Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: flatlander on September 20, 2007, 08:17:33 PM
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Bought a 2005 16' smokercraft tracer without power. I was looking for suggestions for the outboard. Should I go with a prop or jet outboard? Four stroke vs two? HP suggestions? I was considering a 60hp prop but I may want to use the boat on the upper Fraser.
Would this boat be suitable for use on the Fraser? How about the salt (in good weather)?
Thanks
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee227/jmarusen/boat/smokercraft.jpg)
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From what I understand, your hull needs to be designed for a jet to get optimum performance. Most likely, it is not and you'll be stuck with a prop. Probably do just fine with a 60 hp 4-stroke Yamaha. Not sure what the max hp your boat is rated for. Best to check with a Smokercraft dealer. If at all possible, go with the 4-stroke. You'll really appreciate the lack of smoke and quiet running. No need to add any more oil to the fraser, it gets enough each year from all those overturned tanker trucks etc.
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Great boat, it would be quite suitable for either use with proper boating skill, patience and knowing its limitations.
60hp would be fine, a bit more like a 75hp would push it with more vigor, but I would of course check the ratings. Also consider if you plan to run a kicker or not.
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max hp for 16' tracer is 60. As far as jet or prop goes...IMO, I'd go with the prop. You'll save fuel and get more hp out of the motor. Just take it easy in areas and don't push it. You could always run a river runner keel, but they're not perfect either. If you hit something hard, you'll take your lower unit off instead of just breaking your skeg.
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bentrod/Damien/GhostFish, thanks for the great feedback.
What's a river runner keel? Haven't heard of one before.
Ghost Fish, does your buddy use his smokercraft in the salt at all? How does it handle in the chop?
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Yahammie 50hp 4 stroke thats the way to go
or if you want to save a lots bucks a mercury 4 stroke
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can i ask you what you payed for the boat i have the same one with a 50 horse 4 stroke
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Tracer, sent you a email on the details of my hull.
If anyone has any suggestions as to where to pick up a 50hp 4 stroke yammie please let me know.
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sweet little rig. You can fish that in the chuck no prob weather permiting and inshore
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Thanks Kellya. I wasn't sure if this hull is enough boat for fishing in the chuck.
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Had excellent service etc. with Seapro Marine in Surrey.
Joe will fix you up and very reasonable.
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oak bay marine group sells off their used outboards every couple years. most are 50 hp 4 stroke with low hours. my buddy picked up 2 for 5 grand each. all the controls as well. something to look into. they advertise in the boat trader.
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Those engines probably wont have that low of hours, if you think they run 10 hrs + a day, everyday till the season is over. On the other hand yammies will last forever if they are taking care of properly.
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Oak bay uses tiller models on their whalers and like dan said they are pretty rough on them. I might be wrong though.