mmargoli

Those of you that use a gas outboard.. I am contemplating getting a 5hp propane, my budget it limited and I can't afford to buy a 9.9hp. Could anyone help me with either of the below questions: Since the motor only weighs 60 pounds, would it harm the transom if I trailered and stored the motor on the boat or do I really need to remove/reinstall it everytime I go out? The boat is stored on the trailer in my garage if that matters. Anyone have a 5 or 6hp motor? Could you share your performance experience? I currently travel at 3.5 mph with a 12v 65lb brushless trolling motor in normal conditions and fully loaded with 2 people/gear. This would be the first time owning an outboard, I am thinking that I could achieve 5 - 6 mph stepping up to 5hp, but would appreciate anyone who has a similiar size motor sharing their performance to help me validate if this is worth the expense. If anyone has a propane engine, I am thinking that I would get a 5lb tank and modify the openning right in front of the motor to fit the tank upright just under the tiller handle, if I went with an 11lb tank, I am concerned the tiller handle won't clear the top of the tank. Does anyone have an guidance/reconmendations/pictures of such a step up? Thanks for the help

@eman The holes at the bottom of the battery cover serve as drain holes designed to channel water out of the battery compartment and into the hull, where it can then drain out through the bottom plug. If you find water accumulating in the battery compartment, it's possible that water is not draining properly due to the position of the drain plug, which may be slightly higher than the bottom of the hull. This situation could arise, especially if the boat is stored outdoors, as rainwater may collect in the hull over time. Consequently, when the boat is tilted or leaned to one side, such as when stepping down on the port side, the water can pool in the corner and reach a level where it enters the battery compartment through the holes. While I personally store my boat indoors and rarely encounter water in the hull, I occasionally remove the bottom drain plug and tilt the front of the boat at a 35-45 degree angle to help drain any accumulated water from the hull through the plug.

I know there have been contributors who have suggested not to buy this boat and get a metal boat, I am not interested in that debate. I started this thread in the hopes of starting an ongoing discussion among Sun Dolphin Pro 120 owners to share modification ideas, ask questions, and make suggestions for those of us who own this boat. I am a brand new owner and would really be interested in hearing from any of you who enjoy this boat and have optimized it over the years. Below is what I have done to my boat: 1 105AH 29DC battery for now MK Edge 45 up front MK Endura Max 55 in the back drilled hole under rear deck into battery compartment Added rubber grommet on both sides of hole and ran small piece of electrical conduit for the trolling motor wires into the compartment Added 50a breaker to positive side Mounted telescopic oars to inside top cover of live well using broom clamps Sealed seams between drain plug housings and boat with marine sealent Velcro'd box for drain plugs to be stored to inside top cover of battery compartment Added hole plug with marine sealent to oar locks to eliminate water from entering Added buckle strap to hold down trolling motor pedal while on highway Fabricated pvc pipe trolling motor stabilizer for rear TM for transporting on highway

Finally off the bank and onto the water. First boat for me.. Sun Dolphin Pro 120. I have put a MK Edge 45 on the front. I have taken the chairs out as I prefer to stand and fish, so sitting and operating the pedal is not an option. I know I need to practice it a bunch to get the hang of operating the pedal and keep my balance. Has anyone been able to recess the pedal on this boat so it is more comfortable and easier to balance? Or have you made another other mods that make it more comfortable to use a pedal standing on this boat?