RMB
Cadet
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2010
- Messages
- 13
I have a 15' Smoker Craft with a 50 HP Force/Merc. I like the boat, but without the trolling plate it idles too fast to troll, and with the plate I have to run higher RPMs, the engine is loud, and the boat is more difficult to steer. So, I'm considering adding a kicker, but wanted to get some opinions before I lay out the $.
If I go this route, I am going to get a 4 stroke - quiet is good! My question is, what size do you think would be adequate? On-line, I can get a brand new Suzuki 2.5 HP for about $650. I've seen some used 3.5 HP for around $550. 4 HP and 5 HP seem to go up in price considerably.
I'm leaning toward the 2.5. New, warranty, light weight, VERY efficient (.25 gallons/hour at WOT), but am a little concerned that might not be enough HP. Do you think that the 2.5 is big enough to push my boat around in low/moderate winds at elevation? I usually fish above 7000'.
If I go this route, I am going to get a 4 stroke - quiet is good! My question is, what size do you think would be adequate? On-line, I can get a brand new Suzuki 2.5 HP for about $650. I've seen some used 3.5 HP for around $550. 4 HP and 5 HP seem to go up in price considerably.
I'm leaning toward the 2.5. New, warranty, light weight, VERY efficient (.25 gallons/hour at WOT), but am a little concerned that might not be enough HP. Do you think that the 2.5 is big enough to push my boat around in low/moderate winds at elevation? I usually fish above 7000'.
