Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Spawn Sack on August 23, 2018, 08:21:08 PM
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So I'm thinking of buying a new outboard. Having trouble deciding between Yamaha, Honda, Merc, Tohatsu. Yes I know there are other brands, Suzuki and others, but I like these 4 and that's what I'm sticking with.
I only want a 4, 5, or 6 hp. An 8 or 9.9 would be nice but the twin cylinders weight a lot more and I'm just not interested in taking the additional weight on/off my boat every time I use it.
Boat is an 11"6 john boat (Journey). I have used a 5hp on it before and it pushes it just fine. I typically fish smaller interior lakes so I don't need to zip along that fast. The transom is rated for a 15hp but like I said I just don't feel like lugging that much extra weight. The boat goes on a roof rack over my canopy so everything has to come out of the boat before the boat goes on the roof.
Kind of leaning towards a Merc 5hp. I have used/borrowed the father in law's 5hp merc 4 stroke and quite like the motor. Starts up no probs, idles nice and smooth and trolls beautifully, revs up nicely and cruises along great at WOT.
You can get the same Merc motor in a 6hp, however, I have heard (not sure if true or not) that they idle a bit higher and do not troll quite as nice (or slow) as the same engine in the 5hp version.
Tohatsu is the same motor (built in same factory in Japan) and about the same price. If all things are equal I'd rather have a cowl that says "mercury" than "tohatsu." Just personal preference. If I were to happen on a sweet deal on used Tohatsu then I might buy it, but if going brand new I'd rather have the Merc. Also the 5 Merc has a built in fuel tank in the Cowl whereas with the Tohatsu the 5hp does not, but the 6hp does. I'd probably only use the bigger separate tank, but nice to have the built in as an option.
I love Hondas but you can only get a 4hp in the single cylinder (can get a 5hp or 6hp in the USA, but not interested in going that route). I wonder if you'd notice much of a difference in WOT between a 4hp and a 5hp???
Same with Yamaha, can only get a 4hp in the single cyclinder. And I love Yamahas too but I was looking at a 4hp in Cascade the other day and now they are made in SE Asia - not Japan! I think it was made in Thailand.
Honda still made in Japan, same with Tohatsu/Merc.
Leaning towards the 5hp Merc as I've borrowed the identical motor and used it on my boat and I loved it. Don't see a big reason to "risk it" with a 4hp Honda or Yamaha. Ya I'll probably not notice the 1hp less cruising at WOT but you never know. I don't know anyone with a 4hp Honda or Yamaha to test out unfortunately.
Also buddy made a good point: wherever you go there's always a Merc dealer somewhere. Can always get a common part if you have a mechanical issue on a fishing trip. Not as many dealers for Honda and Yamaha. So, serviceability is likely the best if you own a Merc.
Interested to hear what ya'll think!
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After reading that i think you have to go with the Merc 5 hp.
You also need to get an electric for trolling.Would be the best investment you could make if you troll a lot.
I sleep with my MinnKota....... :o
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I do also have a Minn Kota 40lb thrust Maximizer. I love it and it's is a must have as some remote lakes we fish are electric motors only. Love it for trolling as it's wisper quiet and you can dial the trolling speed in to the exact speed you want. Sometimes a little more tough with the throttle on a gas motor.
However I find the electric sucks for bigger lakes when the wind picks up. Trolling into the wind on Babine Lake last week I had to keep the throttle at about 75% to troll at 1.6-2.0 mph. This drains the battery in a few hours. If the lake is calm or going with the wind no problem then the battery is good for 7+ hours.
Also dont feel comfortable going that far down a bigger lake in case a head wind kicks up. With a gas motor in the 5hp range and lots of gas not a problem.
YesI'm leaning towards a 5 hp Merc but I like to hear from someone about the 5hp vs the 6hp
Does the 5hp troll slower (lower idle speed)? Does it sound a bit more quiet/smooth? Can you really notice that extra 1hp at WOT?
One moment I think just stick with what you know and have used on your boat - the 5hp Merc. Then I start think well if 1hp is no big deal then maybe going 1hp less is no big deal, then the 4hp Honda or Yamaha are options. :o
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Try borrow the motors you want to try or try going to a shop and ask to try or rent a motor wit the intent to buy. Ask at the shop , you never know.
One thing I do know is that you need to try it yourself first hand. Everyone's boat loading is different and with these small boats and just a little too much weight at the back end, your motor won't have enough power to get you on plane.
With my 10' Spratley, I feel my 9.9 2-stroke isn't enough to get me up on plane quick enough. Even at WOT it takes a few seconds with me leaning as far forward as possible for that motor to dig me out of the hole and get going. Yes you can do all the weight distribution you want like moving a battery or fuel tank into the bow but you're then moving this same crap around when ever you need to get out of the boat and I just find it all a bit much.
Now that 11'6" Journey would handle and perform a lot better with my 9.9 on it instead of on my boat. That little bit of length is just enough to keep the bow down and be much quicker out of the hole at wot.
I'm a believer in using the largest legal HP size engine on small (and virtually all) fishing boats. The weight difference from the largest motor you can have to the smallest you feel you can get away with is really not that much but it's nice to have the hp there when you want it. The 9.9 keeps you legal on all the gasser lakes and will make your boat a happy ride. Plus you have the electric to have the best of both worlds when you want stealth and quiet. A 9.9 2-stroke can idle very nicely whenever needed in wind. Personally, I don't know why one would want a 5 instead of the 9.9 for a nearly 12' aluminum boat. You will likely be taking passengers from time to time so a 9.9 would much nicer than a 5 in those cases.
I've had 5's, 6's, 7.5, 8 several 9.9's and a few 15's on small aluminum boats and by far my favorite every time is the 9.9. The 9.9 2-stroke is 79# and that weight can be quite awkward whenever you have to swing it around,. That is the drawback for sure and it does seem to be the weight point where people often decide - it's too much to handle for their body. I know there are days where I wish that 9.9 stayed at home.
I had a Nissan 8hp 2-stroke and that weighed 59# - good weight, but I still wanted more power.
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I would consider a 9.9 Honda it will weight a bit more, but you will be happy when the wind picks up.
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Thanks for the replies guys, esp Rieber, lotsa good info/advice there.
If weight were not a factor yeah I'd probably go 8 or 9.9. But last I looked at the specs those motors weight about 35-40lbs more than a single cylinder 4, 5, or 6hp. I'm sure I "could" handle the extra weight but it would be pushing it. Often when I'm in the back of my truck I end up lifting the motor up and on top of totes to save space. I'm on my knees as the truck has a canopy, so I can only really lift with my arms. 60ish lbs is not a big deal but I think 100ish lbs would be a drag. I know there are "motor toters" (outboard motor dolly) but it would take up too much space. I prefer my method of just laying the motor wherever it best seems to fit for that trip and place it on an old piece of thick foam, then drape a moving blanket over it to keep dust off it or in case something falls on the motor.
And yeah I could go 2 stroke to save some weight but I prefer and want the 4 stroke.
I do like the idea of possibly renting a motor from a shop to try it out. Honestly can't see any of them going for that but it can't hurt to ask.
I've never used a Yamaha or Honda outboard but I bet they are quite nice. Given that I have used a 5hp Merc 4 stroke on this boat and loved it I am still leaning towards this motor.
The Journey 11"6 is purposely built to be bow heavy. I like it as with no passenger in the front the bow still stays down at WOT. The 5hp can't quite get the boat on plane but it still moves along fine (maybe 5-6 mph?) for the lakes I use this boat on. A 9.9 would be nice for sure when the wind picks up but honestly this isn't the type of boat I'd want to be going "fast" in over even small waves. It's super stable laterally but it'll porpoise on ya if you want to go fast in the chop. I miss the old 12 foot V-hull for this kind of water but for fly fishing the flat bottom is knight and day better to move around in.
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+1 on going bigger, and never look back.
The new 9.8 HP Tohatsu is only 84lbs. That's where i'd be looking. $2200 Brand new.
New 9.9 Honda is 114lbs. $3000 brand new.
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Buy the Tohatsu and put Merc stickers on it 😉
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I have no opinion on Honda v Yam v Merc, but I have an 80’s era 14’ aluminum that’s pretty hefty and I have both a Tohatsu 4 and 9.8 that I swap back and forth depending on application.
If I am settling in at one location for a stretch, then I grab the 9.8. Having the extra power is nice as it saves time zipping from one spot to the next. If I am ‘lake hopping’ on a trip, then I use the 4 and take it on and off as necessary.
57 vs 87 lbs or whatever the difference is doesn’t sound like much, but it gets old fast if you are taking it on and off every day. Also the integrated gas tank is great as you can stow a little extra gas in the bow for emergencies and the stern area has that much less clutter.
If I could only own one, it would be the 9.8, but I use the 4 more often just out of practicality and ease.
5 vs 6 is mostly splitting hairs IMHO. Neither will get your boat on plane, and 1 mph difference at WOT is not going to be significantly noticeable. There is virtually no situation that the 6hp is going to get you home safely that a 5hp cannot. I’d buy whichever model you can get the best deal on.
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Awesome guys a lot of good points. Alright I won't rule out as big as a 9.8/9.9hp
What about trolling? Will a 9.8ish hp troll as slow as say a 5hp? I worry that a 9.8 or close to that will troll way too fast and ill either have to live with it or drag a small bucket.
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Well you have a wide flat bottom so it sdoesn't slip through the water as a v-hull does. Think of the 9.8 as having more torque than the 5. In wind the 9.8 will track true while the 5hp will wander. No - the 9.8 won't troll as slow as the 5 hp but your Journey with the heavier and wide bow might be the equalizer.
With the 9.8 - 4-stroke, you're going to get where you need quicker but on calm days you'll be trolling with that 40 electric until winds pick up.
You'll have a nice combination. Plus you can get out of wind trouble if you ventured out too far and down wind.
I firmly believe in having maximum rated horsepower on the boat.
My '85 9.9 2-stroke Evinrude on my 10' Spratley has never wanted me throwing a bucket overboard to slow it down. I will tell you that my 5hp Honda on one of my 10' Spratley pissed me off enough in the wind at Kawkawa Lake that I bought a 9.9
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I have a 2 stroke 9.9 Yamaha (2005) and I can troll right down to 0.8-1.2 mph no problem. Not that heavy (never weighed) but can easily carry it around and load/unload myself. With 2 guys and gear its perfect for my 12" HD Lund. Can get onto plane and up and down the fraser at a good speed as well. 3 guys with gear is almost a bit too much but still gets onto plane.
I myself am a firm believer with going with the max HP, nice to have more power than not enough. For the little bit in extra weight the additional power and being able to cruz across a lake in a few minutes instead of putting over makes it worth it.
My 15' Boston Whaler has a 115hp Merc Tower of Power... go big or go home... lol (should be a 50 on there) First time I've ever said, ya that's too much power and I need a smaller motor. haha
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Agreed. I run a 115HP on my 16' footer. 50MPH is nice.
But back to the kicker thing. I bet you will kick yourself more on the water wishing you could go quicker versus kicking yourself when moving the motor around.
Again, new 9.8HP 4 stroke is only 84lbs. A 6HP 4 stroke is 48lbs. Its up to you... if that extra 4hp is worth the ~30lbs.
I'm a fan of 2 strokes, but if it is being used as my only source of power (ie no electic motor to troll with) on a boat I intend to troll a lot with, I would go 4 stroke. Trolling all day in a small boat with a 2 stroke is a non-starter for me.
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I'm with ya on that one Damien. I too like 2 strokes for zooming around but I'm personally not a fan for trolling. Too smelly and noisy.
Still humming and hawing on this. Despite some valid points made for going with a 9.8 I'm still likely going to go with a 4/5/6. If I routinely fished "bigger lakes" then yes I would definitely want the extra power. But 8/10 lakes I fish are small interior lakes on the fly. I do occasionally troll bigger lakes with down riggers but typically the fishing is decent close to where I launch so no need to be going miles down the lake.
I would at least like to TRY to load + unload, and fish with, a 9.8 or similar that is roughly 30lbs heavier than I'm used to grunting around on/off the boat. Gonna ask around and see if anyone I know has one they would loan out or even rent for a few weeks.
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Despite some valid points made for going with a 9.8 I'm still likely going to go with a 4/5/6. If I routinely fished "bigger lakes" then yes I would definitely want the extra power. But 8/10 lakes I fish are small interior lakes on the fly.
The biggest motor your boat is rated for will give the most flexibility but I'm also a believer in using the right tool for the job. I totally get your reasoning though. If you literally always fished small lakes, then a larger motor is just hauling more weight, using more gas, and spending more money up front for no tangible benefit. But spending 20% of the time on big lakes a case could easily be made either way.
The perfect solution is obvious though. Get one of each :P
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The 9.9 could open up other possibilities such as Fraser River or local ocean fishing but it wont troll down to Trout speed without a prop plate or bucket being towed.
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The biggest motor your boat is rated for will give the most flexibility but I'm also a believer in using the right tool for the job. I totally get your reasoning though. If you literally always fished small lakes, then a larger motor is just hauling more weight, using more gas, and spending more money up front for no tangible benefit. But spending 20% of the time on big lakes a case could easily be made either way.
The perfect solution is obvious though. Get one of each :P
Haha yeah I just might have to. Would be nice to have a 9.8 or similar for the once a year trip to Babine Lake to troll for sockeye, and the odd "bigger" lake wherever. Then a nice small/light 4 or 5hp for the smaller lakes we fish 80+% of the time. Will have to think about it. However I really only want to use/maintain/service/store one outboard so I'm probably just going to buy 1 motor that I deem the best tool for the job.
The 9.9 could open up other possibilities such as Fraser River or local ocean fishing but it wont troll down to Trout speed without a prop plate or bucket being towed.
We have a Harbercraft outboard jet for the Fraser and other rivers. Could take it in the ocean but right now we don't.
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Another thought....what about an 8 instead of a 9.9? Looking on the Mercury or Tohatsu website they are both the "same" motor (208cc), same weight, and so on.
You might ask...why would you get an 8 when you can get a 9.9 for the same size/weight? Well...I'm a tad worried the 9.9 will troll too fast at lowest idle. I am guessing the 8 idles a bit lower + slower? No?
Pretty sure an 8 would get my boat on plane as the 5 Merc I was borrowing was JUST not able to get on plane.
Curious if anyone has any experience trolling with an 8 vs 9.9 four stroke.
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Dad had a 8 hp Merc 2 stroke and it was a little quick for Trout.
Great lil motor though.
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Another thought....what about an 8 instead of a 9.9? Looking on the Mercury or Tohatsu website they are both the "same" motor (208cc), same weight, and so on.
You might ask...why would you get an 8 when you can get a 9.9 for the same size/weight? Well...I'm a tad worried the 9.9 will troll too fast at lowest idle. I am guessing the 8 idles a bit lower + slower? No?
Pretty sure an 8 would get my boat on plane as the 5 Merc I was borrowing was JUST not able to get on plane.
Curious if anyone has any experience trolling with an 8 vs 9.9 four stroke.
You can always change the prop on any motor to meet your needs. They usually come with a middle of the road diameter and pitch. Limited selection for smaller motors though...
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SS , I had a 4HP 2 stroke on my 12’ Lund Vhull and worked perfect for many years , couple decades in fact and still going strong on my 10 Jon now , put a 9.9 Johnson on my Vhull and a Minnkota that can go either depending on what water I’m on or headed for....
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I have a 8hp tohastu on my 20ft custom weld. Pushes it along just fine. Can troll slow enough for everything I do. I wanted it light and that's what it is at 82lbs. They also have a 9.8 that weight the same which is interesting. The 9.9 is around 93lbs.
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Easy to slow your troll. I don't think the 8 or 9.8 would matter when set to its slowest speed. As far as I know they will troll the same speed at minimum but the 9.9 will have a higher RPM limit to move you quicker on the top end.
I find 4 strokes troll slower than 2 strokes. And as Coyote mentioned, you can easily change props to slow you down. I beleive some manufacturers will let you exchange props at no charge. You can also drag a bucket or a drift sock - https://www.amazon.ca/Lindy-DCVS36-X-Fish-36-Inch-Drift/dp/B00274HRPI/ref=asc_df_B00274HRPI/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=271017624416&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16357897437941892792&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000951&hvtargid=pla-448637897227&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.ca/Lindy-DCVS36-X-Fish-36-Inch-Drift/dp/B00274HRPI/ref=asc_df_B00274HRPI/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=271017624416&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16357897437941892792&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000951&hvtargid=pla-448637897227&psc=1)
I have no experience with trolling plates, but that could work as well. Or y'know, troll into the wind lol.
Spawn Sack, its your choice, but seems like consensus around is to go 'big'.
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Good info guys thanks!
Never really thought about changing out the prop to final tweak things a bit. Makes sense. I don't really like the idea of dragging a sock or bucket. One more thing for a fish to get wrapped in and/or to have to get out of the way with a fish on. We have a couple diff size socks on our jet boat that we use in the river when anchored up for sturgeon or salmon. They are pretty much a must use as sometimes the boat will drift all over the place without one. However ya we have had fish get wrapped in them and they can be a pain at times. On my 11"6 boat, as the driver if I especially get a fish on I still have to steer the tiller, reel in the fish, wind in my downrigger if using down riggers, and if fishing by myself net the damn fish too, lol!!! No desire to have to deal with another variable that could cost me a fish.
Anyway, so ya'll got me now leaning towards an 8 or 9.8. The more I think about it the more I'm thinkin, ya, maybe it is the best overall tool for the job.
Damien is of the opinion that trolling speed between an 8 and 9.8 likely to be the same. Anyone else have any experience here? If this is true I'd likely opt for the extra 2ish hp considering the motor weighs the same.
Also, how about trolling speed between a 5hp four stroke and an 8 or 9.8 four stroke? As long as the slowest trolling speed was pretty similar I'd be happy. Sometimes we troll a fly to prospect a lake and find where the fish are I mostly like to go sloooooowwww like 1mph or so. If an 8 or 9.8 buzzed along way faster than say a 5hp I don't think I'd like the new motor much.
Bigblockfox, yeah if you look on Tohatsu's website you can see the 8 and 9.8 are the same motor (209cc) whereas the 9.9 is 333cc and EFI and 13 or so lbs heavier. Yeah kinda weird 1/10th of a hp more but a pretty different motor.
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So I'm thinking of buying a new outboard. Having trouble deciding between Yamaha, Honda, Merc, Tohatsu. Yes I know there are other brands, Suzuki and others, but I like these 4 and that's what I'm sticking with.
I only want a 4, 5, or 6 hp. An 8 or 9.9 would be nice but the twin cylinders weight a lot more and I'm just not interested in taking the additional weight on/off my boat every time I use it.
Boat is an 11"6 john boat (Journey). I have used a 5hp on it before and it pushes it just fine. I typically fish smaller interior lakes so I don't need to zip along that fast. The transom is rated for a 15hp but like I said I just don't feel like lugging that much extra weight. The boat goes on a roof rack over my canopy so everything has to come out of the boat before the boat goes on the roof.
Kind of leaning towards a Merc 5hp. I have used/borrowed the father in law's 5hp merc 4 stroke and quite like the motor. Starts up no probs, idles nice and smooth and trolls beautifully, revs up nicely and cruises along great at WOT.
You can get the same Merc motor in a 6hp, however, I have heard (not sure if true or not) that they idle a bit higher and do not troll quite as nice (or slow) as the same engine in the 5hp version.
Tohatsu is the same motor (built in same factory in Japan) and about the same price. If all things are equal I'd rather have a cowl that says "mercury" than "tohatsu." Just personal preference. If I were to happen on a sweet deal on used Tohatsu then I might buy it, but if going brand new I'd rather have the Merc. Also the 5 Merc has a built in fuel tank in the Cowl whereas with the Tohatsu the 5hp does not, but the 6hp does. I'd probably only use the bigger separate tank, but nice to have the built in as an option.
I love Hondas but you can only get a 4hp in the single cylinder (can get a 5hp or 6hp in the USA, but not interested in going that route). I wonder if you'd notice much of a difference in WOT between a 4hp and a 5hp???
Same with Yamaha, can only get a 4hp in the single cyclinder. And I love Yamahas too but I was looking at a 4hp in Cascade the other day and now they are made in SE Asia - not Japan! I think it was made in Thailand.
Honda still made in Japan, same with Tohatsu/Merc.
Leaning towards the 5hp Merc as I've borrowed the identical motor and used it on my boat and I loved it. Don't see a big reason to "risk it" with a 4hp Honda or Yamaha. Ya I'll probably not notice the 1hp less cruising at WOT but you never know. I don't know anyone with a 4hp Honda or Yamaha to test out unfortunately.
Also buddy made a good point: wherever you go there's always a Merc dealer somewhere. Can always get a common part if you have a mechanical issue on a fishing trip. Not as many dealers for Honda and Yamaha. So, serviceability is likely the best if you own a Merc.
Interested to hear what ya'll think!
I think everyone is talking you into something you really don't want, in saying the best fit for you is a 9.9.
Stick with your gut, re read your post as it sounds like the 5-6hp is really what you are looking for. Sounds like you really like the 5hp merc and it looks like it did everything you wanted and expected it to do for the situations you put your self into most often.
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You will not be happy with anything bigger than a 6 if trolling slow is your main duty.
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Another thought....what about an 8 instead of a 9.9? Looking on the Mercury or Tohatsu website they are both the "same" motor (208cc), same weight, and so on.
You might ask...why would you get an 8 when you can get a 9.9 for the same size/weight? Well...I'm a tad worried the 9.9 will troll too fast at lowest idle. I am guessing the 8 idles a bit lower + slower? No?
Pretty sure an 8 would get my boat on plane as the 5 Merc I was borrowing was JUST not able to get on plane.
Curious if anyone has any experience trolling with an 8 vs 9.9 four stroke.
They troll the same, get the 9.9.
I have a 4hp Merc, I change the 7 pitch to a mouse ear 5 pitch, it trolls about .9 mph, my friend complains a little about his Merc 9.9 which trolls about 1.3 mph but his being a 2 cylinder is much smoother. My 1 cylinder bounces around and vibrates.
Both of these are used as kickers.
For my little tin boat I have a 2.5hp Merc simply because of weight. I would hate moving around a 9.9.
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You will not be happy with anything bigger than a 6 if trolling slow is your main duty.
I think everyone is talking you into something you really don't want, in saying the best fit for you is a 9.9.
Stick with your gut, re read your post as it sounds like the 5-6hp is really what you are looking for. Sounds like you really like the 5hp merc and it looks like it did everything you wanted and expected it to do for the situations you put your self into most often.
both excellent points....go with your gut
I have a 4, 6 & a 9.9
your original post I would go with a 6 HP 4 stroke
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If i'm trolling in a lake, 99% of the time I use an electric. Spawn Sack said he prefers to troll with his electric as well.
If that is the case, I would stick with the idea of a 9.9hp with an alternator to charge up the battery while trolling. If it is too windy for the electric that just means you can fire up the 9.9hp and troll into the wind to slow the boat down.
Again, the new Tohatsu 9.8hp is only 84lbs. That is a big difference from a 9.9 Honda at 114lbs.
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Merc 6 hp. CASE CLOSED. 8)
Weight ? Owned one Nope. Owned a small Yamaha 4hp 4 stroke.
Why a Mercury 6hp ? Sounds like a Mercury are a favourite brand.
Or a Merc 5hp . Do they even sell a Merc. 6hp?
CASE RE-OPENED !!!! :o
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Merc 6 hp. CASE CLOSED. 8)
Weight ? Owned one Nope. Owned a small Yamaha 4hp 4 stroke.
Why a Mercury 6hp ? Sounds like a Mercury are a favourite brand.
Or a Merc 5hp . Do they even sell a Merc. 6hp?
CASE RE-OPENED !!!! :o
Yep Mercury 6 hp & Spawn Shack this is the perfect OB for you. Trolls perfect & light weight.
Small & powerful enough for 95% of your fishing needs.
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Thanks for all the replies. Valid points on either side, that is, to go with a single cylinder 4, 5, or 6, or go with a twin cylinder 8 or 9.8.
If I knew someone that had a 8 or 9.8 four stroke I'd test it out and primarily see how slow I could get it to troll. Several people have commented on here that neither an 8 or 9.8 will troll as slow as 4-6hp and that is pretty much a deal breaker. Also considering an 8 or 9.8 is another 30ish lbs to carry on my knees (I have a canopy) in and out of my truck each time I use the boat I think as I age the extra weight would start to become a nuisance.
Yeah I could just troll with an electric but I find having two motors on the transom, fuel tank + battery in the boat, and so on too much of a pain cost/benifet wise. On smaller lakes (esp those electric motor only) we just pack the electric (duh). On lakes that are "too big" to cruise around and troll with just the electric, I prefer to just bring a gas motor and use that for both cruising and trolling.
Sometimes I/we slow troll a fly to prospect out a new lake and find where the fish are, other times we slow troll a flat fish or wherever. Being able to troll nice and slow 1mph or so seems to be the key. The 5hp Merc I borrowed off the father in law trolled about 1mph at lowest throttle and no wind. Pefect. Yes the electric will troll even slower but I find generally I'll increase the throttle until we are moving at 1mph or so. For sockeye (Babine Lake) we we typically doing about 1.8mph which killed the battery in 3-4 hrs with no wind. Not juice for a days fishing.
I havent bought anything yet but am likely going to go with a 5hp Merc. I have used this same motor on my boat and liked it a lot. A few different forums I read (not this site) said that the 6hp idles a bit faster that the 5 and therefore trolls a bit faster. I dont think the 6 will do anything the 5 cant except move my boat a bit faster at WOT. Leaning towards the 5hp.
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A five horse is plenty of power and is still easy to swing around.
I have a lovely 10 hp 4 stroke Honda that I love and used to be able to lift and move around with 1 hand. I don't do it anymore. Too heavy. I love the power but I would sacrifice power for portability.
I would go for the 5 hp. Still plenty of power for fishing the seaside.
For trolling a fly have you ever tried just wind drifting?
I normally troll the shoreline with a fly first going up wind and then I just wind drift back. In a big lake I use a full sink line. Works good.
In the ocean I like to wind drift and jig a buzzbomb. I find it's a lot quieter and peaceful, and can be very productive.
5 Alive baby!!! ;D
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There is a very nice 6 hp Merc 2 troke for sale on FlyBC right now.
It wont be there long.
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Thanks firstlight. Unfortunately I troll often enough that I would not want a 2stroke. I do however love 2 strokes for staying up in the revs and zipping around. Our 16 foot river boat has a 2011 Merc 90/65 and that motor is just plain awesome!
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Lehr has a propane powered outboard. You don't have to worry about old fuel or mixing 2 stroke fuel.
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After much thought I decided to look for an 8 or 9.8 four stroke. I figured if I got a decent price on a newer used one, if I didnt like it could always sell it at not much of a $$$ loss. Not much had been up on CL and kijiji since the early fall, so I had more or less figured I'd wait until the spring to buy.
Then I was at my local Yammy dealer the other day. They had one 8hp short shaft left on the floor. MSRP was $2750 or so. Sale price (probably the always on sale, "sale price") was $2350 or so. I'm just checking it out, not planning to buy. Staff member comes over and informs me there is an end of the season promo going on right now, additional $400 off! I said what the hell and bought it for $1900 plus tax. Obviously more than a newer used one ($1750ish seem to be about the going rate for this motor or similar), but hey, it's brand new!
The extra 30 lbs (compared to a 4/5/6 single cylinder) is definitely noticeable lifting it and carrying around, but not a big deal. I'm pretty stoked to try it out in the spring! If it trolls too fast for my liking I'll follow the advice given here and change out props until I find one that trolls to my liking.
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Congrads on a good make & plenty of power for your needs.
The day winds pickup & ya have 2-3 people in your boat your going to appreciate the 8hp over the 5.
Just take your time carrying it. Guess ya have a car-top boat ...so if the 8 hp gets a bit heavy as ya age just have a cart /wheels & just transport the outboard near your boat & stick it on the stern.
Bow in the water & back end on the shore. Easy to take from cart & onto stern. Push the boat into the water & turn it around with a bow rope. Load gear / jump in & away ya go.
That salesman must be a pro. He got you to commit after so so so so much thought & deciding.
On sale plus another $400 off !!!!
Think we also have a pro buyer. That sales guy must of thought....I'm going to make this guy buy even if it kills me & we barely make a buck profit.
Maybe he thinks they will eventually make some profit when the outboard needs servicing......
Congrads again. Spring before we know it.
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I have the Merc 6 on my 16 foot aluminum Legend as a kicker. The thing I like about it is that it can take an external fuel source but it also has a built in tank. This gives me some options as well as being able to have a "reserve" tank. This may be true for other outboards as well but since this is the only one I own...... :)
I haven't used it on any other boat but it actually pushes my 16 along at an acceptable speed in a lake. On the Fraser, it would be great going with the current but I think it would take a long time to get anywhere going against it.
Good luck with your search.
Edit: I see you got one already. Congratulations on your purchase. You should get many years out of it.