would you trade small moter for bigger moter?

[mrpike1973]

hi right now i have a 14 foot starcraft alum boat its the wider type style. i have a 6 hp evinrude 1989 moter it runs like a champ. pushes it ok i can get on plane if its just me. i dont have any weight in it except for 2 false floors and a anchor. the boat is rated for a 30 hp moter. i'm wondering if i should go bigger i had a 9.9 on it and honestly i couldnt tell the difference in speed at all or power. i'm i a fool to run this small of a moter or should i just keep it runs great. i guess the big question is do i need a bigger moter. i fish small lakes and i'm in no hurry thanks

[jentz]

If you had a 9.9 on it and couldn't tell the difference,I'd guess the 9.9 was running poor maybe even only on one cylinder.

I used a 7.5 on my 14ft for years worked great then I got a deal on a 15 and I wonder why I didnt jump up before I did.Not much heavier and 3 times the speed with two in the boat!

[Musky_Madness]

I started with a 6, then a 9.9, then a 15, then a 25, then a 50, now up to a 150 and still wouldn't mind the 300. So I guess it all depends on the way you wanna use it and type of person you are.

[Jim Almquist]

If its not broke why fix it ?

I have a 60 tiller and most of the time I run at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle just to save gas. Got plenty of time, just not plenty of money

[harvey lee]

My LUND is under powered abit with a 50 and I thought about going up in the HP department.

I decided not to as I can get where I am going at 27-30mph with 2 people. I am afraid if I go up in HP. I will not be able to troll down like I can now and I will probably lose some mileage as this 50 is great on gas.

It all depends on what you are looking for. My boat is slower to get on plane with others in the boat but otherwise I love the motor I have.

I agree with JIm 100%.

[delmuts]

"I agree with JIm 100%."

+ 2

[Eric Wettschreck]

Sounds like you have a nice rig for what you do. If it gets you there and idles down nice for trolling why change it?

I have a 70 on my 16' Starcraft and sure, it's nice to go 33 MPH across the lake but it sucks huge that I can't idle it down to troll at 1.3 MPH. Personally, if I change I'm going smaller.

To each their own but like Jim said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[mrpike1973]

thanks for the replies. i think i'm just going to keep it its the best dependable moter ive had and it beats rowing hee hee

[highlife4me]

Good choice, with these higher gas prices you won't regret it!

[jellio]

There isn't a marked difference in speed of a newer 6HP and an older 9.9 HP motor IMO. I wouldn't go any higher than a 15 if I were you but if you do go with a bigger motor go with a 15 because you will see a differance in top speed and you'll still be able to idle down. On top of that if there ever comes a time you need to get to the other side of a medium sized lake you will have the option..might never happen but if it does you'll be ready.

[jwmiller33]

most of the time I run at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle just to save gas. Got plenty of time, just not plenty of money

+1

[fishfearme]

I have the same boat 1983 14' Starcraft w/ 9.9hp rude. I get 18mph on the gps when I'm alone. 12mph with company in the boat. Get the 15hp if you can. When a storm is rolling in across the lake you are going to want the xtra horse power.

[SkunkedAgain]

I have a newer boat with a 90hp, but also an old 12' Starcraft with a '63 Seahorse 5.5hp. I love that little boat and use it a lot to cruise around in the bay that we're on. If you've got a solid motor and aren't limited by it's capabilities, why upgrade? You're just looking for ways to spend money in my opinion.

If anything, buy a used stern-mounted trolling motor to use.