Posted on May 30, 2010.
What type of engine for a person of a wood boat? I just got a new boat, kayak-sized wood, and you need a motor. Someone said 50 horsepower (hp), but it seems 5 hp is what I need. I intend to use in ponds and shallow freshwater lakes. It must be 200 pounds. Please include your browsing experience so I'll know whether to trust your answer! Thank you.
Here are some pictures of the boat if they help at all. I think it is homemade, and it certainly was used in the water with a front engine.
http://i42.tinypic.com/2usweo1.jpg-the shipload
Back http://i44.tinypic.com/2wq52c8.jpg-the, where the engine would go
5 hp you get ok, but it was probably built for about 10 hp - 10 you with a buzz around something up to 25 knots! 50 hp would be insane - and too dangerous.
This will be a hoot - just make sure the transom is solid - not soft flex bit, and use a short shaft 9.9 or similar. The proposed standard may be too thin, such as a small and lightweight hull top speed will be the point of all!
Mine was called "PhOOM" - it was nine feet long, with a stock of six HP Evinrude I could get about 15 knots and more on my own (would not the two-up), he served as a drag a mongrel in the turns - but more fun than twelve years could get. A Mariner 8 HP, we have used was maybe 18 knots - but it was more to do with the proposition that power. At the time, authorities had better things to do than to Hassel the children enjoy a healthy and safe. My children also have had this experience as soon as possible, but I fear that the thought police will not allow my grandchildren to have that freedom. <sigh>
Enjoy!
