What size motor should I get?

[HBOMB]

I have a 2013 Alumacraft 1236. The USCG nameplate rating is 10 HP or 540 pounds. I am looking at purchasing a new Mercury 9.9 HP = 84 pounds vs. a new Mercury 6 HP = 57 pounds. Right now I have a 55 pound thrust Minn Kota trollling motor plus battery = 75 pounds. Some people say the 9.9 is too big/heavy for that boat and the 6 is not enough. I fish small lakes and ponds but want the ability to take it out in saltwater. There are always at least 2 people in the boat plus gear. What would you do?

 

[Chad Flaugher]

So the 6 HP is 32 lbs, and the 9.9 is about 78 lbs. (I think) The majority of the weight on yer boat is the peeps and gear. I'm not all that sure it makes a substantial difference. A $4 bag of concrete weighs 80 lbs. I sense a $4 float test. Just an Idea!

 

[achris]

In the 2 stroke range the 9.9 is 77lbs and the 6 is 57lbs.
In the 4 stroke range the 9.9 is 84lbs and the 6 is 57lbs.

So, if your lake has a 'no 2 strokes' rule... I live in Australia and we haven't gotten to that level of silliness, yet... :facepalm:... then the difference between a 9.9 and a 6 is only 27lbs... Heck, you'll be catching fish bigger than that! And to be honest, if the tag says 10, put 10 on (9.9 is close enough )....

Chris........

 

[steelespike]

Do the 9.9.You never here a boater say"boy I wish I had less horsepower."
You might save some weight with a 3 gallon plastic tank.Perhaps a couple of
light plastic paddles instead of wood.A light Danforth style anchor instead of a heavy mushroom
Cans instead of bottles in the cooler. careful weight placement.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

If you go with the 6 you will be wondering for the rest of your life how much better it would run with the 9.9. Go with the 9.9