Outboard or Not???

[huntingrdr]

Hello Guys,

I am going to be getting a jon boat soon to fix up.  I just bought a 46lbs thrust trolling motor this weekend to use on my neighbors boat.  I am going to be fishing small lakes anywhere from 50 acres-1000 acres.  Do you guys recommend getting a small outboard to get around or do you think a trolling motor and a few batteries will work?  I am trying to find a good deal on a boat just not sure if I should be looking for one with a motor.  Need some advice please.

Thanks Robert

[Ben]

First you need to find out what lakes will let you run an outboard, most small lakes will not let you have one in the water.   Next you need to decide if the ones that will let you are worth spending the money for an outboard.  Some of your best fishing sometimes comes from smaller lakes that don't allow outboards because they are usually not fished as heavily.  

1000 acres is a bit much for an electric TM.  You have to plan on the area of the lake you want to fish and pretty much stick to that area.  With a 46 lb TM, you want to find you a Trojan SCS 225 battery, that's the baddest of the deep cycle batteries.  Even with that, you probably will not be able to run on max for much more an hour or so (doubt you will get 1.5 hours).   At 50% thrust and itermittnet use you should be able to go several hours unless if your stopping and fishing.  Just easing around it would last most of the day, just don't take off all the way to the other side of the lake until you get a feel for how much run time you get from your battery, paddling back is not fun.

[huntingrdr]

Where can I find electric only lakes on the internet.  I live in Texas and went to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, I cant find electric only lakes. I need help!!

[Ben]

If it's not a state owned lake, it's up to the lake owner.  I you get a good map or Topo map, you can see where the lakes are in your area.  From there it's a matter of finding out which ones are for public use and what their motor requirements are.  Depends also where you live in Texas, south Texas is going to be limited on any kind of lake you can fish.  

[Raul]

By all means get an outboard ! waves can get pretty high and hairy in a 1000 acre impoundment.

[Rattlinrogue]

By all means,get you a nice little 9.9 hp.Otherwise you'll spend all day getting there!

[Wormy]

I agree with Rattlinrogue, if you don't get and outboard you will spend the best part of the day getting to different spots. Not to include what happens if a summer thunderstorm pops up and your in the middle of it. GET THE OUTBOARD!!!

[ironbeer78]

but however ben brings up a good point some small lakes are electirc only. I would do what ben said and do a little research on yer lakes you plan to fish. Would be a shame to spand all that money on a gas powered moter if most the lakes you plan to fish don't allow gas powered boats.

steve

[huntingrdr]

Alright I think I am going to get an outboard when I get enough money for working over the summer.  I want one that will work for duckhunting and fishing.  What do you guys think about the Briggs and Stratton 5hp outboard for 700?  Anyone used one?  How do they perform and are they reliable?

Thanks

[Skwerl]

Check your local papers and web classifieds. Also check your local boat dealers for trade-ins. On a local board near me a guy is selling a 2005 Yamaha 6 for $300 (as an example). He's also selling his 2005 Gheenoe for $500.

Several years ago I had a 10' jon boat and I'd buy the $99 30 lb thrust trolling motors from Wal-Mart and I'd bring 2 batteries with me. I could fish a 150-200 acre lake easily but got caught a couple times in storms cause the wind was too strong for me to fight my way back to my truck. On normal days I'd go 4-6 hours before having to break out the paddle.