Need answers for a few questions for new boat!?

Question

I am purchasing a Lund 1750 Outfitter with either a 40 or 50 horsepower motor.

I need to know how to determine what thrust on a trolling motor i need. I was thinking the new Minn Kota Terrovora 80/AP or the PowerDrive V2 70/AP? Im not sure if that is too much thrust?

Another question is what motor a two or four stroke and what brand?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

HI you will get many many answers as to which motor and  the pros and cons of 2 v 4 stroke.

I have had Johnsons, evinrudes, Mercurys and a Mariner.

Two and 4 strokes.   Which did i prefer...  Well...  all had goo points all had bad points..

For example  I had a 150 hp merc new 2006 and a new 2006 15 hp  merc as a kicker. Both never had a problem..  Both were new and serviced regularly.  Thats the important thing make sure you service them and follow all the recomendations.

I have had a 1965  johnson 25hp... it ran like new. Because it had been maintained.   The evinrude was a pig at first... and needed a few new parts but then with regular maintainance it was great.

I know have a 1972 Johnson 50hp on a old sportcraft.  Its getting there but i have had to work on it  but the work has been easy because its a two stroke and lots of help available.  on the internet.

It doesnt really matter in my view as to which is the best motor its basically what service can you expect.... there are more marinas that work on two strokes than 4 strokes.  I was told that by a Mercury dealer.  4 strokes tend to be a little more expensive to repair.  and require more fewent services.

But they run cleaner and are more economical on gas.  

So basically go with the motor that suits your needs.   Go with the larger HP   you will not have to run it at full throttle ( WOT wide open throttle)  to maintan the same speed as you would with a 40 hp. Also you will use be putting less strain on the motor too....  

As per trolling motor ...  go for the largest thrust you can afford..  You may not need the top end all the time but you can always use the extr thrust if your main motor dies in the water at least the hight thrust trolling motor will get you back to the ramp....

Good luck with your purchase and remember what the term BOAT means.... Break   Out   Another Thousand.....

Answer 2

First rig the boat with the max or at least close to the max rating of the boat.This makes resale easier down the road,nobody wants to buy a package and then have to re power it.

  Now as to 2 or 4 stoke; power to weight ratio is much better with a 2 stroke,and generally cost apx.10 to 20% less than a 4 stroke.

  The 4 stroke is MUCH more envirmently freindly and quieter.Plus the government regs are soon forcing manufactures to faze out two strokes altogether.

  Two strokes are cheaper to service,(no engine oil filter or engine oil)

   Ultimitly it is a personal choice.Just keep in mind availably of service and parts,not just where you boat now but if you take a trip etc.,both Merc and OMC have extencive dealer networks.

Answer 3

Go with the 50, in 35 years of boating I have never heard somebody say "I have too much power."

Same with the trolling motor, go with the bigger. Turn it down if need be, and you will find it uses less power on the low settings.

My favorite outboard right now is the 4-stroke Yamaha.

Answer 4

You shouldn't have a problem with too much thrust because trolling motors have multiple power settings.  If it's too much, turn it down a notch.  I have a 17-52 aluminum jon boat and a motorguide trolling motor with 55 lbs of thrust and it is more than enough for me.  I'd go 4 stroke Yamaha or Mercury.