Aluminum fishing boat motor

CanadianBruin · #1 06-23-2019, 03:00 PM

Hello all. Looking into purchasing a motor for our aluminum fishing boat. Have seen a 4 stroke 9.9 mercury on the water and it seemed underpowered on a similar size (12 foot) boat. I was thinking 15 HP.

1. On a motor up to 10 years old, what does a guy need to took for in particular? Any brands to stay away from because of known issues?

2. For brand new, are there any that stand out as being better?

Thank you and I look forward to your advice.

MRM · #2 06-23-2019, 04:20 PM

I’m a fan of Yamaha outboards for new (last 10 years). Have a 20 year old Johnson 9.9 (Suzuki really) 4 stroke on my 14’ aluminum now and with just me in it, I rarely have it at full throttle. For aluminum 12 – 14’ I think the 9.9 is all you need and no registration required.

CanadianBruin · #3 06-23-2019, 05:19 PM

Thank you for the reply. Yamahas seem to be hard to beat.

bloopbloob · #4 06-23-2019, 07:56 PM

I will tell you right now, max your rated capacity out! I have had several 12' and 14' tinners. 7.5, 9.9, 15 hp. That 7.5 made me walk though the swamp in a wicked storm. It couldn't even keep up with the waves. Got to shore at least, and had to walk it.

dgrimard · #5 06-23-2019, 08:08 PM

have a 6hp Johnson for my 12ft Zodiac, with me and a buddy each weighting about 220 plus gear for evening of fishing, boat is 186lbs empty, GPSd at 10mph ahhahah not the fastest but reliable and quiet.

does it ALL outdoors · #6 06-23-2019, 10:43 PM

Just like when buying a vehicle, allways get the bigger motor.

It's better to have the power and not need it then to need it and not have it.

I had a 15Hp on my 14' and when I was in the NSR with a few friends going up stream we were barely going anywhere but on a lake with a few of us it was just ok.

You can get a 9.9 and run it maxed out often or get a 15 and go easy on the motor and allways have enough power on hand. Registration is cheap and easy.

Imagine being far from shore on a lake like Calling or Cold when the weather turns like it loves to do, you will be glad you didn't cheap out on an underpowered kicker.

.257Weatherby · #7 06-27-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianBruin

Thank you for the reply. Yamahas seem to be hard to beat.

They are the same as a Merc , except black in colour.
They are all pretty close nowadays.
Maybe a Honda is in the cards for the 12 footer.
The 9.9/15 hp is in the exhaust and a carb jet for differences.
Been awhile since I researched it, but that was what we found back then.
Rob