Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

[Columbia]

I'd like some opinions on what size outboard would be best for my 12' Smokercraft Alaskan (20" transom). I will be using the boat with up to three folks, some small, for fishing lakes and estuaries and will be trolling a fair amount. Weight is some issue to overall and to weight aft. I'd been thinking 8hp Honda, prefer four stroke as I've had a lifetime of mixing oil...but open to thoughts.

 

[JB]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

I think a 9.9 would be good, but a 15 would be better.

 

[jim phillips]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

If the boat is rated for a 15 hp that is what i would want on it. If you go smaller you might not be happy with the performence when you get it loaded with people and gear. Just my .02

 

[roscoe]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

15hp 2 stroke wieghs 76#

 

[Columbia]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

I appreciate these responses. After over 35 years of sailboats and kickers I'm transitioning to small fishing boats. It's hard to know where to draw the line on boat length, horsepower, accessories, etc. either up or down and I have less interest in fiddling around with these things. So far, so good.

 

[Old120]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

do the right thing. the 15 hp honda is the way to go. you won't be sorry!

 

[billy-bobby]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

I have a 12 ft boat that weighs in at 156 pounds, and 9.9 four stroke. I would recommend a 15 hp with the Smokercraft. The 15 hp yamaha or honda would be good fit ( same weight as 9.9 @ 95 pounds) But you might wish to seriously reconsider the weight of a four stroke versus 2 stroke. A 2 stoke would be far easier to handle when you want to tilt motor, especially for young operators. Look at the Yamaha 15 hp 2 stoke. Attractive features include: 100:1 mix ratio, and 20 lbs less weight, and not as bulky.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Right sized outboard for 12' rated to 15hp.

go with a 9.9 i have a 9.5 om my 12 footer aero-craft and it moves along nicely. i wont win any races with it but its not a speed boat anyway