Best Motor Size For 14Ft Trihaul

[sparky241]

I had someone give me a 14ft trihaul boat. Can you recommend motor size for me? Its real light and I'm not a speed demon type. Also it doesn't have a title, it spent it whole life on a private pond, does anyone know how/if I can get a title for it and register it? I'm the 3rd owner

[speed craw]

On tin boats .net guys run the 9.9  a lot .... 

[Catt]

If the bottom is 40" & over I would run a 25

[sparky241]

If the bottom is 40" & over I would run a 25

ill measure but it looks like it may be 48" or so

[Fishing Rhino]

The size of the motor depends on where you plan to fish.  Limited horsepower ponds/lakes are commonly limited to less than ten hp.  That's why they make 9.9 horsepower motors.  If you are not going to fish water with horsepower restrictions, then 25 hp should be sufficient, provided the boat will handle it.

 

There should be a plaque or sticker on the boat that denotes the maximum hp for that hull. 

[BrianSnat]

Definitely check restrictions on local lakes to see if any of the places you might want to fish have HP restrictions.  If so then  9.9 is the way to go. It will push a 14 ft boat fast enough. I can reach 21MPH in my 14'er  with the 9.9 as long as I'm alone. Max is usually about 17 mph if I have one passenger.   If no restrictions where you plan to fish  then 15 - 25 hp should be fine.

 

As far as getting title you need to call your state's motor vehicle dept (or whomever handles boat registration in your state) and ask for instructions.  When I went to buy my current boat it didn't have a title, but it did have a registration # and VIN  I told the guy no title, no sale. In NJ he simply had to fill out a form with the VIN and registration number and take it to Motor Vehicles and received title on the spot.
 

No VIN it would have been harder. He would have needed to register it as a home made boat to get a title and bring it to a certain State Police station for inspection before the title would be issued.  Of course your state may be completely different which is why you need to call, or check out their website.