Hi, my apologies if this is repetitive of other questions. I recently got a modest little 17 ft Larson tri-hull with the original 1971 two stroke Johnson 85 hp outboard. So far, the old boy has been fine, but I'm interested in trolling fishing and didn't want to put the stress of low speed trolling on the main motor. Plus, given the age of it, more than a little interested in having a backup source of power as well. Almost exclusively lake and reservoirs, not taking it to Lake Erie or anything, but some of the lakes are decent size.
I tried a 55 lb thrust transom electric trolling motor, and it could push the boat a little, but only at the highest power setting. That doesn't seem like a great option, esp if there's any kind of wind.
Was thinking of a small outboard, but totally lost on what size would be good. Plus, don't want to break the bank or get an engine worth as much or more than the boat itself. Would a 3.5 or 4 hp be enough for trolling and emergency backup power? Is it safe to transom mount a small single-cylinder engine like that? Or would it need a mounting bracket? There appears to be plenty of room (the previous owner had a 15 hp kicker but I didn't buy that motor).
Any advice at all would be great.
I tried a 55 lb thrust transom electric trolling motor, and it could push the boat a little, but only at the highest power setting. That doesn't seem like a great option, esp if there's any kind of wind.
Was thinking of a small outboard, but totally lost on what size would be good. Plus, don't want to break the bank or get an engine worth as much or more than the boat itself. Would a 3.5 or 4 hp be enough for trolling and emergency backup power? Is it safe to transom mount a small single-cylinder engine like that? Or would it need a mounting bracket? There appears to be plenty of room (the previous owner had a 15 hp kicker but I didn't buy that motor).
Any advice at all would be great.