what size motor for 17' drift boat

HRDBUL · 01-22-2009, 08:18 PM

This has most likley been answered before but what size motor would everyone recomend for a 17' drift boat. Will be used for salmon and steelhead on the Rogue. Any help would be great.

Okie · 01-22-2009, 08:50 PM

A good set of oars. That's the best for a drift boat.

Good luck

River Ranger · 01-23-2009, 05:31 AM

If gas, an 8 hp. This is what I have on my 17' willie and it is perfect.

RR.

fishorgolf · 01-25-2009, 05:02 PM

16 ft Alumaweld W/8 Hp is right for mine no wind slow troll I'll still use a wind sock at times. Good luck
Have Fun and Be Safe

Honu_in_Oregon · 01-29-2009, 07:41 PM

I have an 8hp Honda - More than plenty.

Willie says no more than 10hp.

Buck50 · 01-30-2009, 05:58 PM

I've had a 15hp 2 stroke on my drifter for years (it's what I had). Honestly a 8 hp will probably have just as much affect on power/speed. A drift boat is a displacement hull, a 200hp wouldn't make it go faster.
I'd say get the best deal you can on a 6-15hp kicker. They'll all work fine.
One last consideration is weight, keep that in mind. My 15 weighs about 80#.
I'm thinking of replacing my 15 with a 6...it's about weight and balance in the boat.

wedgeman · 01-30-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by River Ranger

If gas, an 8 hp. This is what I have on my 17' willie and it is perfect.

RR.

I agree, that's the same set up I have.

SeanD · 02-01-2009, 03:28 PM

Can't tell the difference between the 6 and 8 on my willie, ive ran them both. Get the two stoke though

weekender · 02-04-2009, 07:37 AM

For side drifting, an 8 horse merc 2 stroke with the shift in the handle.

For trolling, an 8 horse yamaha 4 stroke with the shifter on the handle.

santiamflyguy · 02-06-2009, 06:04 PM

I just put a 6hp 4 stroke Suzuki on my Clack. 57 pounds with a half-gallon integrated tank. In initial trials (GPS, flat water, no wind), I can get going 6.2 mph at 1/3 throttle. At 2/3 throttle, a good solid 6.4mph. At full throttle, 6.5 mph.

Since it's a single-cylinder, it shakes a good bit, not sure if I'd want that if I were puttering around all day trolling. Have had it out a half dozen times or so and it's great for running from spot to spot on the lake or getting a push through flat water on rivers, which is exactly what I bought it for.

NWaddict · 02-10-2009, 06:51 PM

The main consideration is weight. Most 6's and 8's are built on a smaller block than 9.9's and 15's. They will all provide about the same performance on most drift boats, though it can depend on the rocker of the boat.

adiposessed · 02-14-2009, 12:45 AM

8 hp