Neale

[Neale]

I have an older 17' aluminum bass boat and am considering using it for crabbing in protected waters. Has anyone used a 10 hp or 15 hp motor on a boat like mine and how well did it work? I'm mostly concerned on how well a small motor would work against the tide or a light breeze. Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

thats like asking how big is a mountain.

a bit more information would be needed. manufacturer of the boat, weight of the boat, etc.

10/15 hp is kicker motor range

if your up against current and wind, a 10 or 15hp wont cut it.

on a calm day, you could putt along with a 2hp motor.

anything below 30hp may not even get the boat up on plane, so performance would be limited to putting along at displacement speed (about 5.5 knots)

 

[Sea Rider]

Which other HP-OB besides a 15 HP would you consider buying ? If solo crabbing with a 15 HP along a maximized prop for OB to run at least middle to max wot rpm factory range probably expect fast displacement speed, will depend on alum bass boat weight. A heavy boat powered with a under powered OB don't match well...

Happy Boating