Outboard HP recommendation

[waltmoe]

Greetings:
I am new to this site and forum, looks like a great resource.

I need advice on HP recommendation. I am purchasing a Gregor or Klamath 15-16 foot aluminum boat, tiller outboard control and steering. I am looking at 20, 25 or 30 hp Honda outboard. I want to troll (freshwater lake) fishing and want the ability to troll for many hours without the engine getting fouled and not too much idle power where I cannot throttle it down to a good trolling speed.

So if I'm making sense are there anyone out there with the same type of boat and motor I am looking at and can recommend what HP outboard to get.

Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: Outboard HP recommendation

Welcome to iboats waltmoe.

I would power the boat close to max hp.
The last thing you want, is to be underpowered.
There are many ways to slow down a boat for trolling.
Back trolling, trolling into the wind, using a driftsock, tilting the motor up part way, etc.

Don't think you can foul out a Honda, or any 4 stroke.
But you will "make oil" if you troll long enough.

"Making oil" is when so much gas runs past the piston rings and settles in the block, in the oil.

When you check the oil dipstick, is mysteriously shows an extra pint of oil. This is the gas that has been added to the oil.

Oh, by the way, this is an "outboard non-repair" question, so don't be surprised if one of the moderators moves it to that forum.

If you repost it in the appropriate forum, it will get more exposure.