2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

[kipper12]

Hi all

New to boating and would appreciate some advice.

I just got my first boat. Used 14 ft aluminum (dunno what kind exactly it was a gift). I've got a mid 90's 8 hp 2 stroke evinrude on it for getting around.

I'd like to have new reliable small 4 stroke kicker motor on there just in case the main give me grief and also for trolling in lakes.

The 2.5 Hp's are in the 7-900 range for brand new. That would be an ideal price point for me. Will it push the boat fast enough to troll without being WOT?

As for just getting me home I'm not as concerned about speed as I am just getting there

Thanks!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

A 2.5 HP kicker on a 14 boat with 1 average sized person in it would move (I'm guessing) about 3-5 MPH, depending on any additional gear you have with you, the way it's stowed, head or tail wind, with or against the current (if there is one).

 

[Part-time]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

Welcome aboard.

A 30 lbs thrust electric motor will push a 14ft tinny without a problem.
A 2.5hp would also do the job just fine.

 

[agallant80]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

Sorry I just have tho throw this out there but you would be crazy to go with anything else besides the 6.2L with Bravo III. In fact if it were my boat I would go with dual Cummins Quantum QSM11-715 with Zeus pods. Think of the resale value and you will want all of that extra power when you are going against the current.

Now that I got that out in the open (there are allot of people here who like to over power things). I think the 2.5 would be OK. I used a 2.5 for years on a inflatable dinghy with a flat bottom and it was fine. Not a speed queen but we had up to 5 people on it and it still moved. We did upgrade it to a 5HP a few years back.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

why two motors? An 8 hp will troll all day with no issue. If you "expect" issues, the fix the the main motor.

 

[64osby]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

A 30 lbs thrust electric motor will push a 14ft tinny without a problem.

why two motors? An 8 hp will troll all day with no issue. If you "expect" issues, the fix the the main motor.

You can get a very nice electric trolling motor for less then 7-900. Go through the 8 and it will troll just fine, add the elec. trolling motor for real skinny water and as back up to the 8. Then add oars or a paddle to back up the trolling motor.

 

[airshot]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

In my smaller boating days I used an electric, I found the gas made to much noise, caught many more fish with the electric. The 2.5 would be fine for trolling, but do give consideration to an electric because it is quiet.

Airshot

 

[H20Rat]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

Someone has to throw it out... How about an electric trolling motor with a small honda suitcase generator for when you need more power?! Basically make your own hybrid 14ft tinny! Might even qualify for some tax exemptions.

 

[64osby]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

^^^ does that meet the requirements for an electric only lake?

 

[roscoe]

Re: 2.5 HP to troll a 14 footer?

You can get a very nice electric trolling motor for less then 7-900. Go through the 8 and it will troll just fine, add the elec. trolling motor for real skinny water and as back up to the 8. Then add oars or a paddle to back up the trolling motor.

Then get a sail for when your arm gets tired.
After that, surrender and abandon ship.


We used 2.5 and 3 hp kickers for years on our 14 and 15' tin boats.

Worked great except for when you needed to go up river.
You can often pick up 35# thrust transom mount electric trollers for $100 or less.