Total newbie here, need help

[ranger]

ok, after years of paddling around my favorite lake(Lake Texoma) on the Texas/Oklahoma border, I am finally ready to purchase a new outboard. I have a 10 ft. johnboat, rated 15 max. Being a poor college student, I can only afford the cheapest outboards available. I'm looking at 2-4 hp. My local dealer has 2 Yamaha, 2.5 Mercury, and a 3.3 Mercury. What would you choose? Will there be much of a difference between 2.5/3.3 hp? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.<br /><br />John

 

[12Footer]

Re: Total newbie here, need help

Greatings, John,and welcome to iboats.<br />2-4HP isn't going to push ytou much faster than a electric trolling motor with 50# thrust. At least for the money you would spend on a reliable outboard, you could buy a really nice electric with the best TM battery, and still have enough cabbage left for a rod n reel,and bait.<br />This is just my $0.02, but another avenue would be pawn shops,garage sales,and classifieds for the perfect 7-15HP outboard.<br />At least you will able to get the boat up on plane. But you'll find you STILL will want a small troller for those areas inaccessable to the bass rigs. ah yes! Virgin fishing grounds!<br />Good luck with your descission.

 

[ranger]

Re: Total newbie here, need help

hey, thanks alot for the help. Ya, I was pondering the trolling motor. But, since my grandfather happens to have a trolling motor sitting around thats barely been used, I thought I should go with the outboard. The trolling motor is pretty old and probably not very powerful. So what is the consensus on Mercury 2.5/3.3 hp? Are they reliable? <br /><br />John

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Total newbie here, need help

Saunders, I would think for the $ you would spend on a new 2hp your can find a very nice OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) 5.5 or 6. Those small one-cylinders can't compare to the trolling joy an OMC twin provides. The Merc or Yammy are both good choices if you have to have a new eggbeater.

 

[JB]

Re: Total newbie here, need help

Howdy, Saunders.<br /><br />I'm with Fouled Plug. A used OMC twin, 6 to 9.9 hp, will give you much more for your bux than a new, smaller engine.<br /><br />Check dealers, ebay, traderonline, and other sources of used small outboards.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB