DB motor choice....

WiskeyJaR · 03-28-2008, 10:05 AM

used gas motor...or newer electric motor? Would the electric one have enough power to hold boat in current? How heavy would a little 10hp motor wieght, give or take?

This would be going on a 14' clackacraft.

Thanks,
WiskeyJaR
(Newbie Drifter)

SeanD · 03-28-2008, 11:18 AM

electric sucks. I have had the 36v 101 lb thrust for the last 4 years and I still run my gas where its legal. A used two stroke merc longshaft is a good choice. I chose 2 stroke over 4 stroke and id do it again.

Grantspastor · 03-28-2008, 01:29 PM

I'd go with the gas rather than the electric

chrome obsession · 03-28-2008, 01:38 PM

I would go gas even though there are some nice electric ones as well....Are you looking for a motor for big rivers or tributaries?...With a 14ft you would be fine with an 8hp engine...but if you are going to be fishing large rivers like the Willamatte than you would want a little more power...

WiskeyJaR · 03-28-2008, 02:43 PM

ok so gas over electric....how big of horses?
14' fiberglass hualing 3 full sized men and all gear? I have seen other drifters sitting in one spot useing motors against current. Is this a common practice? Would think I would need at least a 10 hp?

Thanks again for the advice folks,
WiskeyJaR

dre5063 · 03-28-2008, 02:47 PM

I ran a 8 hp 4stroke on my 17 ft driftboat. I could haul 2 guys 250 lbs plus upriver in most current. Didn't break any water speed records but it worked. I could run up most fast water on the Umpqua (assuming there was enough water)

Guys I talked to said if you went up to 9.9 or higher with that boat it would "rattle the fillings out of your teeth". Too much torque for that little boat.

weekender · 03-28-2008, 03:03 PM

Electrics work great if you want to use them for "steering" while you sidedrift your way down the river. They'll also work well for running back up some calmer drifts a few times during the day. If you want to use a motor for holding in the current or running all over the place, I'd go with gas.

Like eveything else, either motor is some what of a compromise. Personally, I'd have a gas as my primary and an electric as my secondary.

WiskeyJaR · 03-28-2008, 03:51 PM

thanks for the replies folks.

Quote:

Guys I talked to said if you went up to 9.9 or higher with that boat it would "rattle the fillings out of your teeth". Too much torque for that little boat.

What would be a good size for a 14' fiberglass clackacarft?

Grantspastor · 03-28-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WiskeyJaR

thanks for the replies folks.

What would be a good size for a 14' fiberglass clackacarft?

With a smaller boat like that, weight might be an issue. I'd probably go with a 6 HP. On the Rogue most guys us 15 HP Long Shaft Mercs. More HP won't make it go any faster, but it will push you upstream in current better. I use a 9.8 Merc on my 16' boat

Artwo · 03-29-2008, 03:11 AM

I have an 8hp Merc 2-stroke LS on my 16 ft. Fishrite. It has plenty of power to push/hold in most currents. You won't set any water speed records but I would think it would do you fine. Also, the manufacturers label in my boat has a max hp rating listed on it. You might check to see if you have this as well.

Snoslyder · 03-29-2008, 10:05 AM

Ok, so here's my 2 cents...I bought a brand new Willies 17X54 last year and also purchased a brand new Yamaha T-8 long shaft(high thrust) which weighs in at 108lbs by itself. My thinking was when I get a jet sled I could swap kickers. With the extra weight on the transom and the thrust of the prop it really kicks the nose up to a point that if I open the throttle up I couldn't see over the bow well enough to make navigating the river anything but a comfortable endeavor. A little scary

Ended up purchasing a hyrdo foil which really helps in still water like lakes and calm eddies, however, it still can get a little sketchy trying to go up stream with any sort of confidence. Without a keel these drift boats are not the best handling in oncoming currents.

So an Alaskan guide friend pretty much convinced me that a drift boat is just that, intended to drift and be oared. I have since removed the motor and it's associated accessories and found that if you are a good oarsman there is a lot more water that one can cover even going back up stream. It's a little work, but hey, nothing worth while is easy. I have found a new respect for Willie's drift boats due to their high ride in the water without the additional weight and have committed myself to rowing only in the drifter and holding off motoring on the water until I do get that jet sled.

Oregonhunter · 03-29-2008, 10:14 AM

I have a 17x54 db and put a Honda 8 on it and have no regrets, dont have to worry about battery life just stop by the gas staion and on my way.

my 2

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