Trolling Question

Utah Fishing Reports & Discussion Utah Fishing General
1

I have the chance of buying a 2.5 horse 4 stroke trolling motor; (very quite) I already have an electric trolling motor on the boat with a rating of 36 Lbs of Thrust on a 14’ boat
The electric pushes the boat at about 3 – 3.5 mph (depending on wind conditions) the question is will the 2.5 gas motor be more power or the electric I already have.
There is not (that I know of) a rating in Thrust Lbs to Horse power.
Will the 2.5 be more thrust? Or the Electric 36 Lbs Thrust I already have.
I am sure there is some BFTers out there with the answer. THANKS [sly]

2

If it helps I have 12ft. boat with a 7hp two stroke and it tops out around 5 MPH…I am sure someone will have a better anwser for you.

3

In my opinion, the outboard will serve you better in the long run. You don’t have to worry about charging batteries. Just add more gas or keep the tank full. I hate charging batteries. As for the 2.5 hp, it is on the light side for getting up to and over 3 mph. I have a borrowed 3 horse that will only get my 12’ v-bottom up to 3 mph while not dragging anything and no head wind. It is a very old and tired motor so a newer motor might be better. The thing i would suggest is to(if possible) try the motor before you buy it and see what it will do.[;)]

4

Lunkerhunter is dead on:

  1. - Gas vs Battery- 2.5 hp is on the light side for your heavily laden boat … especially if two people are in your boat.- In this case, “try before you buy” might bring to light some big surprises that you would not realize otherwise.
5

Thanks guys[;)] I also have an chance to get at the same place and same $300.00 a 2 stroke 5 hp, however it is older by a few years, the 2.5 runs great and starts with out a hitch, and you can not even here it (like your’s Old Coot)
The 5 hp is a tad louder. and starts but takes a few more pulls on the starter. and the 5 hp has controlls on the handel (like Coots) and the 2.5 just has a fast and slow on the motor it self. I might go with the 5 hp 2 stoke because the gas is already mixed for my 65 hp Evinrude, I listen to your opinons THANKS [;)]

6

I would go with the 5 myself. It will be more then enough for your boat and the gas is already there and not an extra tank!! Good luck on what ever you decide!!