8 or 9.9 Honda 4 stroke

Rakkasan · 03-01-2004, 04:56 PM

I wanted to know if anyone thinks there is a big differance between an 8 or 9.9 Honda four stroke for a drift boat. The weight differance is quite a bit and so is the price. Is 1.9 horses worth $400.00-$500.00 more?

blacktail · 03-01-2004, 04:59 PM

From what I've been told, the 8 horse will push a driftboat as fast as it's gonna go. Supposedly you could hang a 15 back there and get no additional gains over an 8. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Mike

Stz ll · 03-01-2004, 05:06 PM

I use an 8hp Mercury on drift boat and it works fine. I would go with the 8hp over the 9.9hp with more weight.

RogueFishr · 03-01-2004, 05:16 PM

I have had a Honda 8, Honda 9.9, Honda 15, and a Merc 15 on the back of my drift boat. Top speed was the same for all of them. The only advantage the 15 had, was torque for pushing my way up a rapid, which is not the normal use for a drift boat anyway. Save the weight and go with the 8hp.

RF

[ 03-01-2004, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: RogueFishr ]

driftboater · 03-01-2004, 05:44 PM

An 8hp on my 16'X54" boat seems to be plenty of power. Thats what I would go with.

FishFreak · 03-01-2004, 05:47 PM

I've been told it's best to get the boat first.... then worry about the motor :grin:
Glad to see your getting serious about your drift boat.
Thanks again for a great day on the Wilson yesterday. See any more elk?
FF

Amahnee · 03-01-2004, 06:30 PM

Go with the 8. Maybe put a high thrust prop on it.
I just bought a new Honda 4 stroke and apparently paid too much for it. Don't spend the xtra on the 9.9. 8 is plenty!

Fishin Magician · 03-01-2004, 06:53 PM

8

drhall99 · 03-01-2004, 07:16 PM

Go with the 8. I have a 9.9 and I am going as fast as the boat can at about 1/2 throttle. After that, it's just wasting gas. Use the extra $500 for an electric motor setup for side drifting.

Doug

Rakkasan · 03-01-2004, 09:15 PM

Fishfreak,

No more elk and swam some more jigs and corkies. I have lost my touch. I have the curse again. Yeah a boat would be good, but Have to buy the whole thing at once :grin:

Thanks all for the input. I had a 2 stroke 8hp Merc on my old Willie 16' 54" and it seemed fine. I was just curious of what others have experienced. Looks like the 8 is it. I would rather spend the extra money on a nice electric along with the 8.

Now should I go fiberglass or Aluminum...Kidding :grin:

Thanks again for the input :smile:

[ 03-01-2004, 10:37 PM: Message edited by: DSRods ]

driftboater · 03-02-2004, 05:32 AM

An 8hp on my 16'X54" boat seems to be plenty of power. Thats what I would go with.

Fishin Magician · 03-02-2004, 09:50 AM

Fiberglass....

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 03-02-2004, 02:47 PM

Love my 9.9 Honda

hot wire · 03-02-2004, 05:33 PM

I have an 18' Hewescraft and an '04 Honda 8 is way fast enough. Heck, most of the time you'll need to work at slowing it down!

The only reason I've heard anyone buying a 9.9 is if they paln on going ofshore and want to get back a little quicker. Or, they've got a HEAVY boat.

By the way, trolling with that 8 has been difficult IF you have the electric start, power trim/tilt that is controlled in the cabin. If so, I would reccommend a troll-master. :tongue:

http://www.troll-masterpro.com/order.html

Good luck,

Tom

[ 03-02-2004, 06:34 PM: Message edited by: HewesFisher ]

Knot in leader · 03-02-2004, 06:17 PM

I used to run a 9.9 and sold it and bought an 8 hp.

mtpar · 03-02-2004, 06:31 PM

Yamaha T8

You won't be dissapointed

mtpar

wetonwhite · 03-02-2004, 11:15 PM

just one more vote: my 17x56 goes about the same with my 8hp as it does with my buddys 15 hp merc the blurb about hi trust prop, is fine but mines in the box. spend the extra on drift socks so at min speed you can slow it down some more

let the spring begin :grin:

rola76 · 03-02-2004, 11:21 PM

I love my 9.9, but hear nothing but good stuff about 8's as well.