Drift boat motor size?

Broy · 11-02-2009, 06:26 PM

what size motor do all of u have on ur drif boats? im thinking about a 9.9 mercury, would that get the job done?

MIKED3323 · 11-03-2009, 08:44 AM

I have a 18 x 66 alum drift boat and i run a 9.9 yamaha on it either a 8 or 9.9 will work for you. they run smoother than the single cylinder 6hp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broy

what size motor do all of u have on ur drif boats? im thinking about a 9.9 mercury, would that get the job done?

seasport24 · 11-03-2009, 12:19 PM

The 9.9 is more than enough.

What are you going to use it for? Bay slug? I had a T8 on my DB, and couldn't go full throttle with it, since water would spill over the transom. Consequently, I don't believe that any more horsepower will result in increased speed, just more water displacement.

If your going to use it for backtrolling in small rivers, then I think that the electric 102lb thrust, or even the 82lbers will do the job just fine... I have done this on my 17x54 and it works fine. Or the 9.9 would work equally as well... just heavier at the transom.

Willie Ketchum · 11-07-2009, 03:39 PM

A 9.9 is pretty heavy and causes balance problems. I've been happy with a 6 hp Merc on my 17x54 Willie, tho it does vibrate a bit. at 55 lbs its easy to lift on/off and uses very little gas

secrets · 11-07-2009, 05:42 PM

Honda 8 , or Mercury 2-stroke 9.9 or 15 would be excellent choices , good weight and power, a backtrolling or trolling speed....

k9jeff · 11-08-2009, 10:27 PM

I have a twin cyl 6hp Johnson on a 17x55 Hyde and it does fine. You are never going to get anywhere fast. The faster you push the motor,the more water you will displace (push) and you wont be going any faster. I like the 6hp because it sips fuel and is light.

Good luck.

SeanD · 11-11-2009, 02:20 PM

The 6hp 2 stroke and 8hp 4 stroke (both mercs) I have run both push my db the same speed. The 2 stroke is way nicer to run if you have to do any backtrolling. And lighter too. Id try and find a good used two stroke, I think the 8-15hp is all about the same weight. Any would work. The four strokes are heavy, and the one I used had really really touchy throttle response.

fishorgolf · 11-27-2009, 05:05 PM

16 ft DB I run a long shaft 8 hp merc works just fine,,,,,on a lake with no wind a wind sox will slow me down,,,,,,,I would not replace my motor with any thing larger than a 8 hp I like not having to bump in and out of gear,,,,HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE

RivrRunner · 11-27-2009, 05:23 PM

if 2 boats are loaded the same a 6hp and a 8hp will get them both there the same time. Get a 6hp save $$$ and weight

smalldog · 11-29-2009, 02:02 PM

An electric trolling motor works great for backing down the holes....
Super lite and quiet too.
If you want to use it in the bays...a gas motor may be better suited for the application.

water and sky · 12-06-2009, 06:01 AM

I have a 4 hp Johnson and a 6hp Merc that I run on my 16' Clack. The 4 hp is my choice due to it's low weight. Both push the boat up to it's hull speed. I might go bigger if I was crabbing bays with current but the 4 hp worked great crabbing Tillimook 2 weeks ago. Coming back in after the tide had begun to run out made me wish for a little more oomph.