matching motor with boat

[boge]

I have a chance to buy a new Mercury 3.3hp outboard motor and a 12 foot jon boat at a pretty good price. Only river fishing. Is that enough motor. What should I expect for speed? I'm new to all this.

 

[Valv]

Re: matching motor with boat

I wouldn't worry about speed, just be happy if you get it on plane. 3.3hp should be ok, but I think a 12ft could use a little more hp, like a 8hp or 9hp.<br />Consider your usage, if you just use it in small ponds and lakes, no problem, but if you venture around lakes, and want to travel a little, you will be running that 3.3 very hard, a little extra hp will allow you not to run motor full throttle for a long time just to move boat.

 

[boge]

Re: matching motor with boat

this is a older jon boat. New Merc. Live in NE Iowa and probably would use it only on the Cedar River and psooibly Clear Lake. No large lakes like Leech. Looked at a older Lund v with aa older 15 hp Evinrude. Both appear in good shape. He is asking $800 with trailer. $500 for the jon w/no trailer. Bsically he wants $450 for the motor and $50 for the boat.

 

[Solittle]

Re: matching motor with boat

See if you can try it out before you buy. I would not expect it to get up on a plane but you won't know till you try.

 

[roscoe]

Re: matching motor with boat

It will move you around ok. My concern is a lack of reverse gear. I have used a couple of these, and never got used to them. You still have a neutral and forward, and 360 degree turning, but it makes backing up very awkward.<br /><br />I would offer $700 for b/m/trailer. <br />You can always sell the 3.3 if you decide to get a bigger motor. They sell well on ebay and are small enough that shipping is easy.