to keep the speed slower, I like the idea of using a protective cover as well!

I really appreciate all the great help! :applause:
Oregon

[Shakey]

I too have been looking at motors. When I was looking at two motors from the same manufacturer and noticed that they had the same weight I was told that they were the same motor, but one was allowed to rev a bet higher or tuned differently. Anyone else heard this? If its true then one would assume that they would troll the same if allowed to idle down into the same range.

[wetonwhite]

I have the same boat 17x54 honda 8hp does everything i ask I think the 9.9 may be a bit much when i slow troll it means putting out the drift socks. you are not going to go fast but you will always go with the honda. :smile:

wow

[Pete]

I never thought about being able to keep the speed slower, I like the idea of using a protective cover as well!



I think this is the key. Different motors have different "comfort zones". How slow the motor will troll is one issue, but I'd also consider how much control you have at the low end. What is the increment of change when you twist the throttle? Can you make very slight adjustments or will a tiny change on the throttle mean a half MPH difference in speed? It may be tough to find good answers to these two questions. My experience has been that 4 stroke motors don't have the same bottom end versatility as 2 strokes. But motor design evolves with time and I know there are many people happy with their 4 stroke performance. Good luck with your decision! :wink:

[Oregonhunter]

Thanks for the help ALL!

It looks like the 8 hp is winning out (I dont mind this however cause this does make it easier to purchase more boat stuff.)

Thanks again everyone! :smile:

OH

[Drachir]

I have had a DB with kicker for over 25 years and you will not see any difference with either size kicker. There is no need to spend the extra $$$ for the 9.9 hp. There is even more savings to be had if you go down to a 6 hp. They will all be very adequate for your needs. :grin: