Canoe speed

[dar3141]

I have a 15' Old Town Canoe and am considering a 5 or 6 hp outboard motor. How can I find out the speed difference between the two choices? Thanks...

 

[dmessy]

Re: Canoe speed

5 or 6 HP is too much for your canoe, I run a 2.25hp on a 18'er and it is PLENTY. Don't go over your rated HP

 

[Philby]

Re: Canoe speed

Have you thought about an electric trolling motor ?

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

I've got a 15' OTC sport which is rated for a 5hp. I currently have a 46lb thrust minnkota trolling motor on it, and it moves roughly 3 to 4mph. I am also thinking about putting a 5hp 4-stroke on mine, i can imagine that thing will be a rocket

 

[dar3141]

Re: Canoe speed

Thanks for responding...I already have an electric trolling motor (in fact the same type as Martin Logan). But on recent fishing trips I have found myself needing more range and wanting more speed to open up different opportunities in the lakes around my area. So I was wondering what I should expect with a 5 to 6 hp motor.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Canoe speed

I would try to borrow a motor and find out...that big a motor is very tippy in some canoes...if you have a transom to mount the motor on and a wide and deep canoe it might work fine...but put that 50-70# motor offset on a touring canoe and you could find yourself taking on more water than you would want...just a Thought

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

I'm assuming that DaR3141 has a DISCOVERY SPORTS 15', am i correct in this assumption?<br />If so, that canoe is about 43" inches wide, and is very stable(I own one). I can stand up and walk from one end of my canoe to the other with no hesitation. I just bought a 5hp 4-stroke nissan from Cabelas about 20 minutes ago, so i'll let you know how it goes. If you're buying a new motor, no matter who the manufacturer, youre going to spend atleast 1,000.(unless you buy a 2-stroke )

 

[dar3141]

Re: Canoe speed

You are correct in figuring out my boat. Let me know how you like your new motor; it sounds like it could be exactly what I am looking for.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Canoe speed

Years ago I had a 17' square stern alumnium with a 5hp on it. It scared the crap out of me. I would not let anyone else use it. Way to much power.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Canoe speed

there's a guy on cheat lake who has a 20 hp on a canoe... never saw him after he went out alown...<br /><br />a five hosrse shoulllld be fine for that canoe

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

Anyone actually know how fast this thing will go, a 15 footer with a 5 horse on it? I'll find out as soon as cabelas sends me my stuff, but its just one of those things i'm dying to know ..

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Canoe speed

Canoes are not designed for planing out. They are displacement boats. That is why the hp ratings are generally so low. I bet a 15' with a 5hp will plane out good and you will have about 8' by 3" (like driving a 2 by 4) in the water at 20mph or so. Please be carefull. You won't have chines to keep you upright if that boat decides to roll. Do tell us in the Stupid Human Tricks section how this goes!! Really though, be careful.

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

Oh yes, my outboard will be here On 9-25-2002 between 12 and 2. I'm taking the day off work to prepare for "her" arrival

 

[ad4par1]

Re: Canoe speed

I can't wait to see this! Hey, do you wanna borrow my 50HP just to see what it's like? You might win a prize on America's Funniest home videos, or maybe Jackass? Just kidding!<br /><br />Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Canoe speed

You know what? If you don't try it, you will always wonder if it would work. I am a risk taker and I would at least try it once. <br />NO sharp turns though, just straight and fast <br />Happy boating

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Canoe speed

Well power it right up! Have you considered some outriggers for support/stabilization?<br /><br />Bob

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

I can't possibly imagine it's going to be that bad<br />they’re designed with full-length stabilizing chines<br />The boat is rated for a 5hp just like my ZX190 is rated for 175. If i really tried, i'm sure i could flip my skeeter. Here's the link to the canoe in question just incase anyone is wondering. http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/sport.html

 

[martinlogan]

Re: Canoe speed

yep, i have definately looked into outriggers. in fact, i'm probably going to order some from cabelas on sunday, so they will be here by friday for this weekends first outing!<br />unless anyone knows where i can get good set cheaper than 160.00

 

[dmessy]

Re: Canoe speed

Can I take out an insurance policy on you b4 your maiden voyage

 

[Red Rider]

Re: Canoe speed

My son tried to put a 6hp Evenrude on his 18 foot canoe. I don't know what make it is but it is wide and he does walk in it sometimes. (I never said he had good sense). His problem was that with the motor on the canoe he had to set far enough back to operate it, the back end took water.<br /><br />He did not like my suggestion that he get a 300 pound girlfriend for the front. He took the motor off and put a 60 pound thrust electric on it with a foot remote control. With two deep cycle batteries, an extended double ended paddle from a kayak, and a large umbrella for a sail he has quite a range.