Is 9.9 enough?

[SundayMoney]

I have a Lund WC14. I currently run a '90 Evinrude 8hp on it. With myself and 7 year old in the boat the 8 will get the boat on step,but its slow to do so.

I'm not a speed demon and just want something to get me around.

Will a new Suzuki 9.9 four stroke be a whole lot stronger than a 20 year old Evinrude?

I'm also adding about 50lbs with the 4 stroke.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

1 horse gain but an extra 50 lbs. Sounds like a wash.

I would invest in a 15 hp 2 stroke.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

what is the boat rated for? agree a lot of money for no performance increase.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

Upgrading to a 9.9 from an 8 hp won't mean much. Both are prop rated so the power difference is really only 1.8 hp. 1.8 hp + 50 lbs is a lateral move. Pay the extra and get a 15 hp.

I have run 1980-90's 15 hp Johnson/Evinrudes on a 14' Lund WC. I would say that is probably the best hp for it. It moves pretty good with one passenger, but add two guys and gear and there is a noticable drop in performance.

You can probably sell your 8 hp and pick up a 15 hp of the same vintage or a few years older for around the same price or a few bucks more. A Johnson/Evinrude 15 hp will only be marginally heavier and will provide the power you need and the reliablity you've already enjoyed with your 8 hp.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

My buddy ran a 9.9 4 stroke honda on a Lund 14 (forget the model but it was 70+/-" wide and had walkthough center seat.) It was a sled and wouldn't even plane with 2 adults. Get a 15 (minimum) or better yet a 18,20 or 25. My guess is your boat is rated for at LEAST a 25.

p.s. Worth noteing is that in most 2 stroke motors, the 9.9 and 15 weight in exactly the same. ( add the 18 hp for Tohatsu.) They are also very close in weight to the 8 your running. FWIW, I have a 96' 15 hp merc (with shift in the handle) that is actually a pound lighter than it's 8hp Mariner cousin!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

I also think a 15hp 2-stroke would be a good choice. My personal favorite would be a '57 on up into the 60's 18hp. Actually, the '57 or '58 18hp since they ARE my favorite. A 70's 20hp would be really nice, too. But, an 80's or 90's johnson/evinrude 15hp would sure be a smooth, quiet running motor!
You just about can't go wrong from a 15 to a 20hp motor. I personally think a 25hp is overkill for fishing unless you do a lot of long-distance motoring. That much torque is hard on a transom, too, and likes the gas.
JBJ

 

[marquette]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

i agree 15hp 2 stroke is the way to go. almost double the hp and not much weight diference. johhnyrude 15 hp is easy on gas and will troll all day long on that boat. easy to find used and parts are everywhere ( not that they need many)

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Is 9.9 enough?

FYI. Here are the specs...

WC 14 SPECS
LENGTH: 14' 5.5" ? BEAM: 69" ? TRANSOM: 20"
OUTBOARD RATING: 25 HP