What Size Gas Motor For Tracker14?

[endless]

I have a Tracker14 the one in my sig. and It's rated for 15 hp but wonder if like a 7.5 hp would be good? Usually carrying weight is me 180 4 batteries and maybe a friend or wife that range no heavier than me, maybe 400 to 550 in total weight?

What size hp motor would you recommend? for some lakes like Briery is only 10hp so I will probably stay under that if can find one in my price range. I found a 7.5 johnson for $400 that's supposedly completely rebuilt and runs great and I'm still in trying to contact the owner to see if start it for me if go to buy it.

[J Francho]

When I used rental tin cans like yours, I always saved a few bucks on the 8 hp. The 9.9 wouldn't do a whole day on one tank if you did some running, and the 8 was fine power wise for two guys.

This a 14' semi-V, but you should be able to get up on plane in yours no problem.

[GrundleLove]

Did i read that right....that thing has 4 batteries? Do you also DJ on your boat?

[J Francho]

Did i read that right....that thing has 4 batteries? Do you also DJ on your boat?

Two 24v trolling motors. He can probably ditch the transom mount TM and two batts when he gets the OB. That would save a lot of weight, and improve performance.

[Daniel My Brother]

I've got a 1436 jon with a 9.8hp, and I wouldn't want any less. Get the biggest motor you can legally run on those 10hp lakes and you'll have no regrets.

[endless]

Two 24v trolling motors. He can probably ditch the transom mount TM and two batts when he gets the OB. That would save a lot of weight, and improve performance.

Mine are only 12v but I was recommeded to parallel I think my bow mount trolling motor to two.

Grundlelove- I run my depth finder on it's own battery. I make sure I have enough batteries to not die on the lakes I fish. I have died and had to paddle on several 400 acres lakes and that was enough for me but if you got the equipment we can party!! lol

[J Francho]

Remember, you have a lot more capacity since you'll use the OB to get places. I think you'd be fine with two. If you are worried about the FF, think about this. I can run my HB 383ci combo unit on a little 7amp for 12 hours or more. That might be a better solution for you as well. I know I'd be looking to ditch some of that weight.

[endless]

What you mean be 7amp? Might look into that.

[quanjig]

I have a modified 9.9 on a 14' jon, 12/24v Johnson tm. Get the most hp you can for the water you will be fishing. If its 10hp restricted, find a gently used 9.9 and you will be happy! I knoW you fish hunting run a lot and a 9.9 is not difficult to take off if if you need to!

[mudkart]

Get as much hp as you can and remain legal (wink). You will not regret it. Used 9.9's are abound on CL around here, and they are not much more $ than the 7.5's etc. I'd recommend a 2-stroke for your situation (lighter, and easier to maintain, at least for me, than a 4 stroke).

Francho is right about the sonar battery, get one typically used for home alarm systems, motorcycles, portable sonars, etc., they weigh ALOT less. Never had a problem running mine all day with these, and the battery I have has lasted for years.

Edit *** In the link below, don't bother buying the charger if you already have one. I'm justing providing the link as an example of the battery. ***

http://www.amazon.co...28114689&sr=8-1

[J Francho]

What you mean be 7amp? Might look into that.

Radio Shack sells them for around $20.

[endless]

Cool I'm going to check into this J Francho, mudkart. The motor I'm looking at is this from Craiglist. The guy told me still have and will let me see and hear it run.

7.5hp Johnson Outboard Engine, 2-stroke.

New water-pump, new various gaskets & seals. Carburetor recently rebuilt.

Well maintained, runs great! Installation available. $400 OBO

1981 Johnson

Model: J8RC1C

Serial: E5391919

[james 14]

I had a 14' with a 15hp and wouldn't want any less than that. I'm not so sure you'll get on plane with a 7.5...but that might not matter to you.

As far as batteries are concerned...one good battery will be plenty for you. Those three extra batteries are essentially another person sitting in the boat. I run a 50lb TM, fish finder, running lights and occassionally a 3 million candle spotlight if I'm running at night and have never run out. I am using a group 29 Everstart.

[Goldstar225]

I would definitely go with a 9.9. I have a heavy 14 ft Waco jon boat that I've decked. With my stock 9.9 Johnson and 500 pound load I can get on plane and run approx 15 MPH (by GPS). With just me and fishing gear I'll hit 18 MPH.

You will be able to ditch a lot of that battery weight. I use a 12 volt TM with a single 27 series battery and have never ran out of juice on a trip.

[endless]

I had a 14' with a 15hp and wouldn't want any less than that. I'm not so sure you'll get on plane with a 7.5...but that might not matter to you.

As far as batteries are concerned...one good battery will be plenty for you. Those three extra batteries are essentially another person sitting in the boat. I run a 50lb TM, fish finder, running lights and occassionally a 3 million candle spotlight if I'm running at night and have never run out. I am using a group 29 Everstart.

I went ahead and went with the 7.5 after I went and talk to the guy and heard it run. We have some restricted HP lakes here that's why I didn't want to go over 9.9, one of the lakes restrictions here. Your right about the weight of batteries and I'm working on that. I'm going to go out this week and see about what J Francho was mentioning about the 7 amp just for the finder. I'm hoping if weather stays good here in Va I might take the motor out on the river and see how it is on my boat.