suggested size motor 14'jon boat

[brgbassmaster]

i have a jon boat built like a bass boat with the front deck foot pedal trolling motor. all the works..but the motor is to small its only a 9 horse. my brother inlaw has the same size boat with a 25horse on his..could i get a bigger one than that do you think or should i stay with 25 or smaller..

[surfer]

That's a very subjective question. Tell us your thoughts about it. Don't forget about the money, tiller or steering wheel, max hp rating of the boat; is it legal to overpower the boat where you live, do you like to go fast in a small boat?

I guess that last one is a dumb question.  Faster is almost always better.

[brgbassmaster]

i want a bigger motor and yes faster is better idk about the law here yet i just moved to new mexico.

[brgbassmaster]

oh and i have the money

[Tom Bass]

First off, do the research on your boat to find out what the maximum horsepower that the manufacturer recommends for your transom. Exceed that and have an accident then you are liable. If the boat is made to withstand the pressures of a 25hp motor then by all means move up as your finances  allow.

I really wonder if you are just competing with your brother in law for a few horsepower or do you need the horsepower for a real purpose? If he has more horses and beats you to your favorite spot just cruise in and fish anyway. You are saving more money in gas and you probably will enjoy the ride there just the same. You just don't get there as fast as you like.

The price of the 25 plus hp motor probably won't outweigh the burden you suffer being slower.

Just my thoughts.

[wagn]

i have a 14 ft with a 30 hp on the back. It works well for me. Whatever size you get, make sure that it doesn't go over the hp rating for the boat.

[Catt]

By all means do not surpass the horse power rating for the boat  

Another consideration is the bottom width of the boat because both aluminum flat/modified V hulls will slide when cornering and then bite which can be very hairy unless you're use to it.  

[Micro]

Here's something a lot of people don't consider:  liability coverage.

The liability insurance coverage that protects you in the case where your dog bites someone, or you drive a golf ball through someone's window, or you run over someone in your boat - this coverage comes from your homeowner's or renter's insurance.  

Most homeowner's or renter's policies put horsepower restrictions on the boats they will provide liability protection for.  Exceed that HP rating and you will not have any coverage if you do damage with your boat.  You will need to buy a separate boat owner's policy.

Read your homeowner's or renter's policy carefully and make sure its a risk you want to take.

(My qualifications:  I'm an insurance adjuster for 15+ years licensed to adjust liability claims in 5 states)

[hotspringsbass]

You may want to also consider the weight factor of the larger motor.  Larger motors are going to weight down your boat and you will need to even the load.  My brother had a 9hp motor rebuilt and bored out so it would be a 15hp same weight on the boat but more hp his little jon boat will move even with 2 in the boat and loads of tackle.  The height of the sides and the width will help determine the maximum to go with.  If buying a new motor I would suggest one of the newer four strokes as they would mean no mixing oil/gas and are usually quieter.  If fishing rivers alot think about a jet drive unit.

[Catt]

Dude a 4-stroke would add more weight & many 2-strokes are now oil injected  

[surfer]

It sounds like you have gotten lots of good advice.  If you have the money buy a used 30 hp and put it on.  If you don't like it for any of the previously mentioned reasons then sell it for little to no loss and buy bigger or smaller depending on how you liked the 30.  A 2 stroke will out perform a 4 stroke to a large degree in these smaller engines.

As for the liability, don't run over any one.  This should be a rule weather you are insured or not no mater what size motor you have.

If it's legal then put whatever power you want on the boat.  The manufactures under rate their boats for liability reasons.  I hope by saying that it in no way makes me liable for your actions.    :-?

[Tom Bass]

BRG Bassmaster,

I sent you a PM.

Also, I forgot to ask what lake you fish that's 38,000 acres.

[Catt]

Not insuring your boat is the biggest mistake one can make believe me I lost one in a tornado and had it not been for insurance I wouldn't have been able to buy a new one. If you're in an accident and you're found liable it can cost you more than you can afford.

[pfflyer]

Great question!

I recently lost my 4 stroke 15 hp to theft and have been researching the very same topic.

I have a 15 ft jon with decks and bow trolling motor as well. The industry has a formula based on (I believe) weight and flotation. I read about this on one of the online marine vendors that sell outboards and the U.S. Coast gaurds web site.

The USCG only mentions weight as a factor. This being the case check the specs section online for different manufactures and you will find that many different sized motors are similer or the same weight.

I myself am going to go from the original 15 hp to an 18hp (Nissan) because they are both the same weight for only an extra $150.

My 15 hp pushed my boat at about 20 mph with 2 people, which is fine for m

Remember a 4 stroke is heavier than a 2 stroke but it is much quieter and cheaper to run.

Good Luck!

I look forward to any additional input as well.

[kybassangler]

4 strokes require oil changes. Either you would hafta change it yourself or pay somebody to do it. That sounds like down time and hastle to me. I'd rather mix it.

[Catt]

4 strokes also require tune ups, timing chains adjustments, & other routine maintenance all requiring down time.